Last month I led the first in-person writer’s retreat in two years at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay. Our partner Jennifer Richardson of The Create Escape found us a big luxurious house with a pool and wide verandahs, just 2 mins walk from the beach. She made sure we were plied with delicious food each day and ordered some sunny days. We were blissfully unaware of the deluge to come. Jen also organised a river cruise on the Tweed with traditional owner Arabella Douglas. Read all about it here. The following day Jen introduced us to a special treat at Brunswick Heads, an ice-cream maker called Wal, who uses locally sourced ingredients to make his unique creations — smoked paperbark and macadamia, fress fig and pomegranate, myrtle Have a look on his Instagram here. Under these conditions it’s no wonder there were breakthroughs and epiphanies a- plenty. How wonderful it was to be doing what I love to do again, and to feel nurtured by the camaradie of fellow creatives once more.
At the end of a retreat I usually ask people to write about why they came, what they found here and what they will take home, This is what they said…
Tiffany Plummer, nurse, author says…
I came to reconnect to my writing, because my characters were bugging me to, because I needed to. I found my listening ears, learned to listen to my inner self and to the world around me — people and their conversations. I found the joy of writing, the joy I feel when flow happens. I found connection with this writing group but also a sense of connection to the greater world, through the words of Arabella Douglas and others. Through Jan’s meditative writing techniques I’ve learned a new process to use with my writing — a visual meditation that sends me back into the world of my characters so that I walk with them side by side. I can take this meditation technique with me. It’s not nailed to a place. It’s part of me now, so thank you Jan.
I’ve felt tension slip away, an anger of sorts — a deeply drawn tiredness that seemed to cloud me, I feel that has gone.
I’ve walked many pavements (early morning walks). Seen birds I’ve not noticed before, water dragons and bush turkeys and the most exquisite flower, has unfolded with me as I passed it every day. I’ve drunk good coffee and been nourished by the hand of another (our host organiser and cook, Jen, of The Create Escape) and the spiritual conversations and views of intelligent and thoughtful people.
What will I take home?
What I won’t take home is the block that was in my way. I take home a path found for my novel. As illuminating as a head lamp turned on full beam.
I take home — friendship, wisdom, a renewed sense of myself and hope. And a plan to go forward.
Lyn McGettigan, author. (Behind the Bar Room Door, Tales of a Publican’s Wife) says…
I came to revitalise, re-motivate my writing, to complete works already started. I have thirty-one short stories to put in order. I found a really helpful, caring group of people, and a peaceful, restful quiet place, just away by myself, away from life. I take home is the desire to continue, to finish work, to try new forms of writing.
Linda Meades, writer, singer, poet, interviewer (My Mullum Moments) says…
This is my first writer’s retreat. I’d been longing to be with creative people in a more intense environment, I wanted a break from Mullum, to test myself, to bring forward something my writing. To see if it can stand up. I found joy in listening and observing — being amongst creative people. Everyone is so unique. It’s so exciting to hear all the different ways people express themselves, the skills they have. I’m blown away by people’s ability to write so well, so spontaneously. It was wonderful to have our own bubble. I loved the sea air, it’s so invigorating.I take home enthusiasm, invigoration. I’m going to explore and expand my writing more. I’m going home with a new enthusiasm.
Peter Bishop, award winning poet, shortstory writer, now playing around with illustration, says…
I came to stimulate my creativity and I found the idea to assemble a book of illustrated works. The retreat was delightfully calm and conducive. I take home the belief that I should take my creative efforts seriously, or if not seriously then at least give them a little more affection.
Margot McDonald, novelist, short story writer, says…
Why : For concentrated writing time without distraction, to enter Jan’s dream world.
Found: a group of caring talented people to share with and to trust, clear open skies, a continuum of my voice easier to find and write on which seems to just flow surprising me, laughter/exchange/mosquitos/silence with the underscore of the hum of traffic, droll, ancient, long gone but still present, sun dapple on ageing skin, sand underfoot,sea water soft, frothy and playful to the touch,intense, growth.
