A few times every year I hold wonderful retreats for women that combine my twin passions – yoga and writing.

In the mornings we do some gentle yoga, then through the day we get stuck into writing with workshops that are suitable for writers from absolute beginners to those wishing to renew their writing mojo, or those battling writers block. On Saturday nights we do readings around the fire and share the stories close to our hearts with a supportive group or women. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE OPTIONAL.

In beautiful locations at affordable prices, we feast and have fun, escaping ordinary life for a few days to immerse ourselves in writing and be inspired and motivated by informative workshops by a highly skilled, experienced facilitator. Now I’m thrilled to be collaborating with my dear friend and fellow writing teacher, Kerstin Pilz of Write Your Journey, to offer International retreats in Bali and Vietnam with plans for Sri Lanka and Italy in the works. Oh yeah! Save up those pennies and come too!
REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE AN ABN ALL RETREATS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Please note that prices have risen for accomodation and food and, well everything really, so prices here have also gone up. I am, however, keeping these retreats as affordable as I can as I know many writing women aren’t flash with cash and have introduced a tiered system – please only access the concession prices if in genuine financial difficulties. I will still be offering sponsored positions. If you really really want to come but are having financial troubles drop me a line and we can work something out.

For more information on retreats see my other website RELAX AND WRITE RETREATS 

To be kept up to date on forthcoming retreats and receive regular writing tips and publishing opportunities, enter your email below – don’t worry I won’t clog your inbox. 🙂

To MAKE PAYMENTS  – Please either contact me to arrange DIRECT DEBIT or PAYMENT PLANS.

OR use the PAYPAL BUTTON ABOVE to pay your deposit for the next retreat.

Come along and join our merry band of mermaids and wood nymphs!

Heavenly HOI AN, Vietnam, 10 – 17 February 2025!

FULL DETAILS COMING SOON.

For all the fun, photos and a comprehensive rundown see HERE for Heavenly Hoi An 2024.

CONTACT ME if you’d like to book a place. Booking page still coming.

SUPER FLASH BLISSFUL BALI RETREAT JULY 11 – 17 2024 FULLY BOOKED

Blissful Bali Writing Retreat

With Kerstin Pilz PhD and Edwina Shaw

Oh yes! We had so much fun last year in Bali we’re doing it all again. This is not like the Bali you see filled with yobbos and noise, this is Bali at it’s beautiful magical best, high in the hills among the rice paddies, the sound of running water your companion as you write. Daily workshops, feedback, traditional blessing and massage, and so much more. Check out last year’s retreat HERE and find all the info and booking details on Kerstin’s site. BALI 2024 is all booked out already! You can join the waiting list or start saving your $$ for 2025.

DATES FOR 2025– Blissful Bali 23 – 29 June 2025

Contact me if you’d like to book in. Booking page still coming!

RELAX AND WRITE FEEDBACK AND REVISION RETREAT! AUGUST 9 -11  2024

OPEN FOR BOOKINGS – filling fast – book now!

Theosophical Society Retreat Centre SPRINGBROOK Gold Coast Hinterland

For a full rundown of this special retreat for those immersed in a major writing project, see HERE.

WORKSHOPS focus on feedback, self editing, structural issues, redrafting and the business side of writing. Best for those with a substantial amount of work done on a larger project or story collection. Glorious location in the rainforest with our own private waterfall just a short walk away. Fireside readings, and delicious home made vegetarian fare.

PAY YOUR DEPOSIT by JUNE 30 for 

UNWAGED/ CONCESSION/ MORE DASH THAN CASH: EARLY BIRD $500, Normal $550

WAGED: EARLY BIRD $650, Normal $700

3 Workshops focused on THE SECOND DRAFT and SELF EDITING. Single rooms, share bathroom with one other woman. Great food!

LIFE WRITING RETREAT! OCTOBER 18 – 20 2024

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY RETREAT CENTRE. SPRINGBROOK – Gold Coast Hinterland 

WORKSHOPS focus on memoir, autobiographical fiction, personal essays. Lots of writing exercises. Best suited for those writing from life and those just starting out on their writing adventures. Come along and bring your writing dreams to life! A safe and gentle community to support you as you start. 4 WORKSHOPS! Get across everything you need to know to write your story.

Pay your deposit by August 31 for EARLY BIRD PRICES

UNWAGED: EARLY BIRD $550, Normal $600

WAGED: EARLY BIRD $700, Normal $750

Single rooms with bathrooms shared between two women 🙂

I hope you find a retreat that’s just right for you. CONTACT ME for more info.

We have payment plans options for all retreats and if you’re not flash with cash, we’ll find a way to help you get there!

We always have a wonderful time! We’re a growing tribe of creative women. Come and join us!

Lots of love

Edwina xxx

You can book into any of the RELAX AND WRITE retreats for 2024 right now by dropping me a line and paying the deposit. Please specify which retreat you’re interested in. Participant numbers are strictly limited so I can give everyone the attention they deserve.

Contact me with your retreat preference and I’ll send you my details to pay by direct deposit – preferred.

Or PAY YOUR DEPOSIT HERE and email me with your retreat preference.

Come along and join our group of happy campers! Treat yourself to a retreat this year. You deserve some time and space for just you and your writing.

Lots of love

Edwina xx

REVIEWS

Here’s what some of our retreaters had to say about their experiences.

JUST WRITE RETREAT SPRINGBROOK GOLD COAST HINTERLAND 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. 

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. ” Annie Kemp Retreater 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” Sally Mansfield Retreater Just Write April 2024

“This retreat has made so much difference to me physically and mentally.” Retreater 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.” Kimberley Colless Retreater 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.” Barb Hunt Retreater Just Write 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.” Vicki Bennett Retreater Just Write 2024

REVIEWS HEAVENLY HOI AN 2024
Here’s what some of our lovely retreaters had to say:

“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.” 

Kylie Ryan

“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.”

Helen Weder

“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.”

Retreat participant

“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.”

Annie Kemp

OTHER REVIEWS

“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 🌺”

Dolina  Somerville (memoir retreat October 21 – 23 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.”

Erin Benjamin (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.” 

Raelene Purtill (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!” (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.”

Dolores Cummins (memoir retreat participant October 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.”

Patty Sierra (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.”

Nina Curry-Powell (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.”

Nikki Mottram author of soon to be released crime novel Crows Nest. (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.” 

Catherine Eadie repeat retreater (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.” 

Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy (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.

Angela Reedman-Polinski (Feedback retreat participant August 2022)

“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.”

Retreat participant October 2023

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

Retreat participant October 2023