Cape Town Retreat

Every year we retreat a few times for a writing immersion. Anyone with a book, or a writing project is welcome to join. 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 and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a journey into quiet, and into your story.  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. Academic writers are also welcome. 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, academic. ​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.

THE VENUE  -  Temenos Retreat Centre, McGregor Temenos is well loved for its beauty and tranquility. It is set in the heart of the small village of McGregor. There are a range of simple, fully equipped cottages. ​Each cottage sleeps has its own private patio and fireplace for winter visits. The centre is comes from the Buddhist tradition where simplicity and silence are welcomed. There is a swimming pool in the gardens, healing gardens are many private spaces for meditation and quiet reflection and writing.   There is an on-site restaurant that offers breakfast lunch and supper. There are 11 cottages and when you book you will be given the list and can select one that calls to you. ​

please note the costs are on the actual booking links as they vary per venue. Please find those links at the top of this page.  COSTS 2024 Single occupancy room R11,202  Deposit R5,000  Shared room R9,502 per person  Deposit R5,000 per person We will not pair you up with someone, so book this room if you are coming with a partner or friend.  Non Residential Ticket R6,000 * limited to 4 places Please note a deposit is required to secure your place. This is non-refundable as per our T&Cs which we will send you. 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

• 4 nights accommodation
• Daily buffet breakfast
• 2 group dinners
• A guided writing process (tea and coffee provided)
• A one-on-one session
• Structured feedback on your project
• All course fees and learning material

COST EXCLUDES

• Flights
• Visas and Travel Insurance
• Any additional services such as massages, treatments or extra trips
• Extra meals not included _ please note the cottages are self catering

​ 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