Hi.
Are you feeling a little stressed out? It’s kinda hard not to feel it right now. We’re getting hit pretty hard by an endless stream of negative headlines, our own compulsions to obsessively check social media on the Twitter and the Facebook, and whatever other static is in the air. It’s enough to bum you out if you let it.
A few days ago I got off the grid and it gave me a sense of clarity I hadn’t felt in a while. I was in Mt. Dora, Florida (by chance) after speaking at a writing conference in Orlando. The pace of Mt. Dora, the serenity of Lake Dora (where I even saw an alligator), the forced separation from most social media/email/web/24 Hour News cycle did wonders for me.
I think you could stand a break—even a short one—from all of it. And I’d like to help out with that.
Let’s get you a night or two away from the noise to let you focus on the things that give you a little peace of mind.
To that end, I will pay for a night or two of lodging for one of you (cost is the factor between one or two nights). We’ll pick the place together. It’s up to you to get there, pay for incidentals, etc. It can be in the woods or the city. It can be near you. It can be far away. It’s wherever you think you’ll be able to enjoy a deep breath, feel slightly off the grid, and appreciate the written word.
Requirements:
- You can’t have my phone number in your phone number collection.
- I can’t have your phone number in my phone.
- While you’re gone, you need to promise to spend a good amount of time reading and/or working on your own writing.
- You have to try really, really hard to not get on social media while you’re gone. If you can’t get rid of it totally, at least cut way, way back.
- Take time to breathe deeply and remember/discover how awesome it is to be alive in the world where, even though a lot of bad things get coverage, there’s an endless supply of beauty and wonderment.
- Guest will be picked on election night. *UPDATE* Another guest will be selected the night of 11/13/12
- Travel must happen in the United States
- To be eligible, I’ll need you to make a comment on Twitter (use hashtag #gridloss and make sure to use @tyrusbooks), Facebook, or in this post’s comment selection below. If you reply on Facebook or here, and you’re up for it, let us know why you need to get off the grid and where you’d think you’d go if you could. *UPDATE* for the second contest, guest will be selected only from the comment section of this post.
- This is being done by me, Ben LeRoy, and is not sponsored/endorsed/organized by my employer F+W Media
- Guest will be randomly selected in a transparent way using spreadsheets and a random number generator
- One person, one consideration. Don’t kill the spirit of this by trying to rig the system. If you do that, you’re kinda contributing to the nature of the problems I’m trying to help people avoid.
- I’ll update these guidelines every now and then. You should check back accordingly.
- For the second contest, comment must be posted by 6 p.m. (central) 11/13/12
I just stumbled on this post from Twitter (#nanowrimo hashtag).
Wow – what an offer! I’ve never taken a break like this but would love to have a day to focus on my NaNo novel.
Thanks, Ben. You now have a follower for life.
Collier
ben – you’re the best, ever, anywhere. don’t enter me in the contest, because i’m doing fine right here, but i’m hoping lots and lots of people read your words and have a little wake-up.
You continue to show yourself as one of the most generous people I know, Ben. I’m glad we met briefly, and I now am alsoo glad we didn’t exchange phone numbers.
If I am randomly chosen I promise to work exclusively on the next draft of my bad-ass out of prison novel Bury the Hatchet, and will eschew any online presence, including research, which can come later.
If I am disqualified for having met you, so be it. You’re doing a very nice thing for someone.
Wow. This is so generous. Dan Krokos rewteeted this on twitter. He’s nice.
I used to teach kindergarten. Here is why I need to get away: on October the 10th, my school’s principal and superintendent called me into her office. They’d found my website and published writing (all done under another name). They combed through my writing, twitter feed, found the worst of my very worst, and asked me to resign.
I know I’ll be okay, but this still hurts. I am angry and broken (and in need of a job).
Whoever wins this, it is incredible.
You are so generous, Ben. Thank you.
HM
Harley-
That’s so terrible, and I’m sorry it happened. Chin up. Fists up.
Sending all kinds of light your way.
b.
Harley May -
I can’t help with the angry and broken, but I may be able to help with some work here and there for someone with your particular skillset and interests that I can see from your site. It won’t be great pay, but for interim work…well, email if you want to talk about it.
Best luck,
Laura
Harley, that is terrible and I’m so sorry it happened to you.
I’m so sorry to hear that.
Harley, something very similar happened to my mom about 15 years ago. She’d been teaching at that school for 25 years. She felt really ashamed for a while, and it broke my heart. Then, she found a teaching job where she got paid 30% more and worked 50% less, and the environment was supportive and happy.
Wishing you a safe journey through grief, and a speedy reunion with joy on the other side.
