Fiona Robertson (Feedback and Revision Relax and Write Retreat, August 2025)

“What a magical weekend – waking to the sound of whipbirds, doing yoga, eating delicious nutritious food, talking to other writers and above all having focused time on a creative project. Absolutely fantastic writing retreat.”

Carrolyn Stuart (Feedback and Revision Relax and Write Retreat, August 2025)

“Edwina’s Relax and Write Retreats are an absolute gift. They provide space – [physical and mental – to explore our stories while teaching practical information on the structural demands of storytelling. The yoga sessions with Edwina and Monique were deeply restorative, restful and energising. The atmosphere was celebratory, welcoming, thoughtful, open and, a lot of the time, incredibly moving and inspirational. Highly recommend.”

Jeanelle Sutton-Yeomans (Feedback and Revision Relax and Write Retreat, August 2025)

“This was such a wonderful supportive and safe environment for emerging writers to share their work and get honest ,constructive and extremely useful feedback. Thank you, Edwina and your beautiful helpers.”

Angela Reedman-Polinski (Feedback Retreat Participant, August 2022)

Edwina’s Springbrook writing retreat has been one of my favourite creative adventures as a long-term writer. We received the time and space in a nurturing environment to unpack our stresses and expand our creativity into new areas. The manuscript development workshops educated us on structure, acts, scenes, and timelines to develop a cohesive storyline and how to pitch our finished product. In perfect balance, the time spent exploring the story’s meaning and the overall aim of our writing goals is focused warmly and gently on the developing writer as they remember why they love to write. My time at the retreat has led to a refreshed love for my writing and renewed creative energy; thank you for this opportunity, Edwina.

Sivani Maclean (Memoir And Life Writing Retreat, April 2025)

“I received so much more valuable information, inspiration, confirmation and support than I could have ever imagined. So very helpful for me as I start my writing journey. “

Hana Morris (Memoir And Life Writing Retreat, April 2025)

“Thank you so much Edwina and team for creating this beautiful atmosphere in a beautiful, natural setting. I learned a lot and enjoyed the joyful and heartfelt connection.“

Gail Thwaite (Memoir And Life Writing Retreat, April 2025)

“Congratulations on a well-organised and well-run retreat. This was constantly reflected on the faces of participants who clearly enjoyed themselves and were stimulated to write and improve.“

Marie Hayes (Memoir And Life Writing Retreat, April 2025)

“Edwina is a great teacher and has a very friendly approachable persona with a great knowledge as a writer. Worth doing!”

Retreat Participant (Memoir And Life Writing Retreat, April 2025)

“Coming on a Relax and Write Retreat is a true getaway, a retreat from normal life and an opportunity to broaden our perspective in the company of kindred spirits, all with stories to tell. A loving welcoming space to connect, to learn, to create.“

Retreater (Just Write, April 2024)

“A beautiful environment to share and inspire creativity and story.”

Retreater (Just Write, April 2024)

“Edwina’s warm, enthusiastic and supportive approach put everyone at ease and enabled group cohesion and preparedness to share. The retreat was a perfect opportunity to meet writing buddies to share and learn with in future. Edwina’s insights and wisdom about creativity, writing and life were invaluable and relevant for people at all stages – beginners to published authors. Practical tools and activities enabled me to focus on specific writing goals and pursue my writing project.”

Annie Kemp (Just Write, April 2024)

“As well as food for the writing soul there were delicious wholesome home-cooked meals, and meditation and yoga which opened up spaces for writing. I highly recommend this retreat which provided ample writing time and a perfect balance between solitude, connecting to others and workshops.”

Sally Mansfield (Just Write, April 2024)

“How wonderful to be able to sit and write without the drama of preparing meals and cleaning up afterwards. The atmosphere was calm and nurturing and inspiring. All the women have a chance to read their work, showing parts of themselves. The tarot reading and massage were the cherry on top of a fabulous retreat”

Retreater (Just Write, April 2024)

“This retreat has made so much difference to me physically and mentally.”

Kimberley Colless (Just Write, April 2024)

“Edwina has a knack for inspiring creativity in others. These retreats are warm (though maybe not literally) and inviting and your creative energy will flow. A must-attend for any writer, aspiring or otherwise. You’ll leave with a sense of reinvigoration and accomplishment.”

Barb Hunt (Just Write, April 2024)

“Edwina’s retreats always nourish my creativity and I come away feeling inspired and motivated with new ideas for my current projects. An added bonus were Monique’s self-care exercises for writers.”

– Retreat Participant, October 2023

“A beautiful space of learning, reflection, sharing and mutual honouring of our stories.”

Retreat Participant, October 2023

“This had been such a wonderful experience for me. I love being in community and experienced wonderful community this weekend. The writing workshops were inspiring, exciting and ignited my creative side again.”

