Join author and literary agent Sarah Bullen for an immersive writing retreat in the picturesque South of France. Write your story, refine your manuscript, and develop a deeper understanding of structure, character, and the writing process, gathering inspiration from the rich history and atmosphere.
Set within a historic estate, this retreat offers daily discussions and writing sessions with Sarah, focusing on key techniques, industry insights, and one-on-one feedback. Mornings begin with quiet writing time, while afternoons provide space to refine your work and explore advanced storytelling methods. Share meals and connect with fellow writers in a welcoming and supportive environment, leaving with new skills, fresh ideas, and a clear direction for your creative journey.
We stay at a historic domaine outside Montréal in the Aude region, France
WE STAY AT A DOMAINE (Villa)
We stay at Domaine Majou - a historic domaine on 8 1/2 hectares of former farmland and vineyards. This has recently been reimagined as a haven for creativity, connection, and celebration.
You will stay in:
* One of the 7 beautifully restored bedrooms in the main house.
* One of the 4 rooms in the charming gîte. A gite is a renovated traditional country cottage or barn conversion
Every corner invites you to gather, unwind, and be inspired.
GETTING THERE
You will fly to Toulouse (1 hour away) or if you are coming from the UK you may fly Ryanair into Carcassonne (15 mins away).
You can also find your way to Carcassonne and we will transfer you from there.
Stretching between Toulouse and Montpellier, Aude is bordered by the Mediterranean on its eastern side, the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain) in the north.
While the Aude is named for its river, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of the Pyrenees, it is also known as “Cathar Country” after a group of religious dissidents active in the 12th to 14th centuries. Yet, above all, we prefer the romance of the region. In the medieval tales The Charlemagne Romances, Aude La Belle was the beloved of Roland, whose soul was lifted to paradise in The Song of Roland.
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
Both advanced and novice writers are welcome.
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. We also welcome scriptwriters, academic writers and poets.
It is right for you, if you need an adventure, plus the gift of time and space in a quiet setting. You don’t need to be a writer or to have a grand project in progress. You may be halfway through a novel, or on your second one.
You can be working on a memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.
This is for writers who just need dedicated time away from ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment to write, write and write. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.
To market, to market, we go! Every morning, a cornucopia of markets is found within 10-45 minutes of a picturesque drive from Domaine Majou. You grab your sacks and set out to uncover the unique flavors and characters of each destination. Which will it be today? The quaint village market ofBram, or the bustling and renowned market in Mirepoix, where local artisans showcase their crafts alongside produce and local cheeses—too much goodness for our sacks to hold. On Sundays, you can venture south towards the Spanish border to the bohemian market in Esperaza, where the aromas of piment and fresh olive oil tantalize your senses. Perhaps, on the way home, have a picnic by the river, followed by a cool dip or exploring the secrets of historic cobbled streets?
Sarah Bullen
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Writing sessions, individual tuition and a programme with literary agent Sarah Bullen
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7 nights of accommodation at a spectacular private estate in the Carcassonne region of France
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Exclusive use of the entire estate indoor and outdoor lounge areas, beautiful gardens, terraces, sauna gym and pool.
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All meals at the venue carefully prepared by a private chef
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7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
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Afternoon snacks
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Coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day
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Local award-winning wine served with dinner
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Trip to Carcassonne to visit the castle
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Trip to the bustling and renowned market in Mirepoix, where local artisans showcase their crafts alongside produce and local cheeses—too much goodness for our sacks to hold.
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Private transportation and guide for all planned activities
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Round-trip transfers from/to the airport at prearranged times from Carconsone or Toulouse.
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All local tourist taxes and fees
COST 2025
Rooms €2,490 per person sharing
€3,800 for single occupation
€600 deposit on acceptance
NOT INCLUDED
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Airfare
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Travel insurance
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One lunch during the full-day trip
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Tips for staff
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Other expenses guests might incur on their own
Literary Agent. Author. Speaker. NDE experiencer. Cancer survivor.
Sarah Bullen is an international writing mentor and literary agent. She works with writers all over the world to tell their stories, and write that book. Founder of The Writing Room and Kent Literary, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored over the last two decades. She has held editorial roles across both books, magazines and literary agencies.
