Writing Retreats

Creativity, Relaxation & Inspiration

Write, Reflect, Create, Focus, Dream and Write some more!

The tranquil little village of Warburton, nestled in the mountains of the Yarra Ranges, is a writer’s paradise.

Would you like to join us for a Writing Escape

A weekend away to write, create or escape where you can write, reflect, dream, imagine, relax, see and write.

Find your inner writer
Re-discover the flow of words
Motivate yourself again
Let your creativity expand
Feel free
Or just have a great time in the mountains

This weekend is all about letting go of the dross, the frustrations, the distractions and the obstacles, along with what you thought you couldn’t do.

It is not about the technicalities of writing – there are plenty of courses for that.

Instead, relax into a very different environment; use your senses, immerse yourself in nature, soak up the atmosphere, hang out with other people who love to write and gather on Saturday night with the local writers who hide away in the mountains where thick mists part to reveal a different world.

And from this…

From this the words may flow in ways that are just what you need.

You are also welcome to work on your current writing project; begin or continue that novel; article, essay, writing piece or find inspiration for something new. All in a lovely, tranquil, friendly atmosphere.

24 – 26 August 2012
7.30pm Friday to 4pm Sunday
Cost: $165 ($135 conc.)
Includes: an elegant atmospheric mansion, most meals, excursions and facilitation, optional workshopping of own and others material and plenty of time to reflect and write. Accommodation to fit all budgets available if required.

Contact: 0407 650026, email info@wellbeingholidays.com.au

On Saturday night, participants are invited to an optional evening at an atmospheric village cafe with local writers and poets. Limited free drinks will be available to fuel plenty of interesting discussions, questions and answers, readings and more.

All this is a gentle, fun, supportive and instructive space with other writers – both experienced and beginners and those in their own unique category

The facilitator: Phoenix Arrien is a published writer with over fifteen years experience contributing articles to publications around the world. She has written and edited books, contributed to anthologies, provided web content, blogs, articles and newsletters.

Phoenix has taught writing at Monash and Victoria Universities and occasionally spins a little magic of her own at her bush retreat deep in the mountains of creativity.

Testimonials From Past Workshop Participants:

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful writing retreat on the weekend.I was pleasantly surprised by what came out of it for me and it gave me new confidence and greater clarity on my book and exactly how to use certain topics, especially how best to incorporate my own story. I’m so glad I stayed until the end as that is where I found the gold thread that will tie my book together. Thank you so much for all your thoughts, ideas and opinions. I learnt so much from you…
- Nancy Karin, Accountant/financial consultant

I am now in such a more relaxed and connected space. The workshop helped me re-connect with both myself and my writer self, restore confidence in my abilities and help better integration of left and right brain.
- Julia Heaiter, Professional Writer

Thanks for a wonderful writing weekend in whimsical Warburton. I came away refreshed and motivated full of inspration, earger to write, write, write….
- Marion McGill, Art Therapist

Clarity…different perspectives and approaches…sharing ideas with fellow writers…the Stormy Night group story process…I needed this all so much.
- Dianne Millet, Teacher

Great weekend, thanks very much. Many insights including the writing process and how to break it down into achievable goals. Encouraging…and the Location, Location, Location!
- Jen Roberts, Communications Manager, Australian Government.

Encouragement to continue and persist…looking at things in a new way.
- Betty Caplan

Testimonals from the facilitator’s colleagues:

Hi Phoenix, The Guide has just been printed and looks great. Thanks for all your help with the project. Much appreciated!
- M. Davis, Burnham House Publishing

Just to let you know I really loved your story … it’s so well-written and really took me there. Excellent job.
- T. Ali, Feature Editor, Women’s Health

Just got a letter from a reader who said ‘… thank you so much for the article about Shiatsu – ‘it saved my husband’s life’ (he was suicidal because of his health and sadness). Now he’s getting more treatments and life is looking better. Wow!! What a letter!! Just wanted to let you know that you have made a HUGE lifesaving difference!!
- Olivia Richardson, (former) Australian Natural Health Editor

We … had a copy of this issue of Bear Deluxe with your article circulating around the office about a month or two ago, and all that I spoke to about it agreed it’s a really well-written article that provides a great insight to the issue, particularly for people who aren’t immediately familiar with the issues you’re writing about. Great stuff.
- Liam White, The Wilderness Society Inc.