Dolina Somerville (Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022)

“As a complete “Rookie”,  writing my first memoir, I found the retreat such a godsend. All the helpful tips,  such as structure, setting scenes etc. etc. has been an enormous help. The fellow writers were also very friendly and encouraging. The setting, the workshops and the great catering made for a thoroughly enjoyable few days. The day after I returned from the workshop, I wrote one of the most difficult chapters,  that I had been reluctant to tackle. Thank you,  Edwina for such an amazing experience 🌺”

Erin Benjamin (Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022)

“A life changing weekend. I’ve come back with such a different view on my writing and feel really empowered generally. I had reached a point with this project where I felt like I was stumbling in the dark, and this retreat and all the amazing women guided me to the light switch! I will definitely be back next year. I aim to arrive with my first published book.“

Vicki Bennett (Just Write, April 2024)

“Edwina certainly knows how to bring together a dynamic writers’ retreat. The combination of subject matter, breathing techniques, tarot readings, spiritual practices and a great environment all contribute to a great place to learn, to feel safe and to grow our skills.”

Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy (Feedback retreat participant, August 2022)

“Edwina is a passionate teacher and storyteller. She has a warm, down to earth way of connecting with people that makes everyone feel welcome. Her workshops are fun, creative and engaging — full of practical, helpful advice, and the deeper questions driving characters and story, making it ideal for writers at any stage in their work. I liked how Springbrook in the winter feels like a private retreat — tucked away in the Gold Coast hinterland, surrounded by national parks and hiking trails, with yoga workshops and the most amazing vegetarian food! Also enjoyed the late-night chats and readings by the fire, meeting and connecting with such an interesting group of women writers, who all shared a passion for great storytelling. I have to say that as a teacher myself, I am in awe of Edwina’s style of teaching and her ability to create a true, nurturing spirit of openness and community. At the end of the retreat, I felt connected to my work in a deeper way and like everyone else, totally inspired.” 

Raelene Purtill (Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022)

“Memoir writing is not my thing, or so I thought. After last weekend’s Relax and Write Retreat, I am inspired to craft at least a ‘slice of life’. Edwina’s enthusiasm and encouragement are infectious. Connecting with others who aspire to put their lives on the page and sharing our experiences became an unexpected joy.“

Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022

“I came on retreat not expecting so many experienced writers and was a bit overwhelmed at first. But everyone was there for each other. It’s always great spending time in groups of women. The yoga, massage and food were excellent in a perfect location. Even the weather was good!”

Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022

“Edwina and Gay made everyone feel safe. It made the whole retreat so intimate and joyful and when big emotions hit, the group support was genuine and amazing. I’ll be back!”

Dolores Cummins (Memoir Retreat Participant, October 2022)

“Edwina’s ability to create a safe, nurturing space allowed us to improve our technical skills of writing, gain clarity about our stories and confidence to release our voices into the world.”

Nikki Mottram Author Of Soon To Be Released Crime Novel Crows Nest. (Feedback Retreat Participant, August 2022)

“Thanks for a lovely weekend Edwina! It was such a wonderful change from my regular responsibilities and I really loved the beautiful surroundings and being able to have long chats about writing with other kindred spirits. I came home recharged, inspired and wanting to do it all again.”

Catherine Eadie Repeat Retreater (Feedback Retreat Participant, August 2022)

“Thank you Edwina for another amazing retreat. Springbrook was the perfect setting in the rain, with the wood fire, delicious home cooked vegetarian meals and a fabulous group of women. I was glad I sent you the ten pages, two weeks before, as it prompted me to get writing and it made what you were teaching more relevant. I really appreciated your professional feedback and after our session I felt more confident to share my writing with others. The gentle yoga and relaxation sessions were such a treat, as was the bodywork session with Monique. Definitely feeling relaxed AND I’m writing! See you again next year.” 

Patty Sierra (Feedback Retreat Participant, August 2022)

“I attended the Springbrook Relax and Write Retreat on 12-14 August, 2022.  This turned out to be an amazing retreat. As a new author, I had no idea what to expect. I met the most amazing group of authors, ranging in age from 20 to me being the oldest at 76. They came from all walks of life and stages of their writing; and I found them very supportive. One of the highlights for me was Edwina’s assessment of the first 10 pages of my manuscript and synopsis. We had sent these prior to the retreat, so she could assess them ahead of time. Then at the retreat, we met individually with Edwina for her to go over her suggestions with us and give us a written copy of this. I found this very helpful, comments on how to change to saying what I wanted to in a better way, specific feedback, picked-up on two important things which I had not realised were not clear to the reader, use of conjunctions rather than two words so it read more smoothly, and very positive. I left the meeting with Edwina feeling excited to continue editing my book. Another highlight for me was the atmosphere. My life has included a lot of stress and the whole atmosphere at the retreat was relaxed and accepting. Each morning when I woke up, I simply felt peaceful. And I made friends who I hope to retain for a long time. I would recommend this retreat to any author. What a boost to my journey in writing. Thank you, Edwina.”

Nina Curry-Powell (Feedback Retreat Participant, August 2022)

“This was my first writing workshop and there was initially some doubt as to whether I should do it because I am only starting out as a writer. I went and found it fully rewarding. I felt like a valued member of the group, and to me these workshops are not just about the skills and connections but the journey and self-identity. I gained confidence and more clarity about my future direction. I highly recommend Edwina’s workshops.”

