Reviews relax and write retreats

Reviews for Relax and Write NANOWRIMO

/ Edwina Shaw / 2 Comments
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Reviews for Relax and Write NANOWRIMO at Burleigh Heads just in!
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Bianca’s Review of Relax and Write Retreat Burleigh, November 2019
Do you have a passion for writing? …Do you need to do more of it?
Do you enjoy relaxing? …Need to do a bit more of that too?
Well, what are you waiting for!!?? A RELAX AND WRITE Retreat exists and it is waiting for YOU!
Take my word for it (actually, I’m a writer so a few words to be precise), you won’t regret it.
Join the fabulous Edwina Shaw and a group of the loveliest, most down to earth women you will ever meet, and do exactly that: relax and write. As a writer in my twenties, I would also encourage other writers, young and young at heart, to come along to these affordable and worthwhile weekend escapes. After attending this superb retreat just a few weeks ago in Burleigh Heads, I can honestly say I feel transformed, as a writer and as a human being.
Ed puts her absolute heart and soul into these retreats and, as a published author and yoga teacher, she definitely knows her stuff! You will learn practical and relevant writing techniques, tips and tricks in her generous workshops as well as benefit from the tranquil surroundings and grounding relaxation and yoga practice (and some dancing and massages thrown in for fun!) The retreats are all-inclusive so you just need to arrive…everything is taken care of. And you will certainly be taken care of too!
Thank you Ed! xx
Bianca Millroy is has recently completed her Masters in Creative Writing, with a full historical magic realist novel ready to find a good home. Find out more about her and her wonderful writing at Bianca Millroy

 

Gay Liddington

RETREAT REVIEW by Gay Middlington

Inspired by the idea of a women’s, Relax and Write Retreat, I attended the November 2019 Burleigh Heads gathering led by Edwina Shaw. The lure of writing, yoga, dancing and the optional extra massage, provided the opportunity to immerse myself in a creative, nurturing environment.

Like-minded women engaged in writing workshops, feedback groups and an individual session with Edwina, all of which I found valuable. And, while a program was offered, participants were also given the option of free-flowing. The fully-catered retreat environment was comfortable and stress-free.

Edwina and her team create an atmosphere that encourages, motivates and inspires. I was reluctant to extract myself from the retreat bubble but resolved to become a ‘repeat retreater’.

Gay Liddington writes feature articles for the Hinterland Times and is busily at work on her forthcoming memoir.

It was a great pleasure having both these fabulous women on retreat. I feel so lucky that every retreat attracts just the right people who all support each other, connect and make firm writing friendships.

Don’t be shy! You deserve a weekend away from the busyness of ordinary life to focus on your writing too. Our next retreat is in Highfields among the trees and hills north of Toowoomba March 27 – 29. With other retreats planned for June and December.

Come along and rediscover your love of writing and life!

See all the info about upcoming retreats HERE.

Or just drop me a line and I’ll fill you in and help you pick which one would suit you best.

Thanks again to all the wonderful women who made this retreat so special. And particularly to Gay and Bianca for taking the time to write such lovely reviews.

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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

 

New Review!

/ Edwina Shaw / Leave a comment

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New review just in from the fabulous Jenni Mulligan – she’s the one in the fancy chequered flares!

Last year I subconsciously made a commitment to attend a Relax and Write Retreat having seen a few enticing event invitations and images float through my Facebook feed.

When the Evans Head event notice popped up I decided to go for it even though it involved a complicated calendar reshuffle. This effort was rewarded a thousand-fold.
Edwina’s blog post covers the details and structure of the retreat, so I’ll just summarise my highlights.

I loved the daily yoga and meditation sessions, was at the edge of my seat during the fascinating, emotional and hilarious writing sessions, was in awe listening to the writing of my fellow retreaters, partied at Saturday’s Open Mike Night and felt so pampered having a wonderful dinner cooked for me each evening. As a bonus, the retreat was located across the road from the beautiful Evans Head beach… so was able to have early morning and sunset walks.

I feel confident saying that the long weekend will be in the top 2 of my annual 10 Great Things I Did This Year… and I’ve had a bloody amazing year.

My thanks to Edwina and Helena for not only sharing their experience, industry insights and talent with us, but also for creating a safe and loving space and time for creativity, open heartedness and laughter. Suffice to say, Relax and Write Retreat at Evans Head 2019 is already in my calendar.

Jenni Mulligan.

Thanks so much Jenni! See you next year 🙂 xx

Next retreat is in the mountains near Toowoomba. See here for more details.

Come along and join the fun!

REVIEWS!

/ Edwina Shaw / 2 Comments

Here’s a couple of reviews by participants in our March 2018 retreat.

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VAHIDA BERBEROVIC

I attended the relax and write retreat, organised and facilitated by writers Edwina Shaw and Helena Pastor, at Camp Koinonia from 16-19 March 2018. The retreat was organised, as the title suggests, around relaxation sessions in the early mornings, followed by writing workshops in the morning and in the afternoon. There was also time for a swim each day. Edwina has practised yoga for 25 years, and it shows. She was able to get the best out of all of us, and even a novice and highly cynical uptight person like myself managed to relax and let go. Helena’s workshops focussed on getting into the writing groove, and keeping at it, writing dialogue and pitching, while Edwina workshopped character development and structure with us. Both Edwina and Helena showed knowledge and experience of the writing process, as well as the publishing world, but were also understanding and sensitive of our individual needs. Helena was kind enough to give feedback to each one of us on ten pages of our writing. The evenings included a delicious meal and wonderful company.

I very much enjoyed all aspects of the retreat – the relaxation, the socialising, the writing workshops, the food. While the accommodation was quite basic, it was not an impediment to our writing, exchanging ideas, experiences and advice. It pales into insignificance when one considers the benefits. The main benefit for me was being in the company of other writers like myself who work mostly in isolation and whose voices of self-doubt often drown out any other voices we might have. I feel refreshed after the long weekend, filled with new energy to approach my writing project and view it from a new perspective. The retreat has definitely enriched me as a writer and as a person (I can’t believe that a socially anxious person like myself spent most of the stay with everyone else), and I look forward to next year.

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CAROLYN NUTTALL

‘Evans above! Who would have thought so much wellness and so much writing could be achieved in a few days?

Go to ‘Relax and Write’ a short retreat run by two gifted teachers Edwina Shaw and Helena Pastor.

Over 3-4 days, they get you in their sights and recharge you with excellent teaching, yoga, relaxation, good food and time to swim and rest.

Their choice of site, part of effective planning, was inspiring. The  beach at Evans Head was magnificent and the weather was perfect.

I am reminded of one of the writing sessions.- pitching to an audience, I hope Edwina that I have pitched this endorsement well.

Book for the next retreat if you want to recharge and renew your spirit. These women will not disappoint you.

Carolyn Nuttall

Thank you dear Vahida and Carolyn. It’s the women who come along that make these retreats so special. Missing everyone already! xxx