I work in a school district in a very conservative community and I’m constantly worried about the same thing. Best of luck to you and here’s hoping you land on your feet in a better, more open-minded district.
Mike
This truly is amazing. It gives me hope that the world isn’t completely made up of assholes.
I know there are people that have it far worse than I do but I am in need of a little getaway, even if it is just for a night. I was fired from my job because of my Twitter feed and most likely for being bisexual. I am sitting on an English degree and doing nothing with it. I found myself on the edge of being homeless a year ago. Things just don’t ever seem to pick up for me lately so getting away for a short time would really help me. Give me some time to reflect and just breathe.
As for where I’d like to go, I think I’d spend the time in Baltimore. The inner harbor is absolutely beautiful and I’d really like to visit the aquarium there.
Again, this is an amazing thing you’re doing, Ben.
This is positively amazing; coupled with a couple of other generous acts I’ve witnessed lately, I’m feeling a little hope for humanity again. Don’t enter me – I’m saving my free time for a trip to see my fiancee – but I’ll certainly help spread the word of this fantastic gesture. I applaud you.
What a nice gesture. I heard about your offer when @kldell RT your column. May your generosity come back to you ten fold.
What a generous offer. My husband and I have been meaning to break away and get into the hill country. We’ve recently moved into the city after living 30 years in a quiet, green environment and the noise, traffic, dust, and grime of the city is already blanketing us, weighing us down. We long for trees, song birds, the sound of crickets at night, and the quiet that comes from being in nature and away from anything “connected”. We would be most appreciative if chosen. I can promise you, also, that while I can’t afford to send anyone on vacation like you’re offering to do, I will pay forward your kindness whether I’m chosen or not.
This is rather amazing. I found a retreat near me run by a group of nuns. Don’t have to be Catholic to go there, and they respect a desire to be in silence. I really need to be in silence for a day or two. There is so much noise — be it social media, too many people, tv blaring, phone ringing. As I near my 70th birthday I am struck by how little time I take just for myself, and I see the same habit in others around me. Whoever wins this, I wish you peace, solitude and gentle quiet. Namaste.
Oh I love this idea. Thanks Ben. I’d go to the mountains, get a cozy cabin and read The Big Bang.
really cute!
This is amazingly generous of you as well as sweet! I think this is a great contest because it requires us to discipline ourselves and actually focus on on reading and writing as well as wean off social media for a while anyway!
Patti
I completely understand where you are coming from with the idea of “getting off the map.” I would love to have a chance to go to Indianapolis, sit in a room with my best friend (who is also a writer), and work without the distractions of Twitter and Facebook. My wife could take our son to see his brother while I type hard. Whoever gets this will be incredibly blessed. I hope the universe rewards you for your kindnesses, sir.
You’re beyond awesome.
For the last year and a half my husband & I (and our two cats!) have been living in a tiny room in my parents house. It’s been more like three years for just me. Alone time for us doesn’t exist. We’ve been looking for a house. The first one got yanked out from under us at the last possible moment (think pens poised, ready to sign). We have another one that we’re supposed to close on in a week and a half but now we’re not so sure anymore because of something that came out of the appraisal. I want to go spend a night or two in northern MN on the lake with my husband. Probably no writing but definitely reading. By both of us.
I recently had surgery and am still recovering. I’m also trying to get back into my professional editing and writing work. Getting back into a set schedule has been difficult and frustrating. Even if I just went to a hotel across town, I’d find great pleasure, rest, and restoration in spending the time alone. I’ve not had true time to myself in over a year. I came to this post via Twitter, and I have to say this is the most generous thing I think I’ve ever seen. Bless you.
I know that we have an internet celebrity thing going on, you and I, so throw out my entry if’n you need to.
But you follow me on twitter, my stream is crammed. I also keep up on Facebook and G+. And that’s when I’m not chasing a toddler, herding the three dogs, running a business or fixing the latest broken thing in the house (that’s the short list). This behavior runs in my family, we don’t know how to sit still and just enjoy things for a while. Last year’s NaNoWriMo showed me how much pleasure I derived from writing and inspired me to do more. But somewhere between kid, dogs and life, I forgot to make time for it. The idea of having nothing to do but sit and write for hours, though? Bliss.
Also, you’re, like, the coolest guy I’ve met on twitter. You’re perpetually giving and caring. Don’t stop that. You’re a beautiful person.
Also, Tyrus Books Talk And Variety Show Hour.
OH WHERE I WOULD GO HAHAHAHA….Probably over the mountains to Fort Bragg. Crack the window to let in that salty air and crank the heat to keep my toes warm. Plus, best tide pools ever for when my fingers blister.
