Writers Retreat NSW
Henry Thoreau once said, “It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look.”
While looking for a writers centre I found that most were formal and school-like. That compelled me to create a space that was more of a writers retreat, planted close to nature and delivering quiet and calm.
Our residential writing courses offer a complete package of nourishing meals, writing activities, feedback, support and a private room to stay. Alternatively, we have online writing courses available.
For seven straight years, Denmark has been voted one of the top three happiest countries. A Danish psychologist puts it down to the Danes valuing a cultural construct called “hygge.” Other European nations that top quality-of-life studies have words that carry a similar concept - the Dutch use gezelligheid, the Germans have gemütlichkeit, Norwegians use koselig and the Swedes have mysig.
Although hygge is usually translated into English as cosy, a more nuanced translation is that of intentional intimacy. The latter is what we have modelled our writing quarters on as well as the example set by Henry Thoreau who spent time in a sanctuary he built on the outskirts of town. He lived simply there and frequently wrote in order to find clarity as to what direction to take with his life.
Writes of Passage Retreats incorporate both hygge and Thoreau-like features.
Diana Henry, one of UK’s foremost food writers, shares her experience of hygge:
“I didn’t have a word for it but as soon as I arrived in Copenhagen I understood the concept of hygge. Arriving at my hotel I noticed candles everywhere. Copenhagen was lit by a series of gentle glows. Candlelight, warm jumpers, great food and drink and a concern to make a good home are all part of it. I understood it - hygge, cosiness, a delight in life, the love of snuggling up in the corner of your sofa - and wished very much that we had it too. I think we need it.”
A lot of time and thought has gone into designing your writing program for the retreat. We trust you will find a wealth of practical benefit from it as well as reaffirm your vision and optimism for the future.
Complementing the writing material is the unique feel and look of the yurt. Simple, good design - a well-built space where things look clean, light and fresh. You will find it functional, yet stylish. Minimalist, yet warm. It uses light in various forms to add a bright cosiness.
Some of the features of the writing space to enhance your wellness and assist in the writing process include:
Wood Flooring - People in Nordic regions tend to avoid carpet due to its tendency to absorb dust, dirt, bacteria and mildew. We’ve taken their steer to go with the simplicity of polished floorboards made from sustainable bamboo. There is a throw rug for those who don’t enjoy a bare floor of wood, which also adds some extra warmth and texture.
Candle Light - There is nothing quite like a candle to nurture cosiness and counter dark winters. Norden’s light them often and without occasions to justify it. There is no better accompaniment as you read over the writing you’ve polished off during the day.
Houseplants - Indoor plants keep us alert and reduce mental fatigue. They have been found to make us feel good, increasing our positivity while lowering stress levels and blood pressure. While all plants clean the air, some are known to absorb pollutants and we have chosen a range of them accordingly.
Make Yourself at Home - It is wonderful to be left undisturbed. There is something about putting the kettle on and having a cuppa that helps us unwind and take pleasure in the simple things in life. Your writing space is fully contained in terms of warming drinks.
Most of the time you’ll want to perch at the desk to knock out some great work but it is good to know there are other options, be it sitting out in the open air admiring the bush or making use of the floor lounge and cushions to lie down and ponder ideas.
One of the signature elements of writers retreats is a stack of good books to bask in to spark the creative juices or to simply unwind.
Books never go out of style. There is nothing more peculiar than going to a home with no books. In Iceland, they publish more books per capita than any other nation. Hence the tradition, Jólabókaflóðið, where they celebrate the flood of new books released each xmas.
In the yurt space, you’ll find an unusual array of offbeat, thought-provoking and eclectic books as well as the entire collection of Australia’s most awe-inspiring mook (blend of book and magazine), Dumbo Feather. No matter what your passions and fields of interest, with close to 300 interviews with extraordinary people, you’re bound to find a great dose of inspiration and food for thought.
Sleep is essential for the healing and rejuvenation of our bodies (not to mention assisting ones writing) and yet so many people have trouble sleeping. Zooming through our days at light-speed, with minds running wild with to-do lists and the busyness of life does little to help us slip into peaceful slumber.
What you will find as the writing day ends is that we encourage you to embrace the slow, methodical pace of our evening routines.
Thanks to an abundance of local growers here in the Blue Mountains, you can expect hearty, home cooked meals made with seasonal veggies.
Before or after your evening meal you may want to enjoy being outside to take in the sunset or listen to the bird song.
Then it is time to receive some feedback on your writing or debrief around issues that have come up for you throughout the day. Complementing this period of substantial conversation you will be invited to enjoy a hot cacao, chamomile tea, spicy chai or perhaps just detox with some pure spring water that we harvest from a local spring.
While a complete digital detox is available during your retreat time, for those who relish the relaxation or stimulus that great cinema offers you will find a range of films and documentaries relevant to the themes you have worked on during the day.
Over a million hectares of sandstone plateaux escarpments and gorges.
Blue Mountains - Day Trips
Being in Katoomba, the jewel of the Blue Mountains, you will be well positioned to take in the intriguing local sites or choose from a raft of revitalising bushwalks. The retreat space is also just a short walk from the majestic Minnehaha Falls. Canyoning and other activities are available for those who like combining nature and exhilaration. Scenic World is another popular local attraction. For those staying on after their retreat, there is the option to break up your time with an adventure to the otherworldly Jenolan Caves.