The Writing Room helps writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
As well as being a regular guest on talk shows, podcasts, literary festivals and writers’ circles, Sarah has been leading international writing retreats and adventures since 2014.
Sarah has also written over 14 books as a professional ghostwriter for business and thought leaders and celebrities.
Her own books have been on the shelves since 2005 and most recent titles are
Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking about and Just Write It
and the NDE book
Love & Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.
Sarah's latest book is Love and Above. A journey through Shamanism Coma and Joy. has garnered international interest and attention with its sensational story.
A decade ago, after a crazy set of events, Sarah ended up in a month-long coma. In that time she travelled through near-death and into other realms and worlds. She came back with an urgent message from beyond, and a spark to follow which she shares in the book and her life.
Sarah lost her husband to cancer and is a breast cancer survivor herself, and her message is inspire people to find joy and bliss in the adventures of life.
She lives in Cape Town and spends part of the year in Greece and Botswana. She is a qualified Family Constellations facilitator and works with Writing with the Ancestors. Through these endeavors, I passionately foster the art of storytelling, curating storytelling retreats, and facilitating women's rites of passage and rituals that encapsulate the profound impact of narrative expression.
SCHEDULE
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Through in-depth discussions, hands-on writing time, and personalized feedback, you will develop your storytelling skills, strengthen your manuscript, and gain a clearer understanding of the writing and publishing process.
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Mornings begin with quiet writing sessions, offering uninterrupted time to focus and build momentum before the day's discussions. Sarah will lead practical and engaging sessions covering everything from structuring a strong story to world-building, dialogue, and self-editing. Individual feedback is a key part of the retreat, with Sarah offering guidance tailored to each writer’s needs. Whether you are shaping a new idea or preparing a manuscript for submission, you will gain valuable insight into improving your work.
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Throughout the week, visit three inspiring locations and a lively French market. Each place offers an opportunity to absorb details and observe the world with a writer’s eye. From the history etched into stone walls to the energy of a bustling market morning, these experiences will help you bring richness and authenticity to your writing.
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The topics covered during your lessons will include:
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Planning the basics of a compelling story
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Identifying the key elements of structure
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Navigating the business side of books and screenplays
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Mastering short-form writing – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack, and magazines
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Researching and perfecting the art of the interview
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Creating realistic characters
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Crafting strong beginnings, starts, and hooks
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Self-editing and refining editing styles
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Handling point of view effectively
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Working with dialogue to enhance storytelling
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Working through personal blocks with confidence
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Adding depth and layers, tone, and voice
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Sourcing tips and techniques for effective writing
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Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one
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Launching your brand and developing publicity ideas
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...and many more.
Your accommodation will be in an elegant historic estate from the Napoleonic era, set amidst vibrant gardens, secluded woodlands, a natural pond, and a heated pool. Delight in Dordogne’s culinary heritage with daily chef-prepared meals and savor the local wines through a cheese and wine-tasting experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this retreat available to all levels?
This retreat is ideal for writers of all levels.
When is the retreat available?
The retreat takes place between October 4 - 11, 2025.
Are there any check-in and check-out hours?
Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 4, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00 AM, on October 11, 2025.
How do I get to the retreat venue?
Please plan to arrive at the Gare Bergerac train station. The retreat venue is located approximately a 35-minute drive from Gare Bergerac, the main train station in the area that has a direct connection with Paris. We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in France a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private transfers from/to Gare Bergerac train station at prearranged times are included. Please read the Location tab for more information. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.
What’s the weather like in Eymet, France, in early October?
The weather in Eymet in early October is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 21°C / 70°F during the day that drop to around 9°C / 48°F at night. However, in recent years, temperatures have varied unpredictably. We recommend you check the weather yourself before your departure and pack accordingly.
What should I pack?
Please pack appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses, a jacket for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.
Can I do laundry while on the retreat?
Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.
What supplies do I need for the retreat?
A list of materials recommended by Sarah Bullen will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat.
Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?
The currency is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in most places. However, it might be a good idea to take out some euros from the ATM at the airport for taxis, small purchases, visiting the market, and tipping. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in France.
How many people are expected at the retreat?
