writing retreats for women

WISE WOMEN RISING! Feedback Retreat 2026 Rundown!

/ Edwina Shaw / 2 Comments
Happy women on retreat

Our Feedback Retreat gang 2026!

What a great joy it is to host these retreats in Springbrook a few times a year. So many wonderful women writers and my beloved retreataholics who make these weekends so much fun! And it’s always a pleasure to hang out with author of Will I Ever Be Who I Am? and chief cookie, the warm and nurturing Gay Liddington who cooked up a storm with the help of the lovely Rebecca Hall this time round. My beautiful helpers and upcoming authors to watch Liana Brown and Natasha Cox always bring smiles and are a great help to us all. Love you girls! And the wise and wonderful Monique brings her in depth body knowledge which she shares with us in a movement session and with her incredible bodywork treatments to get those stressed out bodies back to full strength.

Sunshine shone bright and sparkly all weekend as we delved deep into the heart of our works-in-progress. It was cold up in the mountains but perfect weather for writing on a blanket under the giant trees listening to the whip birds. The sun was too good to miss so most of our workshops were held outside on the porch. Sun on our backs, pen in hand. What better way to spend a weekend?

We had a fabulous group of writers of all levels of experience, from multi-published authors to complete newbies finding their way into their first book. Workshops, feedback groups, excursions to the waterfall (watch out! That’s a big drop!) and of course workshops to help you find the heart of your story and ensure your reader will keep turning those pages.

Plus my favourite part of every retreat – collage. We leave words behind and play with images to create vision boards of the futures we’d like to create for ourselves. With our lovely “kindy photos” showing off what we’ve made.

These retreats are about a whole lot more than writing (though of course that’s a vital element). People arrive frazzled and worn out from all the many roles women must perform these days, exhausted and pale and a little shutdown. By Saturday I start to notice more smiles, colour returning to cheeks, sparks of light in those eyes that had seen too much, friendships forming, ideas taking flight and epiphanies for stories and life changes. By Sunday we are all on a high from being together. There is magic in groups of women! I’m sure of it.

This retreat was over the Lion’s Gate Portal and a rare alignment of multiple planets so we took advantage of this and did a special intention setting ceremony – walking the 8 – to help manifest all our writerly and personal goals.

And of course between yoga sessions and intention setting and writing workshops, and feedback groups and chatting – a lot of feasting was done! Delicious vegetarian meals and treats considering all dietary needs, prepared with love and joy that fed our bodies and our hearts. What a treat it is to be cooked for – to spend the day writing and just turn up the kitchen to fill our plates!

Highlights of this retreat were the sunshine and smiles of retreaters. Our Readings Night on Saturday showcased the great talent in the room, had us laughing and oohing and aahing, and closed with a powerful chant.

In my heart, in my soul

In my blood, in my bones,

I am a powerful woman.

Changing, emerging, powerful, magical

Free!

Original woman.

We sang together and thumped the table and the powerful energy rising was tangible . Wise women are rising around the world and we are a part of all that. Rise women rise!

Rebecca hadn’t been writing at all but wrote a beautiful haiku that told the story of her retreat.

Here’s what some retreaters had to say about the retreat

The Relax and Write Retreat was a fantastic experience – whether you wanted to take a break from creative process and reset or sequester yourself in your room and complete a draft. Ed is a knowledgable and encouraging mentor committed to supporting you, wherever you are in your writing journey. It couldn’t recommend it more!

Naomi Jeffrey (R & W retreater August 2026)

Edwina’s Relax and Write retreats are the perfect way to recalibrate, to immerse yourself in writing and indulge in some solitude while connecting with like-minded writers. The seamless transition from activities like yoga and workshops to quiet writing and gathering around a table of delicious food was exactly what I needed to still my head and let creativity flow. I would highly recommend this retreat for anyone who longs for a safe and nourishing environment where you can let go and just be yourself.

Jo Skinner (R & W retreater August 2026)

This is the second time I have attended this retreat, and I will be back! After struggling for some time to get back into my writing, this was the perfect opportunity to absorb the beautiful surroundings and support of other retreaters. This retreat is more than workshops (though they are incredible). Speaking to other writers, great food, quiet time all contribute to an amazing experience. You can even get massages!

Robyn Ede (R & W retreater August 2026)

A wonderful writing retreat that holds and nurtures you as you progress your success in writing and publishing.

