A NYC Writer’s Retreat

by Katy on December 1, 2017 · 7 comments

The Rose Room ceiling of the New York City library on Fifth Avenue provides the perfect writing environment.

I’m currently in New York City visiting with my sister, which turns out to be an extremely frugal way to travel/rationalize a vacation by reframing it as a “writer’s retreat.” Sure, I paid $241 for a round trip ticket, but I’ll make sure to knock out some paid writing. But more importantly, I’ll work on a book proposal that’s been thwarting me for almost two shameful years.

Distractions of home? Banished!

However, I don’t want to squander the sights of New York, so I’m engaging in a category of tourism titled “Destination Writing.” Which essentially means that I’ll take my laptop to unique/inspiring/minimally distracting locations to work under the glow of history/inspiring architecture/coffee/close access to a subway stop/indoor plumbing.

My sister is currently a full-time student, which means that her free time is beyond nonexistent. However, I think I can rope her into my writing adventures, as I feel this is the perfect opportunity for us to parallel play towards our independent goals.

Today was day one of this plan, which due to circumstances related to accepting a lunch invitation from a dear old friend nutritional needs didn’t actually begin until 2 P.M.

Today might not end up as my most productive writing day, but only because I’m feeling the effects of a long travel day and some significant jet lag. Definitely not from eating a large and indulgent lunch.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Su Mama December 1, 2017 at 12:31 pm

“Parallel play toward our independent goals”?

Could be the motto of any successful relationship.

Including marriage.

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Katy December 1, 2017 at 12:40 pm

I enjoyed using “parallel play” as a verb.

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Sherri December 1, 2017 at 2:38 pm

If you find any frugal activities let me know as we are headed there next weekend. Last year we visited the NYC public library for the tour as per your suggestion! Thanks, Sherri

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A. Marie December 1, 2017 at 2:49 pm

I repeat my usual reminder that if you and Sis find yourselves on the Upper West Side, there are three good thrift shops within a stone’s throw of the 96th St. 1-2-3 subway station. Consider it field research.

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Katy December 2, 2017 at 8:16 am

I’ve been to the Housing Works thrift shops before, and have found them to be too curated. Still too expensive for me.

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Jen from California December 1, 2017 at 8:05 pm

Parallel Play–haha I hadn’t heard that (or at least since my kids were 2 years old) and I love it and am going to use it for all of my frugal hobbies with friends and family.
Enjoy and save your receipts! Business trip, you know….How long are you staying? How fun.

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Mrs. Picky Pincher December 2, 2017 at 2:49 pm

I love this idea! Sometimes you need a change of scenery to really feel inspired to write on new ideas. Lately I’ve taken to writing while sitting on my back porch. Here in Texas it’s in the 80s so it’s perfect writing weather. 🙂

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