The Getaway: A Weekend for Writing
Kitchen Table Literary Arts offers a quarterly writer’s retreat specifically for Black women and women of color. Partnered with Beaches and Books, this getaway weekend was just what I needed.
The Getaway Step By Step:
Step One: Book a getaway (or two).
Step Two: Start counting down the days on your calendar.
Step Three: Gather your coziest writing clothes (plus beach towel, bathing suit, and snacks).
Step Four: Get excited for a community specifically designed with you in mind.
Step Five: Arrive. Write. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Even after reading the in-depth welcome packet for my first getaway weekend, I was not prepared for the power of this experience. There’s freedom in escaping everyday life for a little bit. There’s honor in dedicating time and space to your craft. Most of all, there is joy.
Come to work on your writing, but come for the community too. The laughter, the tears, the conversations about literature and culture. Come to feel the love of this organization and it’s leaders.
Learn, share, grow. Come to get uplifted, empowered, recharged, and rested. Come like you’re coming home, cause you are.
I’ve attended two getaway weekends and plan to attend more next year. I was able to finish my poetry manuscript during this trip! The time away from the regular world was so worth it.
Beaches and Books was such a comfortable and calm space with tons of different spots to settle in and write. Plus, when Black women get together, you already know its gonna be a good time.
Another plus, we were only ten minutes away from Indian Rocks Beach! Going to the beach at sunset to write and relax was magical.
This trip allowed me to ctrl+alt+del all distractions and write without stopping (except for snacks, of course).
Kitchen Table Literary Arts has been a huge part of my writer life. They offer online classes, book clubs, community conversations, writing workshops, and more. By providing a safe space for Black women writers in Tampa Bay, this organization has given me the confidence to pursue my poetry goals.
Simply put, without the guidance of the amazing leaders of Kitchen Table, I would not have any poems published right now. I am so grateful to God for putting these ladies in my life.
Sheree, Slam, Adrien, and Jasmine - thank you for continually encouraging me. Thank you for being fabulous friends. Thank you for helping me learn the literary magazine life, publishing world, etc.
If you are a Black woman or woman of color writer, Kitchen Table Literary Arts is for you.
We write here.
And we’re waiting for you to join us.
Cover Photo by Christy Marie