Dolores Cummins (R & W retreater August 2026)

Really loved this retreat! It was just what I needed. Perfectly structured. I loved the fact we could come and go at our own pace. It was just bliss.

Caroline Moon (R & W retreater August 2026)

Edwina is a gifted and generous teacher. Great inspiration for moving forward.

Jill Moonie (R & W retreater August 2026)

You helped me break through a stuck and stagnant point. And done with loving community. Perfect! I leave refreshed and focused.

Retreat participant August 2026 (R & W retreater August 2026)

Retreat happy snaps!

Love these weekend intensive retreats. Lots of learning packed in, a stunning location and all close to home. With such wonderful women. Love them to bits!

Relax and Write Retreats will be back in 2027! About to update the retreats page.

MEMOIR AND LIFE WRITING RETREAT – SPRINGBROOK April 9 -11

Best for memoirists and those exploring writing or just wanting to join the tribe and write in their rooms!

FEEDBACK AND REVISION RETREAT – SPRINGBROOK August 6 -8

Best for those reviewing a draft (complete or not) or those stuck partway or for those who want to develop a new idea more fully and make a plan.

And that’s a wrap! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these retreats are only as good as the women who come along, and this one was a beauty!!

Lots of love

Edwina 🙂

SUNSHINE IN PARADISE! Relax and Write Memoir Retreat 2026 Rundown!

/ Edwina Shaw / 1 Comment

Memoir retreat gang 2026!

A glorious weekend of sunshine for our Relax and Write Memoir Writing Retreat this year. Blue skies, towering gums, birdsong and leaves rustling and the feeling of being the only ones left on earth. Peace to write and learn, and best of all, connect with other writers.

Photos by me, and last by Maggie Brown

A recent survey revealed that what most writers crave most isn’t new tech, or writing education or feedback. What writers want most is other writers. A community of writers. Providing a safe place for writers to connect and form solid writing friendships has always been a focus of these retreats. And this retreat was a grand example of how spending a few days away together cements writing friendships faster than years of monthly meetings.

Photos by Maggie Brown

Writing can be a lonely business, but on retreat it’s easy to talk about our stories, to have our ideas heard, to feel seen and valued. Non-writers don’t really understand the dedication and years of work that goes into every book, memoirs in particular, or the courage it takes to say, “My life matters. My ideas count. I deserve to be heard”. Other writers get it! And will keep cheering you on until those stories that have haunted you are finally out of your head and onto the page.

Photos by Maggie Brown – last one by me.

We had a wonderful group, our beloved retreataholics leading the pack, and a whole lot of new writers, testing the waters, trying out their writing chops and escaping the pressures of daily life to hide in the mountains and write. We had a lot of Gold Coast Writers this retreat, who I hope will form their own ongoing writing gang to share work. Our precious Faye came all the way from New Zealand – the retreat a birthday gift to herself. Amelia’s hubby gave her the retreat for her birthday and Angela flew up from Melbourne in search of an affordable retreat. 

Relaxing is just as important as writing, which is why gentle morning movement and deep guided relaxations are a part of every retreat. As is nap time! All activities are optional so you can design your own retreat and either attend everything on offer for an intensive learning experience, or sleep in and attend just a couple of workshops to get some ideas, then enjoy a massage, or grab a cup of tea and some of Gay’s delicious treats, head out with a picnic rug and find a place to lie in the sun and journal, read or just lie down and rest. Other writers came along to finish works in progress. Go Georgina go! Happy to report that her first draft is now complete!

Photos by Maggie Brown

Sunshine for a whole weekend in the rainforest is a rare treat, and we made the most of it. Pademelons grazed undisturbed between writers gazing into the treetops. Daydreaming is an important skill for writers.

We feasted on delicious, healthy meals and treats made with love by our beloved Chief Cookie, memoir author Gay Liddington, whose powerful and uplifting book, Will I Ever Be Who I Am, sold like hotcakes on retreat! (You can buy a copy HERE)

Photos by Maggie Brown (and me)

Monique provided bodywork treatments that left us floating a little above the ground, and miraculously healed Jeanelle’s hip! Thank you Monique, for your gentle touch and the wisdom and healing you bring to these retreats.

