relaxandwriteretreats

Memoir Magic in the Misty Mountains

/ Edwina Shaw / Leave a comment

Springbrook turned on another weekend in the clouds for our memoir retreat and cloaked our cosy cabins in mist and magic perfect for writing and learning about writing and sitting around the fire at night sharing our writing with like-minded women. And what a lovely gentle group of writerly souls it was. The special magic of women, listening to and supporting each other, brought new friends together and formed new writing groups to cheer each other on.

We feasted on warming wholesome home-cooked meals prepared with love and care by our super-cookie and talented writer, Gay Liddington, who’d just completed the first draft of her own memoir, so she had more to share than just food! In the mornings we relaxed with gentle yoga and, as a special treat on Sunday, Dolina gave us all complimentary relaxation acupuncture treatments! Heavenly! Our lovely masseuse Ann gave luxurious hot oil massages late into the nights, so we were all well and truly blissed out and feeling pampered as we went to sleep with our electric blankets, listening to rain pattering on the roof.

Workshops got us thinking about our projects in different ways (GO DEEPER!) and got new writers putting words on the page. I’m always happily surprised by the beautiful stories that emerge from these sessions. A highlight for me was Saturday night readings around the fire. So many unique and fascinating stories. Dolina’s dead dog with oozing eyes wearing bonnet and booties may never leave my mind! I just love seeing the look on writers’ faces as they share their work and have their voices heard and affirmed. YAY!

Here are some reviews from the weekend: 

“A life changing weekend. I’ve come back with such a different view on my writing and feel really empowered generally. I had reached a point with this project where I felt like I was stumbling in the dark, and this retreat and all the amazing women guided me to the light switch!

I will definitely be back next year. I aim to arrive with my first published book.”

Erin Benjamin (retreat participant October 2022)

“Memoir writing is not my thing, or so I thought. After last weekend’s Relax and Write Retreat, I am inspired to craft at least a ‘slice of life’. Edwina’s enthusiasm and encouragement are infectious. Connecting with others who aspire to put their lives on the page and sharing our experiences became an unexpected joy.” 

Raelene Purtill (retreat participant October 2022)

Here are a few other comments from our feedback form:

Michelle and her collage – big things are on the way!

“I came on retreat not expecting so many experienced writers and was a bit overwhelmed at first. But everyone was there for each other. It’s always great spending time in groups of women. The yoga, massage and food were excellent in a perfect location. Even the weather was good!” (retreat participant October 2022)

Our beautiful Gay – chief cookie and writer of power!

“Edwina and Gay made everyone feel safe. It made the whole retreat so intimate and joyful and when big emotions hit, the group support was genuine and amazing. I’ll be back!” (retreat participant October 2022)

“Edwina’s ability to create a safe, nurturing space allowed us to improve our technical skills of writing, gain clarity about our stories and confidence to release our voices into the world.”

Dolores Cummins (retreat participant October 2022)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, these retreats are only as good as the women who come along and these women were the cream of the crop! It was an absolute delight to host this lovely gentle group who nurtured and supported each other so beautifully. How lucky am I that running these retreats is my job?

Bloody lucky! That’s what!

Join the fun!

Three more retreats are planned for next year. 

June 2 – 4 Magnetic Island – Elements of narrative

August 11 – 13 Springbrook – Feedback and revision retreat for those with some writing under their belts

October 20 – 22 Springbrook – Memoir and Life Writing

Glorious Magnetic Island

So what are you waiting for? Book your spot for next year now! Great Christmas present idea for writers – tell your family!! We always have a wonderful time.

I love these retreats, they are such a joyful part of what I do and I get to meet the most incredible inspiring women and make new friends every time!

Thank you to my wonderful helpers, especially dear Gay, and all the women who make these retreats so rewarding and so much fun.

Lots of love,

Edwina xx

The Magic of Magnetic Island

/ Edwina Shaw / 2 Comments

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Oh yes, it really is that beautiful! I arrived home last night from a wonderful extended stay on Magnetic Island, just off the coast from Townsville in North Queensland. Wish you could have been there too! Traditional home of the Wulgurukaba People and a true piece of paradise.

We had so much fun on retreat. A fabulous group of writers, from absolute beginners to those with books under their belts. Now freshly-minted mermaids!img_3710.jpg

It all started with drinks on the verandah with tame blue-winged kookaburras eating out of our hands. Those beaks were a bit scary!

