My friend, Linda, and I have been on so many road trips for writing retreats, attending books fairs and writing events in the last eleven or so years, that we have the preparation, planning, and execution of them down to a fine art.
This particular road trip, we are virtually attending When Words Collide as presenters, but it will be a fully literary trip, as we work on current projects, visit local libraries and bookstores, too. There will be day trips for exploring, watching wildlife and finding inspiration as always on the back roads.
We organize our trip, for the most part, in the same way each time. It is a tried and tested practice for us.
Vehicle essentials:
- Road trip journal
- Map book
- Bird identification book.
- Blankets, emergency kit, shovel, trolley.
- Chargers, camera, sunglasses.
- A bag for trash.
- Plenty of water bottles.
- Snacks.
In addition there are Sammie essentials:
- Water and food bowls
- Leash
- Blanket
- Treats
- Food
Accommodation requirements:
- A peaceful and beautiful location.
- Options for where we can write – so a desk (or two) and two comfortable chairs, and a nice view.
- Comfortable beds, ample lighting, space to spread out our things and a good shower.
- A microwave, fridge and storage for food. Luckily, we both like the same foods.
- And tea! (So there must be a kettle).
Trip essentials:
- Lap table.
- Laptops.
- Notebooks and pens.
- Current writing projects
- Reading material.
- Chargers, extension cord and power-bar (there are never enough power points).
- Back-up drives.
- New for this trip headphones with mic’s for the presentations.
How do you plan for a writing retreat and A road trip?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 