Photos of kindy collages by me.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s the people who attend these retreats that make them so special. As facilitator it gives me great joy to watch how women support and nurture each other. We cheer each other on and rush to help those struggling, not with story so much, but with the courage and confidence to tell it.

Each special soul who attended contributed to this beautiful weekend just by being themselves. It is a great privilege to bring these groups together. And in the grander scheme of things, I’m grateful that Dear Madman wasn’t published the first time it went to acquisitions in 2014, because if it had, I wouldn’t have created these retreats, which have become one of my life’s most satisfying and joyful achievements.

Happy campers with their collages. Traditional kindy photo to finish retreat. From top left: me, Anne, Angela, Katie, Faye, Sue, Helen, Liana, Jeanelle, Amelia, Bev, Rebecca and Shannon 🙂

Here’s what some of our retreaters had to say:

‘Edwina’s tuition at the Relax and Write Retreats condenses book loads of info on how to write into a weekend that’s fun, relaxing and, for me, easy to take in.’

Vivienne Wynter, author of the forthcoming Sunny (Hawkeye Press)

‘A soul-warming, inspiring weekend of connection, learning and love.’

Shannon

‘I loved the supportive, inclusive atmosphere and left feeling nourished and inspired.’

Angela

‘I love the quiet setting and variety of spaces to read and write. Meeting so many other writers was a bonus. I was able to disconnect and made progress on my writing.’

Maggie

‘Relax and Write is a rewarding experience. Should to shoulder we sit with authors in all stages of writing and the encouragement is strengthening from uncommon places. You will leave nourished in so many ways, it is unfathomable.’

Helen

‘Edwina is a wealth of knowledge who is extremely generous with her time, suggestions and guidance to help you develop your craft. ‘

Jeanelle

‘Want to write a book? When you don’t think you can, let Edwina prove you wrong. A wonderful retreat in every sense of the word, nurturing, enlightening and filled with love and encouragement.’

Beverley Young, author.

‘Thank you indeed Edwina for a treat of a Memoir Retreat weekend.Everything, really, was a treat – the lush rainforest of Springbrook that surrounded us, our care packages , especially the people on hand to ensure our weekend was filled with care and good times. THE MOST DELICIOUS FOOD to keep up our energy levels catered for all types of dietary needs and was presented so artistically. Of course the reason we were retreating – to write.  You guided us with clarity to distinguish what a Memoir includes.  Your workshops were motivational, stimulating  our creative ideas and also led us through practical strategies for improving our writing. As well you encouraged – our writing , relationships, building groups and maintaining these connections. I loved your enthusiasm and  humour, and especially appreciated your awareness and compassion for each of us. Thank you Edwina for a 5 star retreat – both care and content.’

Anne

Thank you all!

The next Relax and Write Writing Retreat is our Feedback and Revision, Second Draft Retreat for those with a major project underway. August 7- 9,2026. All the info HERE! Plenty of spaces still available but book in fast before the retreataholics fill it up!

My next memoir retreat is a Transformational Writing Retreat in collaboration with the indefatigable Kerstin Pilz, author of Loving my Lying Dying Cheating Husband, in beautiful Byron Bay – September 19 – 25/2026. Two teachers. Five nights in paradise. Writing workshops, yoga and movement sessions, pranayama and deep relaxation, sound bowl healing, special dance therapy session, tarot readings, feedback and a whole lot more! Check it out HERE. Bookings now open! Imagine relaxing and writing for five whole days. Who knows what could happen? All genders are welcome at Transformational Writing Retreats.

Thank you to all the very special women who came along to this first retreat since my burnout. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better gang to bring me back into retreat mode. Thank you to my darling chief cookie and retreat partner, Gay for all you do with such great love and kindness. Thank you to our special helpers too, Vivienne, Tash and Jill. You made everything run like clockwork. Love you all.

Thank you to all my wonderful, inspirational 2026 memoir retreaters, for your energy, enthusiasm, talents and willingness to share. Thank you most of all for having the courage to write your stories. The world needs the stories of working women, of mothers, grandmothers, wise elders, carers and survivors. 

With lots of love,

Edwina xx

Photos by Maggie Brown, Beverley Young and me.

PS. Dear Madman event at Books@Stones this Saturday 18/4/2026. 2 – 3pm. Think of a question to ask me! I’d love to see your smiling face. BOOK HERE.