I keep fawning over adverts for writing retreats in beautiful remote places, dreaming of the escapism, the torrent of ideas I’d come up with and the pages of stunning prose I’d produce away from the daily grind.

Whilst unfortunately I don’t have umpteen hundred pounds and unlimited days to spend researching and drafting, I have managed to earmark a whole weekend to dedicate to writing later this month. That feels like luxury to me.

Of all the atmospheric, inspiring, literary places I could choose to spend it, I’ve chosen Whitby. I can hardly think of anywhere more packed with fascinating places, characters and historical intrigue. It’s also a place full of personal memories, as I spent a week in Whitby every summer as a child for the folk festival.

I haven’t let a shoestring budget hold me back, as there is an imposing YHA hostel a literal stone’s throw away from the famous abbey, with a view of the North sea in the other direction that’s just as haunting.

I haven’t made a plan or set myself any specific goals. (Maybe I should?) But I’m hoping to come away with a bucket full of ideas and a couple of works in progress. If anyone has any suggestions of how I could make the most of my DIY writing retreat, I’d love to hear your suggestions.