Maximum of 15 participants.
I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes.
Do I need a visa?
Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter France for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.
What language is used during the workshop and other activities?
The retreat is available in English.
Can a non-participating guest join me?
We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.
Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the retreat venue and day trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?
If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.
What happens if I need to cancel?
All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.
We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.
TESTIMONIALS and REVIEWS
I had the opportunity to speak with Sarah a year and a half ago, where I shared that I needed to write a book about my work experience in Colombia. Today I am delivering the book to be published, and I want to thank you for your help and your Write your Book in 100 Days guidebook. I used all the recommendations you gave me in our conversation, but also your book, that I used fully to get the book done.
Jorge H. Jaramillo, President of Deceval, the private central securities depository in Colombia, 2023
With all the content for my book in hand and a message I wanted to share, I needed someone to help me structure my thoughts and give life to my ideas. Sarah Bullen masterfully brought all the words together into a completed manuscript. Thank you for your patience, persistence, integrity and professionalism. You made my dream come true!
Kim Potgieter, Your Midlife Money Makeover 2020
I've wanted to write a book for years. I had so many ideas and half written chapters floating around in my head and on my computer but had no idea on how to even begin to structure them into a cohesive storyline in order to bring my book to life. Doing a mentorship with The Writing Room was the exact kick up the butt I needed to finally get out of my very complicated head and just write my damn book! The accountability, focus, feedback and guidance was exactly what I needed to translate my very big, overwhelming ideas into a single, streamlined, practical book that is now sitting on bookshelves across the country! The wealth of information and experience that Sarah & Kate have in the writing and publishing world is extensive. If you are serious about writing your book, you could not find a better team to work with than The Writing Room. They will definitely show you how to transform your 'nice ideas' into a reality. Without The Writing Room, I would not have a book. I am beyond grateful for their brilliance and guidance in my writing journey."
Leah Sefor, That's Not what I meant? The smart, savvy guide to real communication (2021 NB Publishers)
I’m definitely feeling sad to reach the end of the mentorship. This has been an amazing group of very motivated and talented folks. It’s been great to see all your stories materialise in front of our eyes. It’s been a strange time in the world and I really thank you all for helping me get through it with an actual product to show for it and some semblance of sanity.
Drew Charles, After Party 2021
I did your 100-day writing course in 2015 for my novel, Gracie Stirling and the Whisper Horses. It's getting published! A small publishing house in Wales picked it up and will be publishing it. I have already signed the contract and they have sent their edits. I just wanted to say a big thank you so much. The 100-Day course was invaluable and it provided me with the structure and "action" they loved in the book. Thank you!
Jenny Kling, Gracie Stirling and the Whisper Horses, Gomer Publishing 2019
I’m no writer but had a story I needed to tell. If you have a book “inside” you and you have determination then catch a ride with Sarah and Kate. Hold on tight – it won’t be easy, and it does take time, but if you do it their way –
and do everything they say, you will get your first draft done. Their wealth of knowledge on the craft of writing, the industry, and process and the motivation around it all was priceless. Book 2 to follow soon and no doubt
through this process again with them.
Costa Carastavrakis - I am Costa, From Meths to Marathons 2019
It almost feels like a dream - like I had 20,000 words, then woke up four months later and now have nearly 80,000. This course has been exactly what I needed and wanted - and more. Sarah Bullen thank you for giving us the perfect mix of inspiration, tenderness and whip-cracking. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you both and working with you - and I look forward to continuing my journey with you!
Anne-Marie Luck, Tokyo 2020
I LOVED everything. The structure and the accountability. I loved the combination of inspiration and Sarah's taskmaster writing challenges. I loved hearing other people's progress and stories – it inspired me to carry on. Also was great as a forum to discuss some of the structural aspects of writing and really narrowing the focus of your book's core. The one-on-one sessions were brilliant as it really kept me believing I could do it and gave me good ideas to implement going forward. For someone who wants to do it but isn’t sure how or if they have it in them, this is the perfect way to test yourself.
