Join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a week long adventure into writing in midsummer.

Allow yourself some time and space to really settle into your writing craft. The days unfold in a slow and easy way..

We retreat twice a year in South Africa, and we are going back to the small village of McGregor. It is outside Cape Town on a breezy two-hour drive. New writers are welcome, along with returning friends. These retreats cover novels, memoirs, and non-fiction. A mixed series of classes will give you craft input, while we carve out quiet time to retreat and write.

We will be developing and working on your project, with the feedback and connection of a group.​

WHO CAN JOIN…

​Anyone with a book, or a writing project is welcome to join.

You may be a new writer, or an experienced writer who simply needs time away from your life to really settle into your writing.  You will join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a journey into quiet, and into your story.

I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others are working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome. Each writer will get a personal plan to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material.

​​

WE WILL COVER…

​* The basics of planning a compelling story

* The key elements of structure

* The business side of books and screenplays

* Short Form Writing Masterclass – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine journalism

* Researching and the art of the interview

* Creating realistic characters

* Beginnings, starts and hooks

* Self editing and editing styles

* Handling point of view* Working with dialogue

* Working through personal blocks

* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice

* Sourcing tips and techniques

* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one

* How to launch your brand and publicity ideas

​

​How does it flow?

For those who need a push, the structured sessions will cover a lot of craft. There will be modules on how to write, edit, and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, and construct scenes. We also cover writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material and new publishing models.​

ACCOMODATION

WE STAY AT TEMENOS RETREAT CENTRE, MCGREGOR

Temenos is well-loved for its beauty and tranquillity. It is set in the heart of the small village of McGregor. Please note this is a low-key and simplw centre gathered around a magnificent garden. There are a range of simple, fully equipped cottages. Each cottage sleeps has its own private patio. The centre is comes from the Buddhist tradition where simplicity and silence are welcomed. There is a swimming pool in the gardens, healing gardens are many private spaces for meditation and quiet reflection and writing.  There is an on-site restaurant that offers breakfast lunch and supper. There are 11 cottages and when you book you will be given the list and can select one that calls to you.

Environmentalist journalist Don Pinnock wrote about the place in his story, Billy’s Magic Garden of the Beloved, saying: “While walking the labyrinthine paths of the Garden of the Beloved, getting lost is inevitable and the greatest pleasure. Among the eclectic flowerbeds, woods and ponds are unexpected surprises.“Around a sudden curve in the path you might discover the Inner Temple of the Heart, just big enough for two people with walls in blue stained glass, or the Angel for Lost Children. Sitting on a driftwood bench you could be surrounded by peacocks or have your shoelaces undone by a playful grey cat.

THEGLOBALRETREATCOMPANYTRUSTEDBY

COSTS  ZAR

​Single occupancy room R18,202

Deposit R5000 ZAR ​

Book here for 4- 8 November on Quicket