Rebecca Crawley

“Edwina and Kerstin’s writing workshops are pitched to meet the needs of both experienced writers and those embarking on their first manuscript. Their relaxed and interactive style encouraged sharing and active participant contributions enhanced the learning. The food was plentiful, healthy and delicious. A perfect combination of workshops, free time for writing, resting or exploring, yoga and meditation, tarot readings, massage, ceremony and of course, the waterfalls. I loved the experience, the learning and the people.“

Liana Brown (Bali, 2025)

“I really loved the retreat centre – the staff, opening ceremony, walk, waterfall were all wonderful. I loved my room! The food was delicious, and I loved that we had the place all to ourselves so we could hang out in the restaurant and have so much lovely bonding time. After so much time away from writing fiction, I was scared/intimidated when I thought about getting back into it. The workshops, exercises, the progression and the supportive nature really broke down those barriers. Divine!“

Fiona Evans (Bali, 2025)

“I loved the creative writing prompts best, but every workshop was packed with valuable learning. I absolutely loved the retreat centre – the remoteness, having it all to ourselves, the bungalows, and food were all excellent. I felt cared for and inspired. Yoga and meditation every day set me up to feel relaxed, creative and productive. An awesome retreat that completely exceeded my expectations.“

Anna Pye (Bali, 2025)

“I found the workshops fantastic, informative, practical and I learned so much. Heartfelt connection from presenters. I felt loved – so rare an experience at a retreat.“

Tatia Power (Bali, 2025)

“I loved the journey the workshops took us on from the very beginning of unlocking the story within to the detailed more complex parts of creative writing. Each workshop had something for every level of skill or experience. Great balance of learning, yoga, people and free time. I got so much more out of this retreat than I ever expected. It was truly transformational.”

Gillian Carter (Bali, 2025)

“Edwina and Kerstin are warm facilitators and generous with their knowledge.”

Catherine Mellors (Bali, 2025)

“I loved the balance of theory, lived experience, wisdom, humour and genuine encouragement in the workshops. Edwina and Kerstin cared about everyone’s work and wanted us all to achieve our goals. The kindness and care of the Bali Ecostay staff has been outstanding. Every act of service felt imbued with love and care. The food was AMAZING! I really appreciated the balance of heart, head and spirit activities and the warm, gentle, kind, daring, knowledgeable, humorous vibe. A truly safe and nourishing retreat experience.“

Nicky Dodwell

“I learnt so much my head is spinning. The workshops were well presented, and I could follow everything even though it was all new to me. Thank you both for being excellent teachers and being encouraging and non-judgemental.“

Trish Anderson (HEAVENLY HOI AN, 2024)

” I had a wonderful time at the Vietnam retreat. Edwina and Kerstin, along with the villa staff, created a warm and safe environment in which we could discuss all aspects of our writing (and eat delicious food). I learnt so much and left with renewed purpose and energy to continue my writing.”

Helen Weder (HEAVENLY HOI AN, 2024)

“I loved coming together with diverse writers sharing our knowledge and practice, bonding and cementing lasting friendships for future writing adventures. I loved it! I feel so blessed to have been part of the 2024 Heavenly Hoi An Retreat.”

Kylie Ryan (HEAVENLY HOI AN, 2024)

“Regardless of where you are in your writer’s journey, this writing retreat is for everyone. Emerging, mid-career or professional, there is something to be gained personally and professionally. For me this retreat offered an opportunity to connect with creative and intelligent co-writers who share a passion for story-telling, in an inspiring location. The facilitators were warm, dynamic, generous, authentic and engaging.” 

Tricia Karp (Bali Retreat Participant, 2025)

“After a week of writing immersion in Bali I’m suddenly lost for words! I loved everything about this retreat. I learned so much in the writing workshops, felt inspired and had time to work on my creative project, and met a group of wonderful, supportive co-writers. We wrote, we laughed, we ate food prepared with love, and we stayed in a stunning rainforest eco retreat. My body, mind, heart and soul were nourished, and I’m feeling deeply grateful for this extraordinary experience. “

Retreat Participant (HEAVENLY HOI AN, 2024)

“Edwina and Kerstin were great, expertise plus interpersonal warmth, enthusiasm, encouragement, inspiration and more! Nothing was too much trouble for the beautiful staff and the food was delicious. The other participants were so easy to connect with and the yoga was a great balance between yin and yang. Loved the excursions too.”

Annie Kemp (HEAVENLY HOI AN, 2024)

“Thanks Kerstin and Edwina for a lovely, immersive experience. Great to refresh on some topics and get a new viewpoint on others. The encouragement and advice was so valuable and the companionship of other participants and the fun excursions and experiences in another country were the ‘toppers’ on a wonderful retreat.”

Retreat Participant, October 2023

“Thank you for all the inspiration, warmth, listening and LOVE.”