Wording in the Wild

Last month, I attended the Rainforest Writers Village Retreat in Washington state’s Quinault Rainforest. The lodge and cabins dot the edge of stunning Lake Quinault. There is spotty cell service, very limited internet connection, rain, rain, and more rain (and snow!!) and lots and lots of quiet.

The writers, at all stages of craft and career, are focused on moving their writing projects forward. To show proof of that, a white board is available in the main cabin. On it is a friendly competition of “who-can-write-the-most-words” alongside the “who-can-kill-the-most-people” count. With two industry talks per day, group breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and the gorgeous, gorgeous scenery perfect for hiking (did I mention it’s gorgeous?) it’s quickly become one of my favorite writing places.

In three days (and a couple hours on arrival and checkout day) I wrote 33,345 words–and I did not take first place for most words written! Yowza, people!

But honestly, I think the magic of this place comes down to the author/publisher who started it, and whose hard work and welcoming and encouraging attitude keep it going: Patrick Swenson. Thanks, Patrick, for making such a wonderful thing exist.