Leigh Taylor 2019
This mentorship has changed my life. They caught me in the air, and gave me a platform to write from, and guidance to feel. The Facebook group was really awesome, I found that reading everyone’s tribulations and successes brought us closer together, and I often found myself in exactly the same place as my fellow authors. The weekly accountability updates often had me in anxious sweats as I wasn’t always able to add to my word count, but it did push me to write and write and write. I would recommend this mentorship, slave-ship to every single person out there who has even the inkling to write a story. Just do it, as Nike said. Just do it.
Talia Day
This course was a big eye opener for me! It showed me that I can definitely write and publish a book, and that it’s also not an exercise for the faint of heart! However, with the Mastermind structure it’s much more accessible that just doing it in the dark… having the guidance, expertise, and intense delivery context is definitely a potential game changer.
Brad Shorkend - We Are Still Human (And Work Shouldn't Suck) 2019
I started my journey with my beloved project in 2015. I dipped in and out of it for the past 3 and some years, feeling close to it but lacking that something to lead me forward. Since joining the group in August, absolutely everything changed. I keep looking back in awe because I’ve now completed a first draft. And that’s a big thing! There is something special about having a place to account as well as having two strong and experienced guides to crack the whip and remind you of your commitments.
This continues to be an invaluable experience for me and I feel mushy and weepy with gratitude for it.
Gladys Ryan, The Selful Soul 2023
“Kate cracks the whip and Sarah moulds your book into shape”
Sandra Buckingham 2018
“Sarah is the master at showing you how to write for a reader”
Khanyisa Malungana 2017
“You are in for a ride of fun and learning, hard work, sleepless nights as well as the rousing and wondrous highs of
meeting your own commitments in getting YOUR book done as you steadily come into your home run - your finish run - the draft of your book! Get your ticket now.”
Hester Bergh Appoyer - Being Nice isn't Enough! 2017
The people, the community that was formed, the honesty and vulnerability and the opportunity we had to share stories, realizing that it wasn’t just us, we weren’t alone, sharing celebrations. What really worked was the commitment to the regular posts and you holding that firmly; the consistency was epic.
Wendy Ward. Metamorphic Coaching and Presilience
I have challenged myself to test a dream. I loved it. This mentorship is extremely supportive & well structured so one is not left in the wilderness and wondering what to do or write next”. The weekly tasks are very well thought through and keep one on track and it’s wonderful to connect with other writers. It is a non-judgmental course and process and therefore you can explore your writing without fear.
Caroline Menell 2019
Sarah and Kate’s writing mentorship is the stick of dynamite you need to stop gazing at your own navel and instead gaze at a finish line that gets steadily closer. If you’ve been struggling to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page, this mentorship will prove invaluable.
Meg Chronis, romance author including The Seven Day Switch 2018
“I never knew how to share my story, and then like a divine gift from the universe, came Kate and Sarah. From book structure and editing to publishing, branding and PR I did it! And if I can, you can. What an incredible experience – let them show you how. It’s a life-changing journey.
Jennifer Cole - Raising Beautiful Children in an often Ugly World 2016
You have motivated me to fulfill my dreams:
Hannelie Bronkhorst.
What an amazing and inspiring experience it has been. After sitting for years with bits and pieces of my second book done, I now have a completed first draft in my hands.
Jacqui Holmes
D-Day – Wow! What a journey. Yes I have a first draft! 89 000 words!
Carmen Tina Schneider.
I absolutely loved the process with Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen. Not having been an author before, the experience gave me the grounding I needed to complete three chapters for a co-authored book and get started on my first book.
Bettina Pickering, The Emotion Coach 2016
“Anyone who feels they have a book buried inside should be part of this course to dig deep and uncover the book that needs to be written”.
Jacqui Bourne
This has started me on a journey that I dreamed of from an early age but hadn’t felt confident enough to act on. The whole process of writing and publishing has been de-mystified and made ever so do-able. It is no longer an intimidating out of reach dream, finishing my book is now an attainable goal.
