We are just back from our Bali Writer’s Residency at the beachside home of my publisher Sarita Newson. Sarita turned her the family compound by the beach near Sanur, into a bnb a while back. It’s where she raised her three children (now there’s grandchildren coming and going too) and she can show you space by space how the family home has evolved over the years. With rooms scattered around a typical Balinese garden, two swimming pools and open air dining and lounging areas, it is close to beach and temple walks — the perfect location for writers to focus on their writing projects. Morning meditative writing workshops helped get the creative juices flowing and with the rest of the day to write, we would meet for readings at 5pm. Individual mentoring sessions offered with Sarita and myself took place mid afternoon.
There is something about living in a Balinese compound that makes you feel so completely held and looked after. Anyone travelling to Bali learns that traditional Balinese architecture and daily ceremony keeps the balance of local spirits in and around all living spaces in harmony. We were particularly lucky as in the middle of our stay a significant odalan
(ceremony) was conducted at the family temple at the bottom of the garden, with a procession of blessings proceding all around the compound, from corner to corner, room to room, so that our writing along with everything else received special blessings.
See photos here.
We felt totally nourished by the surroundings, the input into our writing, not to mention the food. Sarita’s cook Nyoman has to be the one of the best cooks on the island and with the assistance of her team gave us daily meals you would never find in any restaurant even if you tried.
I’m always saying it is important to eat well when you write! The problem here was not eating too much, but what to do when the food is so delicious you just want a little more. Somehow we managed!
Our writers agree…
Excellent food, excellent workshops, vital and positive information given in my mentoring session. A safe haven for writers, full of practical advice, for those seeking sensible help and nourishment on their journey. Sallie Mason, working on a natural medicine manual.
My aim was to turn lots of material into a coherent whole. The result —lots of material written, lots of positive feedback and insights and a strong structure beginning to take shape. A great week, every day a productive one in a blissful setting among honest, creative and helpful people. Beautifully led with a light touch by Jan. David Meldrum, turning a blog into a memoir. Read his blog here
Excellent food, enlightening workshops, helpful, constructive and reassuring mentoring session. With the touch of a feather Jan takes you into your writing dream to explore unexpected horizons. Margot MacDonald, working on a novel.
Excellent food, well run workshops, helpful mentoring. My aim was to get back into my writing. The result — I expanded the content of my book with lots of new ideas. Bali Residency was a good forum to re-energise my writing and get back into regular writing habits. Ric Macready, pilot, putting the finishing touch to a collection of flying stories.
Wonderful accommodation and writing environment. Exceptional food and helpful mentoring. Jan and Sarita are an awesome team. Ocean views, flowers everywhere, green, green, green. Even a cat and a dog! Excellent accommodation and food. Wonderful workshops, wonderful people. A cacophony of colour and comfort! Lyn Berggren – finishing off a novel and memoir.
We will go again in April 2019. Find more info here. Book your place now!
also heading out
May 25 – June 1, 2019 – Sensing Italy. A creative immersion in an Italian village in the Le Marche region, near Tuscany.
Oct 6-12, 2019 – Haiku Walking in Japan, a pilgrimage along the ancient Kumano Kodo trail.
March 1-15, 2020 – Moroccan Caravan A creative adventure into the heart of Moroccan culture. Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Tissardmine.
www.writersjourney.com.au
