You’ve been there: that magical moment when the words are pouring out, the story is unfolding before your eyes, and for once, the writing feels easy. You look up and two hours have vanished. You were in the zone. In the groove. In the… flow.
But let’s be honest, how often does that really happen?
If you’re like most writers, the answer is: not often enough.
That’s where the concept of deep work comes in.
And more importantly, that’s where writing retreats (like the Ottawa Writers’ Retreat this July) become your not-so-secret weapon.
Let’s unpack what deep work and flow state actually are, why they matter for your writing life, and how a retreat helps you tap into both on demand.
Deep Work: The Secret Ingredient of Serious Writing
The term “deep work” was coined by productivity expert and computer science professor Cal Newport in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World.
Newport describes deep work as:
“Professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit.”
In other words: exactly what writing demands.
When you’re deeply focused, you’re not just typing words—you’re making real progress. Structuring scenes. Solving story problems. Building complex emotional arcs. The stuff that separates casual dabblers from serious writers.
But here’s the problem: most of us rarely get the uninterrupted time we need to sink into that kind of work.
Kids. Jobs. Laundry. The never-ending ping of our phones.
Every time we sit down to write, we’re pulled in ten different directions.
And yet, deep work is the only way to access flow.
Flow State: Where the Magic Happens
Flow is that elusive, beautiful state where time dissolves and creativity takes the wheel.
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (say that name three times fast!) spent decades researching this phenomenon and found that people in flow are happier, more productive, and more creatively fulfilled.
Here’s the formula:
Focus + Challenge + Meaning = Flow
It’s not just about feeling good.
Flow is a measurably more effective state for producing creative work.
And yet, we almost never give ourselves the time or space to get there.
Flow doesn’t live in 20-minute writing sprints between errands.
It lives in the long, quiet hours of uninterrupted thought. In the calm. In the stillness.
That’s why writing retreats exist. To remove the noise and hand you the conditions required for serious creative breakthroughs.
What Happens at a Retreat? Deep Work Happens
At the Ottawa Writers’ Retreat, you won’t be juggling emails or emptying the dishwasher between writing sessions, and you won’t be trying to solve plot holes while on hold with the vet.
You will be immersed in creativity.
- Mornings start with coffee and quiet writing time.
- Afternoons include coaching, craft training, and group sessions.
- Evenings offer a mix of relaxation and reflection (or more writing, if you’re in the groove).
It’s a rhythm designed to maximize your ability to focus so that flow doesn’t just happen once in a blue moon… it happens every day.
What You Take With You
Here’s the best part: the deep work you access at a retreat doesn’t vanish when you go home.
Writers consistently tell me that the structure, mindset, and momentum they build during a retreat helps them stay in flow longer, even after they’re back in the real world.
It’s like your brain remembers: Oh right. I can do this.
You rewire your habits.
You reset your expectations.
You stop settling for distracted scraps of writing time and start carving out the kind of focus that leads to real progress.
Why Deep Work is a Non-Negotiable for Writers
Let me be blunt: if you want to write serious books, you need serious time.
Deep work isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And a writing retreat isn’t an indulgence… it’s a strategic reset designed to help you reach your creative potential.
Because here’s the truth: you don’t need to “work harder” on your novel. You need to work deeper. And you need a space where that kind of work is possible.
That’s what my retreat is offering.
Join Us in Ottawa and Drop Into the Zone
If you’re craving that flow state—the one where the writing flies and you remember why you started this whole wild journey—come join us in the woods this summer.
📅 July 23–27, 2025
📍 A peaceful retreat centre just outside Ottawa, Ontario
✍️ Small group, focused energy, and a transformative writing experience
Whether you’re drafting, revising, or simply trying to find your groove again, this retreat is your chance to go deep, go quiet, and get serious.
👉 Click here to book a call with me to discuss your goals and whether the retreat is right for you.
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Kevin T. Johns is one of Canada’s top writing coaches. Join him and a small group of writers this July at The Ottawa Writers’ Retreat for five days of deep writing time, expert guidance, and creative camaraderie.