Viki Runge
"I want to thank you for putting together this course material, the course itself and without a doubt, for the magnificent support, inspiration, nurturing, friendship and confidence that both you Kate, and you Sarah have afforded us during this ‘a journey into the unknown world of writers’. This has been one of the best things to have happened to me for a long time! There is no doubt that I attract fabulous people into my life. Bravo! "
Rose McClement
I absolutely loved the structure of the course and the course as a whole. Thought you have made such a huge effort to design a great course and you both really know your stuff and it’s so helpful. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Sue Adams, author
This was the most incredible experience. I started my book a while ago and completed the most awful first draft when my kids left to go to University and boarding school. They came home during lockdown so there went my writing. I grabbed your challenge with gusto and undertook to complete my second draft with major editing by the end of the course. Jenny McGregor
This month has given me the gift of being on a fast creative train and I am in love with life! Gulistan Dhyan
I loved the ZOOM bumtime sessions, I am grateful for this group process which helped me to focus, commit, write and affirm that I know enough to do this. Deep gratitude for your daily support, prompts, deadlines, candid self-reveals, humour, anecdotes, quips and quotes, and constant encouragement. Linda Glass
I have been trying to get this baby out for a decade. I set a word count with the help of Kate and Sarah, I met it. The focus and discipline I found with the lessons and prompts below my mind," Geri McMahon, Ireland.
This 30 days was the most incredible anchor. I had fallen out of the writing zone with my second book and this kept me going. The daily lessons, audio, quote and notes just pushed me and pushed me. It was unstoppable," Catherine Glennie, No More Push Push
It was during this that everything finally fell into place with my book,"
Sandra Aquino, Secrets from Above
My big goal was to finish my second draft. Done."
I can't believe what I achieved in this time. I walk away with a competent and solid book plotted," Sue Adams author.
This was genius. I was pushed all the way to the end.," Jacqui Bauer
The focussed online writing sessions were just genius. I couldn't believe that we can write together, in silence, from all corners of the world and get so much done," Jana-Marie Coombes
I finished my second draft. It's good. I finished at 5am on the final day. I put the last full stop and it is done. I could never have done it without the group energy," Jenny .
The group and the push gave me such a creative momentum. It gave my writing movement and pace and excitement," Linda Odjugo, Italy.
I joined the Stop Mucking About accountability group with Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen Roderick because I knew I would not have the discipline on my own to finish my book. In fact I haven't stopped working with them since the writing retreat in Greece last year. And I am now on my third (and final!) draft with a deadline for 20-2-2020 to be done and dusted. The regular weekly updates, their gentle (but kickass!) nudging together with the wealth of information and tools they both bring makes this an amazing support group. Stop Mucking About is a worthwhile investment in you and your book! Just do it!
Di Atherton 2019
Thank you Sarah Bullen Roderick and Kate Emmerson for getting me to actually produce a 120 000 word manuscript. It's so easy to talk about writing a novel, to think about writing a novel but to actually get down and do it is something else. You gave me the structure, the support, kept flagging energy going and an occasional prod and push, and it got done. You do what you say- Author Support - and its brilliant. Loved my courses with you. Thank you. Sue Adams 2019
Just wanted to share how useful and inspiring I am finding the Stop Mucking About program run by Sarah Bullen . There is no way they will let u fail and their support, loving guidance and constant presence have helped me to move forward with my project despite struggling with work life balance - please do yourself a favor and enroll. Mary-Joe Emde 2019
Over the last four years I have been writing in circles and at the end of those four years I manage to have three excellent chapters but still no ending to my book. By joining the 'Stop mucking about' group headed by Sarah Bullen, I am now well on my way in writing the first draft of my first novel and the ending is clearly in sight. Their constructive feedback, prodding, encouragement and belief in me has made the journey an exciting and rewarding one. Jane Bond Australia 2019
WHAT OUR WRITERS SAY
Ayla TK, Israel
This retreat topped all of my expectations. It gracefully operates between professionalism, deep connection with the land and creativity, and a load of fun. I felt I was given practical tools to write while also given a beautiful space to meet my muse. It was a magical seven days in Tuscany I will carry with me forever. I will tell you what my husband said when I was contemplating the trip. “Just go!” You won’t regret it
Michelle Ruiz, USA
I did the Italy retreat and it changed my life. There were so many incredible moments that inspired my writing and enlightened my soul. I HIGHLY recommend this retreat. Kate and Sarah are amazing and thoughtful in everything they do. I plan to go to another one of their retreats soon!