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Champagne still in hand, workshops started and writing dreams began to take shape.

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Then dinner up at the Amaroo restaurant with all the gang : )

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Mornings were filled with yoga and dance with our resident dancing queen Lalita Lakshmi!

Then we got stuck into the business at hand – writing! With two writing workshops covering all the basics and focusing in on character development to shape plot we were plenty busy enough. We got lots of writing done and had masses of information to absorb, so we needed our princess naps in the afternoon.

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Some  retreaters took advantage of the extended break and explored the beautiful island and had a walk and a swim.

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Dinner on Saturday night was at Bikini Tree Restaurant where my friends Jen and Dan had prepared a delicious and plentiful Indian feast.

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Even though we were stuffed to the gills (as mermaids get very hungry!) we managed to rouse ourselves for my personal highlight of the retreat  — candle dancing on the beach! The photo is blurry but you get the general idea of the fun of it. Lalita led us all in a joyful and playful celebration of life. I’m definitely keeping Lalita and dancing as part of the retreats.

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Sunday and more yoga and dancing and deep relaxation, some goal setting and another favourite part of the retreats, collage! Some collages were fun, some surprising, and others full of wonderful wishes that I hope all come true.

After farewelling all the lovely retreaters, my friend Vahida and I stayed on at Magnetic for another week, working on our own projects. Then Vahida left too, and I worked on in paradise editing a book for a friend of mine who lives on the island. Took the manuscript to the beach and worked on the sand : ) Yes! It’s not a bad life.

So now I’m home and back in the saddle, ready for more.

Life Writing Workshop this weekend at the CYA Conference Everything is a Genre Day. For the weekend (or day) ticket you get as many fabulous workshops as you can handle.

The following weekend I’m presenting Building Your Career as a Writer, at the QLD Writers Centre. You can come along in person or particpate online as the session is streamed. I call this workshop – Many Fingers Many Pies, because it’s all about how to make money writing or doing things related to writing. We all have bills to pay, but it’s very nice to pay them by doing what we love.

And on Saturday 20 July I’m at Sunnybank Hill Library for a FREE WORKSHOP on the basics of creative writing. Would love to see you there. Come along and say hi : )

While I was away I also received feedback on my feature film screenplay from a Los Angeles script editor, so I’ll be busily redrafting over the next few months. Cross fingers it makes it to the big screen.

Coming soon is the launch of Bjelke Blues, a book of stories about life in Queensland under Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, that I’ve been collecting and editing for AndAlso Books. Super excited about that. It’s heading to the printers very soon. As soon as I have the cover I’ll be showing it off. Launch is booked for Friday August 23. More on that later,

Next retreat is set for November 8 – 10 at Burleigh Heads. I’m designing it as dual purpose.

A planning and writing retreat to super boost people doing NANOWRIMO.

And for those women with a finished manuscript (or almost finished) already done, a feedback and redrafting weekend, with personalised feedback from me on the first 10 pages and your synopsis and also feedback from a small group of your peers. That way you get to talk about the book you’re working on with people who understand just how much work you’ve done and how precious your project is.

If you’d like more information about the Burleigh Retreat, would like to secure your spot, or just sign up for newsletters to keep you up to date with the retreats or to receive my hints, tips and opportunities GET IN TOUCH.

Hope to see some of you soon at one of the workshops.

Happy Writing till then!

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Lots of love,

Edwina xx

 

REVIEWS FOR RELAX AND WRITE IN THE MOUNTAINS

/ Edwina Shaw / 1 Comment

I-3DMqhQReviews just in from some of my very loveliest repeat retreaters, Jude and Kathy and a freshly minted newbie, Gina.

Here’s what they have to say about the Relax and Write Experience .

Kathy Ewers – May 2019 Participant at retreats in September 2018 and April 2019

Both Wood Nymph and Mermaid!

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“Both Relax and Write Retreats I have been to have been cathartic experiences. On both occasions my expectations of spending a few days immersing myself in writing while being surrounded by the fellowship of like-minded writers were met.

Both Retreats offered a sense of camaraderie , kindness, positivity and warmth. The new friends and connections made, soon became supports added to my network.

Coming to the last retreat quite stressed about my current project and unsure of which direction to take, I left feeling energised, rejuvenated and excited about my writing.

