5 NIGHT WRITING RETREAT
23 - 27 March 2022
23 - 27 November 2022
This is a writing immersion if you have a book, or a writing project, in your 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. This is a midsummer retreat just outside Cape Town, South Africa.
I love to get writers away from their lives and into a longer writing immersion. I have found in my own writing that it is the only way I can dive into a book and make any sort of progress. So, much of the time will be spent writing.
Mornings will be a structured class with writing support, and afternoons free to pour your words onto the page.
It is a challenge to act on your desire and get that book started, or finished.
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.It will guide you through the process of writing a book from start to finish. You need nothing but your ideas in order to attend.
I love to get writers away from their lives and into a longer writing immersion. I have found in my own writing that it is the only way I can dive into a book and make any sort of progress. So, much of the time will be spent writing.
Mornings will be a structured class with writing support, and afternoons free to pour your words onto the page.
It is a challenge to act on your desire and get that book started, or finished.
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.It will guide you through the process of writing a book from start to finish. You need nothing but your ideas in order to attend.
THE VENUE
Victorskloof Lodge is a luxury accommodation, bed and breakfast. The Guest Lodge is situated on the southern slopes of Table Mountain one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, in scenic Hout Bay at the at the start of the Victoria pass built by Thomas Baines, the original road linking Hout bay with Camps Bay and Cape Town.
Situated on the Atlantic Seaboard, twenty minutes from the Cape Town City Centre and the very popular V & A Waterfront. Cape Town International Airport is an easy 25 minute drive. They offer both a bed and breakfast inclusive rate or self-catering. Victorskloof Lodge is secluded yet it is very central to all the attractions of the Cape Peninsula. There are Unparelled Sea and mountain views of Hout Bay harbour, Chapman’s Peak, The Sentinel and the Kommetjie light house in the distance.
Victorskloof Lodge is a luxury accommodation, bed and breakfast. The Guest Lodge is situated on the southern slopes of Table Mountain one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, in scenic Hout Bay at the at the start of the Victoria pass built by Thomas Baines, the original road linking Hout bay with Camps Bay and Cape Town.
Situated on the Atlantic Seaboard, twenty minutes from the Cape Town City Centre and the very popular V & A Waterfront. Cape Town International Airport is an easy 25 minute drive. They offer both a bed and breakfast inclusive rate or self-catering. Victorskloof Lodge is secluded yet it is very central to all the attractions of the Cape Peninsula. There are Unparelled Sea and mountain views of Hout Bay harbour, Chapman’s Peak, The Sentinel and the Kommetjie light house in the distance.
ACCOMMODATION
10 spacious, well-appointed furnished suites make up the private accommodation. All units have separate entrances opening onto the garden, pool area with magnificent sea views. Each spacious unit is en suite and is equipped with coffee and tea making facilities.
The group is intimate and we are gathering in the most beautiful and magical of landscapes for a retreat in summer. |
COST 2022
Single room R12,000 Deposit R4,000 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
COST EXCLUDES
YOU WILL LEARN
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Itinerary
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.
Day One
· Arrive & explore this magical garden with its many sanctuaries
· 4pm Opening writing session
· Sunset walk and writing feedback
· Welcome Dinner
Day Two
· Morning writing
· Breakfast
· Writing session with feedback
· Personal writing sessions or focussed writing time
· Lunch
· Writing time
Gather for writing feedback and reading
· Dinner
Day Three
· Morning writing
· Breakfast buffet
· Writing session
· Personal writing sessions or focussed writing time
· Lunch
· Writing time
· Gather for writing feedback and reading
· Dinner and guest speaker
Day Four
· Morning writing
· Farewell Breakfast
· Closing Circle + check out by 11am
Day One
· Arrive & explore this magical garden with its many sanctuaries
· 4pm Opening writing session
· Sunset walk and writing feedback
· Welcome Dinner
Day Two
· Morning writing
· Breakfast
· Writing session with feedback
· Personal writing sessions or focussed writing time
· Lunch
· Writing time
Gather for writing feedback and reading
· Dinner
Day Three
· Morning writing
· Breakfast buffet
· Writing session
· Personal writing sessions or focussed writing time
· Lunch
· Writing time
· Gather for writing feedback and reading
· Dinner and guest speaker
Day Four
· Morning writing
· Farewell Breakfast
· Closing Circle + check out by 11am
TESTIMONIALS
“It feels like I had this bullet of an idea that's been loaded for two years and Sarah’s time and focus on the Retreat gave me the courage to pull the trigger.” Tabatha Dale King. Cape Town 2021
There is a special magic that happens in this little village. Creativity is emboldened, a gentle release is inevitable and all anxiety seeps away, allowing and encouraging you to write your book. I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart, backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don't think twice! Do it.
Gabi Lowe 2018, author Get Me to 21
"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
"The McGregor retreat was a real treat! Temenos is a lovely place, relaxing and inspiring, I would even say “nourishing". I met some lovely people, talked about writing and reading, meditated, progressed a lot on my story and enjoyed Sarah’s passionate talks. A highlight was Sarah’s storytelling at ''The well''; magic. Thank you!"
-Petros Isaakidis, 2021
"Apart from being at lovely venue the retreat in McGregor fired me up to complete my fist draft which I am now doing. I learnt a lot about the practical and business side of getting published."
-Jan Glazewski, 2021
There is a special magic that happens in this little village. Creativity is emboldened, a gentle release is inevitable and all anxiety seeps away, allowing and encouraging you to write your book. I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart, backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don't think twice! Do it.
Gabi Lowe 2018, author Get Me to 21
"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
"The McGregor retreat was a real treat! Temenos is a lovely place, relaxing and inspiring, I would even say “nourishing". I met some lovely people, talked about writing and reading, meditated, progressed a lot on my story and enjoyed Sarah’s passionate talks. A highlight was Sarah’s storytelling at ''The well''; magic. Thank you!"
-Petros Isaakidis, 2021
"Apart from being at lovely venue the retreat in McGregor fired me up to complete my fist draft which I am now doing. I learnt a lot about the practical and business side of getting published."
-Jan Glazewski, 2021