Whether you call it a writing holiday, writing break, writing getaway or even a writing safari, you will be getting the same thing: an opportunity to work on your writing while someone else worries about the boring stuff like cooking and cleaning.

Some getaways offer intensive residential courses led by tutors across a host of writing disciplines. Others provide a variety of ‘arty’ pursuits, including writing, packaged as part of a luxurious pampering experience. So what’s important when considering which one to choose?

Kicking back or knuckling down?

Be honest about the needs of your body, soul and mind. Courses can be exhausting, so be prepared to put in some work. If you really just want a rest with a bit of writing on the side, then perhaps these aren’t for you. On the other hand, if you want to develop your writing skills and are using this getaway as a springboard to publication one day, then too many non-writing activities can be a distraction. Not to mention all of those bottles of wine!

Doing the grand tour

If you would like to couple your writing holiday with a tour of a beautiful part of the world, then many getaways provide you with this.

Social networking

Most getaways offer you an opportunity to balance spending time on your own and developing relationships with other people. However, some holidays are more group-focused than others. Friendships that develop on these sorts of courses may very well continue after the holiday ends, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Food for thought

Lots of writing getaways market themselves on the food they provide. Writing is of course a sensory activity, and for me this is an essential part of the experience. But it may not be for you. Some holidays provide full board, others don’t, and this of course will be reflected in the cost.

Choose your tutors

Check out the credentials of the tutors. Do they cover the genre you are interested in? Do they have a track record in helping writers achieve their potential? Remember, not all published writers have the ability to release creativity in others.

Know your experience levels

Writing getaways cover all experience levels. Some specialise in writing for beginners, others for more advanced practitioners. You may be frustrated if you go on a course below your skill level or disheartened if you’re a beginner and end up with a bunch of nearly-published authors.

For a list of some of the writing holidays currently on offer visit The Crafty Writer