I've booked a writing retreat but I'm too scared to go!

A Dear Daisy dilemma

Photo by Marek Levák on Unsplash

Dear Daisy,

I write with some excitement, and a lot of trepidation. I’ve just booked my first ever writing retreat, and I’m absolutely terrified. In October, I’m off to a cottage in the Cotswolds. A friend encouraged me to book it – but she can’t make the dates, so I’m going on my own. I was very keen to take the plunge, and do it, but I’m starting to dread it. Will everyone else be very serious and scary? What if the teacher picks on me? What if it feels like school? I’m half joking, but my fears are starting to become overwhelming, and just waiting for the retreat seems to be bringing up a lot of buried emotions. I’ve written on and off over the years, and I have a couple of half-finished manuscripts. I’m hoping to reignite my relationship with writing and start something new. I’m scared that I’ll end up having a panic attack and I’ll turn the car around before I get to Oxford. Help!

Retreat In Terror