As the seasons change, autumn presents a fresh opportunity to refocus and prioritise creative projects—like writing. The cooler air and shorter days naturally invite introspection, making this the perfect time to settle into serious work. Recently, I attended a writing retreat organised by the British Academy in Birmingham, which helped me make significant progress on my book manuscript. The experience reaffirmed some important lessons about how to approach writing, especially during this time of year.
At the retreat, being surrounded by fellow writers in a supportive environment made a real difference. The shared dedication to our individual projects provided a motivational boost I hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t just about discipline, though—there was a strong sense of community and encouragement that was essential to my progress.
During the retreat, I structured my writing routine around dedicated blocks of time, free from interruptions, which allowed for deep focus. Taking short walks in the beautiful Botanical Gardens broke up the intensity of the sessions and gave me the chance to recharge. Although I’ve had to adjust the deadline for my book manuscript, I was happy to make steady progress, thanks in part to these methods. Here, I’ll share some strategies that have worked for me and may help you design a productive autumn writing plan.
Setting Clear, Flexible Goals
It’s important to begin with a clear set of goals, but allow yourself room to adapt. One of the key takeaways from my writing retreat was that while it’s great to set deadlines, things can shift—and that’s okay. Writing isn’t just about finishing a project; it’s about crafting something of quality.
If you’re working on a long-term project like a book, break it down into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish this chapter by the end of the month,” aim for something like, “I’ll work on 5 paragraphs each week” or “I’ll draft the introduction by a specific date.” These goals are more tangible, and they give you a sense of progress without the pressure of having to complete everything at once.
Creating a Routine with Breaks
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during the retreat was the importance of stepping away from the desk. Writing can be intense, and sitting for hours on end can lead to diminishing returns. Taking breaks was good for my mental and physical reset and helped generate new ideas. But autumn’s weather can be tricky in the UK, so this approach will not work on some days. Then it is important to find other ways of incorporating this practice into your routine.
Rather than viewing writing as a marathon, think of it as a series of focused sprints. Set a timer for an hour or two of concentrated work, followed by a 15-20 minute break. Use that break to get outside, stretch, or have a chat with someone. When you return to your desk, you’ll likely find yourself refreshed and ready to continue.
Cultivating a Supportive Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the retreat was one of the most helpful aspects of the experience. Even though we were all working on our own projects, there was a shared energy that pushed me to stay on track. This sense of community made it easier to stay motivated and keep my focus.
If you can’t attend a retreat, try to create a similar environment for yourself. Whether it’s joining a writing group or simply sharing your progress with a friend, having someone to check in with can keep you accountable. Surround yourself with resources—whether that’s books, research materials, or simply a cosy workspace—to inspire and support your writing.
If attending a full-time retreat isn’t feasible, consider setting up a mini-retreat for yourself. Designate a day or weekend where you focus solely on writing. Turn off your notifications, clear your schedule, and immerse yourself in your project. Even a few hours of undistracted focus can make a huge difference. I was inspired by the book “Making Time to Write: How to Resist the Patriarchy and Take Control of Your Academic Career Through Writing” written by Cathy Mazak where she recommends to book a slot for writing at the beginning of the week and protect and prioritise this writing time.
Reflecting and Adjusting as You Go
Writing is rarely a straightforward process, and it’s important to take time to reflect on your progress and adjust your plans as needed. During the retreat, I had moments where things didn’t flow as smoothly as I’d hoped. Instead of forcing it, I stepped back and took a break, which often helped me return to the work with fresh eyes.
Being flexible with deadlines doesn’t mean you’re not committed—it means you’re allowing space for the creative process to unfold naturally. If life gets busy with other commitments, adjusting your writing schedule can prevent burnout while keeping you on track for the long term. It is important to find a balance of what is manageable for you in terms of writing in this particular season and other life and work commitments.
Celebrate Progress
Writers tend to focus on what’s left to do, often overlooking the progress they’ve made. But autumn, a season associated with reflection, offers the perfect time to celebrate how far you’ve come. Whether you’ve completed a chapter, outlined a section, or even written just a few solid paragraphs, each step forward is an achievement. I would often reward myself with a hot drink.
Embracing Autumn’s Energy
Autumn, with its slower pace and cooler weather, naturally fosters reflection and focus. This is a season for resetting and making plans, and it’s a great time to recommit to writing goals, whether you’re starting a new project or revisiting an existing one.
In summary, my experience at the writing retreat reminded me that a balance of focus, reflection, and community can make a real difference when working on a long-term writing project. Although I had to push back my manuscript deadline, I’m continuing to make steady progress, and I feel more in control of the process than ever before. As you plan your writing for this autumn, take the time to set clear, manageable goals, embrace breaks and reflection, and create a supportive environment. With these strategies, you’ll find yourself well on your way to achieving your writing goals this season. Happy writing!
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