Edwina’s writing tips, exercises and guided meditations all helped me to convey the imagery I’d been having difficulty with. Thank you, Edwina!” Kathy Ewers May 2019

Gina Wall – Participant April 2019 – Proud new Wood Nymph!

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“A wonderful balance of relaxation and mental stimulation. Edwina is a generous host, giving valuable advice and insight based on her own success in this intriguing industry. Her weekend writer’s retreat is nurturing for body and creativity in a non- judgemental environment with like- minded people. I’m looking forward to indulging again. ”

Gina Wall, May 2019

Judith Russel Kors – Participant at both September 2018 and April 2019 Retreats

Mermaid, Wood Nymph and champion bawdy joke teller : )

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“When you sign up for a Relax and Write weekend, don’t imagine it’s going to be a walk in the park, (although there are invariably some beautiful bush or beach wanders to be had, if so desired.)  It’s not. It’s a lot of writing and that can be challenging.

But neither is it a bootcamp. It’s a nurturing and encouraging environment, a safe space, an exploratory place. Nothing you write is wrong. You can read out what you have written, or not, as you choose.  There’s no pressure.

And the yoga – and free dance if you’re lucky – is for the experienced yogi as well as the yoga virgin, and everyone in between. The company of other women writers is a delight and there is so much to be gained, mentally, physically and spiritually from these few days away from everyday life.

All in all, it’s a magical and thoroughly worthwhile experience – highly recommended. Namaste, nymphs and mermaids.”  Judith Russel Kors – May 2019

Many thanks to Jude, Gina and Kathy.

The retreats are only as wonderful as the women who attend who all encourage and support each other. I love watching it happen like magic every time.

Come along and join the fun.

Next retreat is on Magnetic Island in tropical Far North Queensland! Post coming soon.

Contact me HERE for more information or to join my email list for writing hints and tips, publishing opportunities and retreat updates. HERE

 

THE MAGIC OF MERMAID CAMP

/ Edwina Shaw / 3 Comments

 

early morning beach STAR

Relax and Write 3 at Camp Koinonia in Evans Head finished up yesterday. Helena and I are always amazed by the wonderful women who come along and how quickly the magic of Koinonia and the sea and writing and yoga starts to make itself very evident.

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Within twenty-four hours, or even less, secrets we swore we’d never tell are shared and held and then let go. Old wounds are uncovered and start to heal. We realise very quickly that all of us have stories that need to be told, alongside those we want to tell. But it is the kindness and upholding of each other which is most precious. With this sharing of secrets a deep bond is forged and we transform from the ordinary creatures we are in our everyday lives as teachers and accountants and mothers and business women and writers and workers into mermaids and scribes.

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We did a tremendous amount of writing with workshops on writing your way into a story, writing the body, dialogue and more, and had heaps of fun along the way – laughing and singing and swimming and feasting and dancing.

 

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Katrina taught us all the Samba on Saturday night and with Jenni did a performance that made us all gasp! Maria became our photographer and took most of the beautiful shots I include here.

 

 

Carol and Helen and Angela did a fantastic job getting our delicious dinners ready. I loved Helena’s macerated cumquat and almond cake. YUM! That and Nina’s dhal were my food highlights.

 


Josie’s enthusiasm made us all feel good. Jude’s bawdy jokes made us laugh. Helen-Ellie scored a new name and a place in our hearts and Loma humbled us all with her tale of recovery. Nicola wowed us all with the book she’d made herself. Everyone shared hints and tips and made leading the groups easy.

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It was sunny but the swims were still cold. I saw a shooting star and had my heart opened again and again by the wisdom and compassion of the women who came along.

 

Special thanks go to Craig and Marie of Camp Koinonia for hosting us all with such generosity. All the years Helena and I have been coming to Koinonia we never knew it’s meaning, but we do now.

The lovely Kathy provided this translation and the beautiful shot below.

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“In spite of fragmentation, which is an evil from which we need to be healed, there has resulted a kind of rich bestowal of grace which is meant to embellish the koinonia.”

Koinonia is a transliterated form of the Greek word, κοινωνία, which means communion, joint participation; the share which one has in anything, participation, a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution.

YES! That’s the magic of mermaid camp – union – like yoga – a community of women sharing as equals. Each of us feeling valued and embraced.

Come along and join us at the next one!

Lots of love, Edwina and Helena xx

LOVE Log STAR