Huh. What are the odds? Found this post via the nanowrimo hashtag, only to read that this was inspired by your time in Mount Dora, which is where I live. I agree that this town is a great place to unplug and recharge. Sometimes I forget that, in my little suburban ’80s house with neighbors more worried about property values than decorating for Halloween and having a sense of community.
So instead of entering your extremely generous contest, I’ll just make more of a concerted effort to bring my laptop downtown, and either write on a picnic table by the shores of Lake Dora or at one of our ubiquitous coffee houses. Thanks for reminding me of the great town I live in!
This is an amazing offer. I could stand to get away from it all and hide under the covers or in a cafe all by myself with a great book. My job had changed a whole lot. Have lost $5 an hour in pay in the last year. The only peace I get is between the pages of books.
You know how, on Black Friday, or after any time shopping for the holidays, you get that ringing in your ears that you don’t notice until you get in your quiet car? I’m a teacher of 8th graders in a Title I school (ie, 56% at poverty level). These are students who are familiar with parents in jail, with making due with outdated textbooks (or none at all), many of whom read at 3rd or 4th grade level. They’re boisterous, challenging, vivacious, annoying energy-sucking vampires. I love them, I love teaching. I just wish I could get a quiet-car-escape to work on NaNo and do some yoga.
You are such an amazing guy, Ben!! You are always finding ways to give to your fans. Thank you for another great giveaway. I could certainly use a day or two away from it all
I’m fairly new to this IndieAuthor game, and my second KDP free book promo has been wild and tiring – tweeting, FB’ing, and tweeting some more. To complicate that, I’ve been helping my best friend of 43 years to deal with her father’s cancer diagnosis. Life can get too dang complicated at times. I really need to get away and refocus on finishing my fourth novel, HEARTS AFIRE. I’m 2/3 of the way, and it is flinging itself against the walls of my skull begging to get OUT! If I had a night or two away from it all, I’d go someplace in Central Florida (so I could get home in a hurry if something happens to my friend’s dad – he’s my second dad.) A quiet little hotel or motel away from the beaten path would be lovely! (Wheelchair accessible, please)
TYVM for your consideration!
~Eileen~
First, this is cool of you and something I will do when I have the means.
I can hear nothing but noise. Constant whir and crazy, “to succeed, you have to do this and grow your platform here and talk to people there…” and between that and a few personal family issues, I need a breath so I can find the signal thoughts in all the noise. My happy place (I’ve been once) is The Willcox House on the Hood Canal in Washington. Quiet, a library, beautiful view, and quiet. I would go there and get the play I’ve been asked to write going past just character sketches and treatment.
I hope whoever wins will get the solace and peace they need.
This would be soooo nice. I definitely would like to enter, I just need time away from my relatives who are just not used to someone as different as me.
It’s always been a dream of mine to go to California. I’m not even sure where yet, but that always seemed like the best place for creativity to blossom, where you’re free to be and do whatever you like without being judged. It’s probably just a dream m making up, but that doesn’t stop me from still wanting to head down there and get away from the expectations of “real life”
I nominate my husband (@wombatdeamor) for a weekend. His job is temporary, he’s struggling finding time for NaNoWriMo- and I just want him to be able to have a relaxing opportunity away from me, the kids, his mom’s stage 4 lymphoma, and everything else. My only concern is how he’d pay for incidentals. After over a year of underemployment our savings is gone and we constantly try to hide the food insecurity from our son.
Blissful visions. High hopes. Much gratitude (whether I win or not). The world needs more of this and of people like you who not only see the value but are willing to give the gift. Thanks.
I could really use a couple of days away to write and concentrate just on me for a night or two. I have fibromyalgia and I work full-time – five nights a week and on Saturdays. My partner is only working on call right now and we’re very short of cash. Because of the tension at home and the responsibilities at work, I have a hard time writing. I’m trying to start my own imprint but how can I do that if I can’t find the time to write? Thank you so much for doing this.
Don’t enter me–there are people with much more need of peace and quiet than myself! I just wanted to comment that this is amazingly generous and such a wonderful gift to one lucky person. I have hours of silence at home every day and now I will make an effort to utilize them more mindfully. I hate that I have squandered so much precious time watching stupid tv or clicking on insipid websites when I could have been working on my book or reading someone else’s. No more! Thank you for the reminder, and thank you for being the kind of person who would offer this to another.
I’m with Monica; there are others that need the space more than I do (I nominate Harley above), but thanks so much for your generosity and mindfulness. I guess it’s not too surprising since you give away books all the time and buy books for people. You’re kind of a different make and model of publisher, yeah? People will write songs about you someday. Cheers.
