Our fabulous writing gang at the first ever Just Write Retreat, Springbrook April 4- 8 2024

Well this retreat had it all, pouring rain, pademelons, bursts of spectacular sunshine, bush walks, new friends, writing buddies, glowing fires and our new cosy “Gay’s Corner” for writing chats, feedback, workshops, ritual burnings in the sacrificial salad bowl, tarot readings, Persian love cakes, 4 am arrivals, leeches (YUCK!), fun and laughter and lots and lots of writing. Just watch them go!

“A beautiful environment to share and inspire creativity and story.” Retreater Just Write April 2024

Repeat Retreaters far outnumbered newbies this time but by the end of the retreat it felt as if we’d all been friends since preschool. A new term has been coined, RETREATAHOLICS, for those who just can’t get enough of these special events bringing women writers together to be inspired and get their dream projects happening. We had impressive word counts rising higher ever day, complete newbies working their way through writing exercises at the rate of knots, more experienced writers sharing work and getting back on track with their labours of love, new ideas hatching, tarot readings, rituals to help free us from all we wanted to leave behind and collages to help usher in all the good stuff.

“A perfect opportunity to meet writing buddies to share and learn with in future. Practical tools 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.” Annie Kemp Retreater Just Write April 2024

Four nights and five days of writing time in a glorious location, most of it raining, which as we know is perfect weather for writers and ducks. When the sun shone we were outside quick smart, sitting in the glorious gardens and exploring the protected forest and our nearby stream and 100 metre waterfall. The water was up, and before everyone arrived I snuck in a fabulous swim! So refreshing – cold water can work miracles!

We feasted on, Chief Cookie and almost published author, Gay Liddington’s delicious homemade meals, with Annie’s scrumptious Persian Love Cake a special treat, and the vegetarian nachos and stuffed zucchinis making everyone’s favourites list. Gay makes everything from scratch and is the wicked Mummy in the kitchen taking care of us all and stuffing us to the gills. Coconut and almond cake? Macadamia Anzac cookies? Homemade baked beans and cheesy corn muffins? Walnut and veggie curry? Sound yummy? We’re going to have to do a new version of the retreat cookbook soon!

“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

The fire was glowing in the hall as writers typed or scribbled in notebooks, and our daily Q & A sessions with the brain trust provided lots of information and fuel for thought. With two lawyers in our troupe we had a very interesting discussion on ethics for memoirists. Every evening we had readings from whoever wanted to have a turn, discovering new and intriguing voices and stories. So proud of everyone for having a turn, it takes a lot of courage to share your work in progress, especially for newbies.

Artwork and words by Marie Seeman, First Time Retreater Just Write April 2024

As always, it is the women who come along to these retreats that make them so special. Women together nurture and support each other and I am so grateful for the lovely people who supported and looked after me as well as others in the group. Just love you girls! Some kind of magic is at work when we all come together. I love watching new writing friendships form, the sudden epiphanies that make a writing problem miraculously easy to solve, the new ideas that spring from random conversations and the total relaxation that sinks writers deep into their chairs to gaze into the distance.

“This retreat has made so much difference to me physically and mentally.” Retreater Just Write April 2024

A wonderful feature of these local retreats are the unique body-work treatments offered by Monique De Goey. Retreaters emerge from the massage room, hair askew, eyes slightly crossed, looking like they could happily float away on a rainbow cloud. Monique’s body wisdom is unbeatable and we were super lucky that she also ran a couple of movement sessions for us focusing on releasing our necks and shoulders. If you’re in need of a good untangling of your neck and shoulders or any other bits BOOK A SESSION WITH MONIQUE.

WHAT’S NEXT?
In July I’m off to Bali for our Blissful Bali retreat 10 – 17 July, (wait list for Bali 2025 filling – bags a spot HERE) but then in August I’m back in Queensland for the next RELAX AND WRITE FEEDBACK AND REVISION RETREAT, SPRINGBROOK 9 – 11 2024. This retreat features workshops focusing on self-editing, redrafting, refining your prose and preparing pitch materials like your synopsis and bio. Sound like something that would work for you?

“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’l leave with a sense of reinvigoration and accomplishment.” KIMBERLEY COLLESS Retreater Just Write April 2024

If you’re almost at the end of your first draft, or if you’d like a deadline for your next draft, use this retreat to spur you on to write THE END, then come along and learn how to tackle draft two, and perhaps even share your work with other writers, or get professional feedback from yours truly. ALL THE INFO HERE. Still some places available but watch out! Retreataholics are likely to fill spaces fast. They’re taking over the world! BOOK HERE – Don’t miss out!

These retreats are dear to my heart. They have been such a blessing in my life and I’ve made so many wonderful friends through them. I may not have a best selling book yet, but my heart is full with the love of my fellow writing women and the stories that they write, turning pain into something beautiful. I’m so very proud of you all!

“Edwina’s retreats always nourish my creativity and I come away feeling inspired and motivated with new ideas for my current projects.” Barb Hunt Retreater Just Write 2024

Come along on a retreat and join our wonderful tribe of writing women. It could very well change your life. They’ve sure changed mine!

Lots of love

Edwina xx

“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

Got my swim in! 🙂