Relax & Write 2017

Last weekend, Edwina Shaw and I hosted the inaugural ‘Relax & Write’ yoga and writing retreat for women at Camp Koinonia in Evans Head. The retreat was a huge success – we had ten wonderful participants, all at different stages of their yoga and writing practice, but none of that seemed to matter. Edwina began each day with an early morning yoga session, and then we had workshops in memoir and fiction writing, editing and other matters related to submitting work. Between workshops, there was time to write or sleep or go to the beach or have a massage, and then we gathered again in the evenings for drinks and a candle-lit meal in the chapel. Just before everyone went home, we had a collage-making session that provided us all with insights that we weren’t expecting, and made me realise once again that collage is a very powerful medium.

Morning yoga

 

Edwina and I both agreed that we achieved what we set out to do – to create a nurturing environment where a group of women could relax and write and get to know each other and create ongoing friendships. We now have a ‘Relax & Write’ facebook group – a place to share writing opportunities, and support and celebrate each other’s literary efforts. Edwina and I are already planning our next ‘Relax & Write’ retreat for early March 2018, where we’ll offer a new range of workshops in Writing in Scenes, Creating Realistic Dialogue, Songwriting, and Screenwriting.

Three cheers for our first ‘Relax & Write’ retreat … thanks to Marie and Craig for making Camp Koinonia so special, thanks to Johnny West for his fabulous dinners, and thanks to Becky Holland for documenting the weekend with her beautiful photos!

Outdoor writing class

Writing with friends

 

Candlelit dinner

Beach path

Sunrise at the beach

 

logo relax and write

Whether you’re a writer in need of relaxation and a good stretch, or a yoga practitioner yearning to write, this is the retreat for you.

Edwina Shaw and I have been holding our own private writing retreats at Evans Head since 2005 to relax and write and share our stories. This year we’re opening up our retreat to other women who’d like to do the same.

Relax, write and enjoy yourself in a beautiful coastal setting with experienced workshop facilitators and published authors.

Unwind with yoga and free your creative voice with lots of fun writing activities and workshops. All only a minutes’ walk from a glorious beach surrounded by national park where you can swim, walk, laze in the sun or meditate to your heart’s content.

Cost:

$400 for twin share with ensuite or $350 twin share with communal facilities

EARLY BIRD $380 / $330 if booked and deposit of $150 received before 31st July 2017

This includes:

  • all yoga and writing workshops
  • 2 nights twin share ensuite accommodation / or twin share with communal facilities
  • healthy home-cooked meals on Friday and Saturday nights

Optional extras:

  • Massage with Shannon Radke
  • Personalised Editorial Feedback with Edwina or Helena (10 Pages in 20 Minutes).

Program:

FRIDAY

Arrival from 2 p.m.

5:30 p.m.        Welcome nibbles and drinks, introductions

6-7 p.m.          Introductory deep relaxation and writing exercise

7 p.m.              Dinner

SATURDAY

7 – 8:15 a.m.   Gentle morning yoga with Edwina

9:30 – 12:30   Memoir workshop with Helena

12:30 – 3 p.m. Lunch and free time to enjoy the beach (or have a nap!)

3 – 5:30 p.m.   Writing the Body with Edwina.

7 p.m.              Dinner

SUNDAY

7 – 8:15 a.m. Yoga with Edwina

9:30 – 12:30   Writing fiction using yoga techniques

12:30 – 2:30   Lunch and free time

2:30 – 4:30     Self editing with Helena

4:30 p.m.        Feedback and farewells

 

To book or find out more information, please contact me at:

helenapastor2@gmail.com or call 0447 334 665.

We’d love to have you join us … remember, all roads lead to Evans Head!

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