I tripped over this post on twitter, and I’m amazed at your generous spirit. I’d love to have a day or two away — I am just starting a new novel (I’ve not published a book yet…just a couple of magazine articles and I’ve done a LOT of business-type freelancing), and I need to focus. I have 3 children still at home, two noisy dogs, and one mother-in-law I care for, so it’s a bit hard to find a quiet spot! You’ve inspired me to find a way to get away — even if I spend the night in a neighbors’ guest room!
You are a kind and generous man. I seem to get a lot of time off the grid lately, but all of it’s spent chaperoning girl scouts, so it’s not exactly productive writing time. If I had a few carefree days in an isolated cabin somewhere, I’d crank out the last third or so of the novel I’ve been working on since June. It should have been done by the end of July, but life keeps getting in the way. Thank so much for even offering such a wonderful opportunity!
I looked at this the first time around, and I didn’t enter because I have spent the last month and half away from home, visiting family, mostly sitting in front of my computer. I had hoped to work on my novel, when I wasn’t doing that work I get paid for. And, right around the time this started, I had – after a month – gotten started. Last weekend, though, I lost my momentum. I have too many people making demands on my time. I’ll be driving back across half the country in two weeks, right around Thanksgiving, and I would love to take a day or two to stop somewhere and do nothing but work on my project – completely unplugged. I think that will make going home again a lot easier to handle. This is a great idea, and you are incredibly generous to offer it.
This is one of the best examples of being the change that I have seen in a while.
I love getting away to the trees. I know this about myself, and I know what it does for my spirit, but I haven’t managed it in a couple years now. I spend most of my vacation time on other people. I haven’t done something solo, just for myself, in a long time. Maybe I would go all the way and backpack in…
Hey Ben, this is really a cool idea. Throwing my name into the hat for kicks. I havent been a day without internet in YEARS. Between my laptop, kindle fire, and smart phone… everywhere I go, it goes.
It’d be interesting to see how I handle unplugging…
I was just telling myself how much I’d like to be sitting before a fireplace & reading, and then I saw your post on facebook. I know there are others more deserving than I, but I could certainly use a vacation, even a day or two long. I successfuly kept up a “newsfast” through the worst of the election season. I ought to be able to tear myself away from the grid, so even if I don’t win, I’m going to try it.
Oh, my goodness. I would love to have this opportunity. I am a teacher and a wife and a mom. I never have any time to myself. Ever. I have been wanting a break for so very, very long. I would love to go off the grid and relax.
I would definitely spend my time reading and writing. and sleeping. I’ve never done something like this just for myself and I would love to give it a go.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, even if I don’t get chosen.
First of all, it’s incredibly generous what you’re doing. Thank you for putting so much positive out into the world, not only through this, but also through examples I seen in twitter.
I been flipflopping back and forth between signing up, because as I’m sure others have pointed out, my reasoning to want to have a few days off seem really petty or small compared to others.
But here goes:
This past month, most of my focus has been on getting ready to take a certification test that will determined how at least the next year of my life is going to look like. As such, I’ve had very little time to write, and as it often happens, the less I write, the worse mood I seem to be in.
I’ve also, somewhat shamefully, have to admit that I’ve never tried to take a weekend off the electronic world, and I think this would be a great experience.
Shutting out the world in a familiar setting is a hard thing to do. It shouldn’t be. Unplugging locally should be easier than unplugging somewhere miles away. But an escape from the familiar, of being unsettled, does something to my mind that makes it easier to stay unsettled. Disconnected.
My perfect escape is only an hour away, but it still seems too far most days.
What a beautiful thing to do. Thanks, man!
I’d love the opportunity. I’m working on a book, but always feel so stressed and pressured, and the dreary grind of everyday life makes it hard to get in the right space. Time away would be a great gift. As I’m sure it will be to anyone who receives it. Thanks again.
Wow. Awesome! I made my way here via Chuck Wendig (and via twitter, naturally!), and am so glad I did. I often find myself feeling absolutely dizzy after spending so much time online and overwhelmed. Recently I’ve been feeling like “I can’t brain today; I have the dumb”. To be able to step away and disconnect would do magical things for my creative process, to be sure!
Can we leave an entry and give it to someone else because Govneh deserves it more than me. If not, than I would not turn down the opportunity to get away and shed some responsibilities for a spell, go some place that is still warm, like So Cal. The corporate job has been a little stressful lately and I get cranky as it gets colder in the Bay. Seriously though, if I win I would like to pass it to Govneh.
Thank you!
What I wouldn’t do to get away? What could I do to get away? Where would I go? Wyoming. I want to go somewhere that is uninhabited, desolate, empty, untouched and alone. No music, no noise.
Awesome idea. Good luck everyone, and thanks for this offer.