The group is intimate and we are gathering in the most beautiful and magical of landscapes for a five-night retreat in LATE summer
march 2020 - bookings closed
november 2020 - bookings now opeN
This retreat is a five-night writing immersion for anyone with a book, or a writing project, in their heart. You may be a new writer, or an experienced writer who simply needs time away from your life to really settle into your writing. You will join writing coach Sarah Bullen on a journey into quiet, and into your story.
Mornings will be a structured class with afternoons free to pour your words onto the page. We gather in the evenings for reading, feedback and storytelling.
I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Each writer has two personal sessions with me to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material.
For those who need a push, my structured evening sessions will show you how to write, edit and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, how to construct scenes, best writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material, new publishing models.
All writing genre's are welcome on this retreat - novels, memoir, non-fiction, poetry, children's books.
Mornings will be a structured class with afternoons free to pour your words onto the page. We gather in the evenings for reading, feedback and storytelling.
I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Each writer has two personal sessions with me to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material.
For those who need a push, my structured evening sessions will show you how to write, edit and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, how to construct scenes, best writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material, new publishing models.
All writing genre's are welcome on this retreat - novels, memoir, non-fiction, poetry, children's books.
COST 2020
Single room R16,800 (4 single rooms available) Deposit R6,500. Second payment by 10 October 2020
Sharing room R8,900 per person. Deposit R5,500. Second payment by 10 October 2020
Please note a deposit is required to secure your place. This is non-refundable as per our T&Cs. Please be clear before your book as places fill up fast. We can jump on a quick call to discuss if this is right for you.
COST INCLUDES
* 5 nights accommodation at the most beautiful guest farm
* All meals - oh-so-delicious
* A guided writing process
* A one-on-one session
* Structured feedback on your project
* Tea and coffee and light snacks during breaks.
* All course fees
* A shared guest kitchen with tea, coffee and a fridge for all your extra snacks or particular food.
COST EXCLUDES
* Flights
* Transfers to Tulbach from Cape Town.
* Massages or any additional services
YOU WILL LEARN
* How to define and create your most compelling story
* The elements of structure
* Finding your book genre and sub-genre
* Creating plot, place and character outlines for your genre
* Adding plot points and structure
* Beginnings, middles and ends
* Developing your main character
* Developing your minor characters
* Developing your voice
* Developing point of view as a plotting technique
* How to improve your plotting, pace and structure
* How to make your characters unforgettable
* Adding depth and layers
* Sourcing tips and techniques
* How to present your book to publishers
THE VENUE
The retreat is held in a magnificent farmhouse situated just 1.5 hours outside Cape Town. It is on the fringes of the small town of Tulbach.
The farm itself is out of town, nestled amongst indigenous fynbos. It is the ideal space for rest and relaxation and to let the muse of writing find you. You can immerse yourself in nature and the tranquility of the abundant fynbos and bird life. The farm has a swimming dam, vineyards, olive groves and walking trails through the pristine countryside.
The is a nurturing space where self-discovery, empowerment and deep healing can be explored.
The newest edition to the farmhouse is a yoga studio. The studio doubles up as a space which can be used for workshops or group healing sessions. With sustainable bamboo flooring, floor to ceiling windows and soft lighting this space will allow for a tranquil and calm environment in which to heal.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID..
Thank you so much for an unforgettable week in Tulbach. The beautiful feminine energy, the gentle, nurturing environment that blended with the physical care taken with the healthy, organic food, yoga sessions and massages all conspired to bringing about a luxurious introspection into spaces that I have allowed to become dusty corners of my imagination. Carin Combrink, Forgotten Waterfall , 2019
I spent this last week with Sarah and the other writers at the Write your Novel Retreat in the Cape. This was truly the most inspiring and motivating thing I have ever done for myself. Sarah's guidance is invaluable. Working our way through the writing process with Sarah has left me feeling far more equipped to pursue my dream. And her personal insights into my project has taken it to another level. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone, regardless of where you are writing wise. Amazing experience. Hanri Mostert 2017
This "write a novel" course was the best birthday present I ever gave myself. It was set in a beautiful and peaceful environment, was well paced, was information packed with all the basics of how to really write a book, had surprising acts of art and physical exercise included to move the thinking through the body, was practical and honest about how dedicated one must really be to write, and was delicious to be around such inspiring facilitators who are warm, caring and so professional too. Thank you Sarah and Anel! - Kate 2017
Dear Sarah,
That was the best writing course I’ve ever been on. Thank you so much. I learned so much, and I can apply it immediately to my third novel. Helen Brain (Elevation Trilogy) 2018
This retreat was the best birthday present I ever gave myself. It was set in a beautiful and peaceful environment, was well paced, was information packed with all the basics of how to really write a book, had surprising acts of art and physical exercise included to move the thinking through the body, was practical and honest about how dedicated one must really be to write, and was delicious to be around such inspiring facilitators who are warm, caring and so professional too. Thank you Sarah and Anel! - Kate Baxter 2017
