Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? Or do you just love playing with
words? Read on to find out more about a unique retreat designed to connect you
with your inner muse.
It's 10.30 am and outside the open-sided wooden pavilion ducks quack and splash
through the paddy fields. Inside is silent, but for the faint sound of pens
scribbling on paper. It's day two of a week-long Yoga, Writing and
Improvisation retreat in Ubud, and already the words are flowing fast.The
sixteen participants have come from Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Australia and New
Zealand to uncover the stories within them and to learn some tricks of the
trade.
Penny has long wanted to write a detective novel and by the end of the week
will have a plot and several thousand words in her notebook. Alice is here to
record her life for her children and grandchildren and she will leave with
evocative accounts of several turning points in her life. Karl is back for his
second retreat. He is gradually adding layers and words to his planned memoir
about life as the son of a high-profile father.
Every morning before breakfast the group gathers for an hour of yoga. The
teacher, Kathryn Riding, says yoga is not only beneficial for the body but
stills the mind, not the mention the inner writing critic! After breakfast the
group join Sarah Armstrong and Alan Close for three hours of writing.
Previously an award-winning journalist, Sarah's first novel ‘Salt
Rain’ was published in Australia, New Zealand and North America,
gathering accolades along the way. Although he has published fiction,
non-fiction, poetry and newspaper columns, Alan's passion is life writing. His
most recent book: ‘Before You Met Me: A memoir of one man's troubled
search for love' was published this year.
Sarah says, ‘We teach techniques to free people's writing, so they can
write spontaneously and easily. We also help them identify and appreciate their
unique writing voice.’
The afternoon improvisation session is taught by Kathryn, who is one of
Australia's leading voice and improvisation teachers. Through her work at NIDA
in Sydney and WAAPA in Perth, she has tutored some of Australia's best-known
actors. Kathryn says that the improvisation is not as scary as it sounds. She
encourages participants to explore at their own pace and the classes have a
wonderful sense of play and freedom.
Mischa, from Sydney, who attended the last retreat in June, says, ‘It was
the most supportive workshop I have ever attended. Spacious, structured
sessions supported my writing to emerge. Impeccable facilitation and superb
synergy between Sarah, Alan and Kathryn made this as close to perfect as an
experience could be.’ All levels of experience are welcome - in both
writing and yoga - including the absolute beginner and the unconfident.
The next
retreat will be in Ubud from 28 September to 6 October 2008, with others
in June and September 2009.
Click on the links below
to see what great workshops and other programs we have in store....
