What is this thing called writing talent? Are you born with it or is it something you can learn or acquire? I had plenty of time to muse on this question on our Mekong Meditations week in Luang Prabang, Laos. This year’s retreat attracted a talented bunch: best selling author Kate Veitch; literary activist and award winning author, Jane Camens; film producer/novelist Margot McDonald; memoirist/poet, Helen Stevenson; poet/essayist Vicky Tsaconas; designer/bar owner/poet, Elizabeth Vongsaravanh and creative arts mover and shaker, Romi Grossberg.The brilliant thing about talent is that we all have it – in different degrees, in differing areas of expertise. What I love about working in a group like this (and all the groups I work with) is the process of sharing the talent around. For example, first time writer Romi Grossberg, (writing an inspirational book about her time as a volunteer at Tiny Toones in Cambodia, working with street kids) could take advantage of the expertise of published writers in the group. By the last day she had her book proposal finished and ready to send off to publishing contacts the group was able to offer.Poets venturing into lyrical essay writing could also take tips from the creative non fiction writers among us. The novelists and memoir writers were able to share their different talents, sensibilities and approaches to the prose form while a literary essay destined for a well known journal was being born before our eyes. Talent, when shared generously in this manner becomes infectious. If you are sitting at home wondering if you have any talent for this thing called writing, get yourself along to a group like this one and you will find it is sure to rub off on you. And don’t be surprised to see all of the writers pictured here publishing their books in the next year or two. It’s not surprising to me – just another talented bunch on a Writer’s Journey Retreat getting the support and encouragement they need to bring their unique talents to the fore.
If you are in the need of a talent reminder and reboot don’t forget there’s still room on our Sydney workshops:
Summer Writer’s Lab, began Nov 25. Three workshops remaining, Nov, 6 Jan, 28 Jan, 3 March. You can still join on Jan 6.
The Haiku Art of Petite Bookmaking see pics from our Dec workshop here. More coming in 2013.
As well as:
Jan 10-22: Moroccan Caravan
Feb 1-9 : Temple Writing in Burma (including Irrawaddy Writers Festival)
March 9-16: Fiji Island Writers Lab
Oct 7 -13: Backstage Bali (following Ubud Writers Festival)
*****
Feedback for Mekong Meditations 2012
“Working with Jan in Luang Prabang was like popping a cork on an expensive bottle of champagne, the everyday distractions of our lives at home replaced with a kaleidoscope of images and invocations. The workshops on the edge of the beautiful swift-flowing Nam Khan River, distracted only by the flash of effervescent orange and yellow as the monks passed by to their daily prayer could only make the week truly a time, a result, and a place to remember.” Margot McDonald
Thank-you for a great week – ungorgettable! Helen Stevenson
“What a pleasure it was to spend the week with you in Laos. I truly loved every moment and learnt more than I hoped for. This week I have put together a little folio of the book I am writing on Tiny Toones with my bio, 4 stories, and some chapter/story outlines of more to come. Safe travels and I hope to see you again soon.” Romi Grossberg.
“A positive energising retreat. Just what I needed at this stage of my writing. Jan is a very skilled, down to earth teacher.”Vicki Tsaconas
“The past week was more then amazing! Over the week, I have finally reached a point where I have my book all sorted out in my head: the title, the structure down to the last bit of a short epilogue, and a deadline to put it together in the next two weeks! I want to thank you for this opportunity and your company Jan , my beautiful new friends Margo, Jane, Kate and Romi whom I have learned so much from during our workshops together. Much love to all of you Ladies, and let’s Get It All Out and Done!” Elizabeth Vongsaravanh
