writing inspiration

RELAX AND WRITE RETREAT filling fast!

/ Edwina Shaw / Leave a comment

logo relax and write

Spring into spring! Spoil yourself with a retreat to inspire and delight you.

Whether you’re a writer in need of relaxation and a good stretch, or a yoga practitioner yearning to write, this is the retreat for you.

Writing buddies, published authors and experienced creative writing teachers, Helena Pastor and Edwina Shaw have been holding their own private writing retreats at Evans Head since 2005 to relax and write and share their stories.

This year they’re opening up their retreat to other women who’d like to do the same.

Unwind with yoga and free your creative voice with lots of fun writing activities and workshops. All only a minutes’ walk from a glorious beach surrounded by national park where you can swim, walk, laze in the sun or meditate to your heart’s content.

evans head

 

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES

FRIDAY

Arrival from 2 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Welcome nibbles and drinks, introductions

6 -7 p.m.  Introductory deep relaxation and writing exercise

7 p.m.      Dinner

SATURDAY

7 – 8:15 a.m.  Gentle morning yoga with Edwina

9:30 – 12:30   Memoir workshop with Helena

12:30 – 3          Lunch and free time to enjoy the beach (or have a nap!)

3 – 5:30           Writing the Body with Edwina.  What stories does your body have to tell?

7 p.m.              Dinner

SUNDAY

7 – 8:15 a.m.     Yoga with Edwina

9:30 – 12:30      Writing fiction using yoga techniques to quiet the inner critic with Edwina

12:30 – 2:30      Lunch and free time

2:30 – 4:30        Self Editing with Helena

4:30                   Feedback and farewells

COST

$400 for twin share with ensuite or $350 twin share with communal facilities

For more information and to book please contact Helena

helenapastor2@gmail.com

Helena and Edwina photo

Come along and join us. Only a few places left, so book now and avoid missing out!

You’ll have a wonderful time.

 

 

 

 

BACK ON THE HORSE THAT THREW ME

/ Edwina Shaw / 4 Comments
The horse that threw me

The horse that threw me

 

I’ve been writing a long time now. In 2002 when my children were small, I first dedicated time each day to a creative writing practice and used to spend naptime typing in a fury to complete a novel.

Since then my beautiful babies have grown into young adults and I’ve written another five full length manuscripts, one of which has been published.

Not for want of trying.

Much as I try to convince myself that rejections hurt less over time, it’s a lie and I know it.

The elephant hide I’ve tried so hard to develop has worn as thin as an old cotton sheet in places, tearing at the slightest tug. I’ve tried to chuck it all in, get a normal job like other people. But that hasn’t exactly gone to plan either.

I want to write. I still want to write. It’s how I make sense of the world. How my brain works best, what I enjoy most, get most satisfaction from, what I’m best at.

And so today, I’m dragging out the last half-baked rewrite of “Dear Madman” and seeing what I can salvage. If I can figure out how to give it the voice and form it longs for.

I’m scared of that horse, it’s big and fiery-eyed and stomping its hoofs. But I’m getting back on, goddamn it! I’m going to cling to its mane as it bucks and twists; it won’t throw me again. I’m going to ride it, as fast as I can, as far as I can, wind in my hair