How do you find the focus to write words you need to write? It’s all very well to love the idea of writing, but if you want to write a book of 75,000 to 80,000 words it is going to require a lot of time and energy at the desk. And what about when you get stuck? What do you do then? My fantasy is to live in a grand old literary hotel with French window views and a writer’s cafe on a nearby corner where we can meet up regularly to discuss how the writing is going.
In Bali recently we had the ideal situation. Staying in rooms nestled in the lush tropical gardens of a traditional Balinese compound certainly provided a calm, harmonious atmosphere for our work. Early morning beach walks with fellow writers, breakfast in the open dining area, morning workshops to get your writing day going, delicious morning tea and lunch, early evening feedback sessions, tasty Balinese dinner, then falling asleep to the sound of waves on the black sand beach.(See our Bali pics here). So conducive were the conditions that one of our writers clocked up 20,000 words! I don’t know how many words we wrote collectively but if we added them up it could well be a whole book’s worth.
We can’t all stay on a Bali Writer’s retreat until we finish our books (mm, now that’s not a bad idea..) so in our day to day lives we need to set up conditions that encourage a committed sense of focus: a regular writing routine, a calm harmonious writing environment, healthy meals, walks in nature and times for sharing your work with other writers. Do you have all of these already or is one element missing? All you have to do then is refresh your writing goals, make a new timetable and get cracking!
If you want an extra hand we will be back in Bali Oct 28 – Nov 3, right after UWRF to do it all again!
What people said about our Bali Residency in April 2019.
I came to reawaken my writing and be around fellow creatives. I found a safe place, a new and interesting culture and space, supportive people and an awesome teacher. I go home with a plan, so much new knowledge and awareness of the work ahead. I learned so much practically and creatively. Other people and their writing were so inspiring. Rachel Golski, poet.
I came to see if there was a writer within. I found a writer’s voice, something to write about, and learned that writing for me (as opposed to writing reports for work) can be energizing and life giving. Excellent food, walks of pure pleasure, fabulous workshops. It was more than I imagined it could be. Susan Morwood, short story writer.
I came to move forward with my novel and found magic a plenty. I take home lots of work to do which is what I wanted! Excellent accomodation, above excellent food, spot on mentoring.The workshops were all I could have wished for, especially the superb sharings. David Meldrum, nonfiction, novel. David attended our Nov residency in 2018 to turn his blog posts into a memoir. It will be published by Gininderra this year.
I came on an impulse! A need to start and finish stories collected in 2008. To tap into Jan and Sarita’s wisdom.I found exactly what I wanted, space time and expertise as well as companionship, fun and great food! I’m taking home a few stories on the go, a framework, timetable and goals, renewed confidence, new friends and support.The food couldn’t be better, the workshops excellent, the mentoring really helpful! Maggie Carroll, non fiction writer (ABC Books).
I came to give solid time and commitment to my writing. I found immense support, received insightful feedback on my writing and was inspired by the heart opening stories of others. I take home the courage to continue and a goal date for completing my manuscript. The mentoring session was considered and supportive with brilliant ideas for redirecting the focus of my book. Food, accomodation and transport were all excellent and the workshop experience was transformative. Jan is a magician at managing the group dynamics and directing the content and along with Sarita’s impeccable hospitality, we were able to sink into the comfortable surroundings and expose our vulnerabilities in a secure and supportive environment. Lisa Sharkey, memoir writer.
I came to spend some focused time writing in a new environment, for feedback and mentoring. I found time and space, peace, calm and beauty. I’m taking home calmness and confidence, meditation for focus before writing. Great accomodation, warm and safe environment, food was fresh, tasty, abundant. The personal mentoring session helped me focus on the completion of my novel. Positive and supportive workshops with inspiring fellow writers at different points on their path. Glenn Beatty, poet novelist. Glenn takes the record for 20,000 words written on a Writer’s Journet retreat!
We will do it all again in Oct/Nov. Check out our upcoming journeys below.
Oct 6-12, 2019 – Haiku Walking in Japan, a pilgrimage along the ancient Kumano Kodo trail.Wait list only!
Oct 28- Nov 3, 2019 — Bali Writer’s Residency.Total focus on your writing project with in house mentoring and peer feedback. Limited places, booking now!
March 1-15, 2020 – Moroccan Caravan A creative adventure into the heart of Moroccan culture. Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Tissardmine. Only 2 places left!
www.writersjourney.com.au
