Finding uninterrupted time to focus on your craft is tough. That’s why attending a writing retreat or residency is often a highlight of a writer’s year.

Writing retreats and residencies alike can be a fantastically rewarding experiences, but not everyone has the time or money to commit to one.

But if right now isn’t the right time to head away for a writing retreat or residency, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy uninterrupted time on your work.

You can create your own DIY writing retreat without even having to leave home.

Is a DIY writing retreat right for you?

Before planning your own DIY retreat, make sure it’s right for you. Decide what you’d like to gain from the experience and evaluate if you can get that experience from a DIY retreat or if another option would be better.

If you’re yearning for some uninterrupted time to work on a project or time to do some deep thinking about your next career steps, a DIY retreat could be perfect for you.

But if the primary reason you want to go on a writing retreat or residency is to meet other writers and creative types, a DIY writing retreat will likely not offer the results you’re looking for.