Ecotherapy
While they are contented homebodies, the Nordics are equally happy exploring the great outdoors. Hygge is about getting back to basics and simplifying your life. Paring things back to a few timeless essentials frees us from the relentless pressure to consume, compete and always be up to date with the latest trends and fashions.
Both the spirit of self-reliance and looking to nature for inspiration are central to Nordic identity. There is nothing quite like an encounter with nature to soothe latent anxieties or fears about the future. Among its healing properties include a greater feeling of clarity and a renewed sense of purpose and focus.
Our writing space backs onto national park allowing you to admire the view while bathing in birdsong each morning.
The experience of Thoreau provides a great illustration of the link between nature and positive mental health. He came to understand the idea that it is by being who you truly are, and being so for yourself, that you can best do good for others. He felt the key was finding the particular path that is right for you. In order to do so, he took a sabbatical, where contemplation, nature and writing had an alchemical effect, providing him with long-term direction.
Writing Retreats
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The Surrounds
Katoomba is a hub for a host of scenic attractions including Jenolan Caves
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The Views
Just a 5 minute drive from the iconic Three Sisters as well as starry skies
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Local Walks
Chase waterfalls after dark on a local spectacular floodlit night walk in Katoomba
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Local Activities
Take in a trip to nearby Scenic World one of the most popular attractions in NSW
4 Dedicated Writing Programs
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Exploring Childhood
This program looks at writing your life story beginning with childhood.
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Exploring Adolescence
A life writing program focusing on your teenage development stage.
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Exploring Midlife
Write about your midlife passage and rebirth.
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End of Year Exploration
A program designed to capture and integrate the learnings of the last 12 months.
Memoir Writing Workshop
Stage One: Exploring your life through adult developmental psychology
We start by satisfying our left brain. The last half century has produced a field of research and literature relating to life phases, or stages of life. A timeline approach helps us contain our life story into digestible chapters.
"Believing that we are independent and competent enough to master the external tasks of life fortifies us in our attempts to become so. It is only later we discover that logic cannot penetrate the loneliness of the human soul.”
― Gail Sheehy, Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life
Stage Two: Incorporating an archetypal perspective
Developmental psychologists who explore the mythic dimension of life regard archetypes as catalysts for growth and change in our lives. Our personal myth, or story, connects us to universal myth and principles. Consider how many films or books involve the archetype of the mentor, who helps a protagonist on their path. Each of the 12 life phases this course covers is balanced with an accompanying archetype.
"Only a mind lacking in imagination can fail to admit its own insufficiency. Were it not for the leaping and twinkling of the soul, man would rot away in his greatest passion, idleness."
― C Jung, Archetypes & The Collective Unconscious
Stage Three: Sample life writing pieces
Each of the 12 stages includes a host of writing pieces, including people who have completed this course. As you go through the previous 2 modules, you'll be referred to the sample pieces which illustrate writing techniques and how you can flavour your writing with emotional impact.
"If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward vulnerability."
― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
My Life Story programs are designed for both experienced writers and new writers. What matters most is being self-reflective and open to exploring life events as a way of making greater sense of their passage through life.
My writing courses are offered in a variety of ways.
The group class takes place at Camp Creative in Bellingen each January. This 5 day program covers different life phases and milestone moments. Some writing techniques are explored, as is the mythic, or imaginative approach of incorporating archetypes in our stories for greater impact.
For those looking for a deeper dive, I offer an intensive one-on-one retreat experience for an individual in the Blue Mountains of NSW. Whereas the group program spends half a day on a particular life passage/archetype, the writers retreat program spends two days on each. This enables you to bath in many memoir examples, writing techniques and go into greater depth about your life phases.
Another benefit of this course is being able to receive personalised mentoring, editing and feedback on your writing.
Lastly, there are online writing programs option for those who are not located near Sydney or who want to work in a slower, self-paced manner.
Your Facilitator
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Marcus Dabb had been always drawn to personal development before having a turning point when he came across the notion of the hero’s journey.
After reading Jim Styne’s book about it, Heroes: A Guide to Realising Your Dreams, he recognised that working as a public servant for the taxation office was probably not living out his highest potential.
His higher education in teaching was complemented by his time working in employment services, recruitment, outdoor education and the TAFE always with a view to helping people discover and develop more authentic vocational paths.
Finding the courage to walk an alternative career path - one fraught with self-doubt and other obstacles - began a journey that led to his current focuses, A Different Drummer - Career Counselling, Polaris - Soul Blueprints & and Writes of Passage Retreats - Personal Development Retreats.
Having worked closely with many people to help them find their sense of vocational fit and career bliss.
After running a wide variety of workshops in Australia and overseas he launched his retreat initiative in the belief that contemplation, nature, carefully curated ideas and guidance from someone who has been through the ordeals of the hero’s journey, is the ideal means for people to look at life with greater possibility and unearth their own dormant potentiality.
Writing has been an integral part of his life. After studying creative writing at university and moving into social work, he employed writing activities with clients to help them find empowerment.
In addition to teaching life writing to groups and individuals, he has published a book which incorporates life writing called, The Different Drummer: Follow your own beat to find enlivening work and lead an extraordinary life.
Writers Retreats
Testimonials
Absolutely wonder-filled! I’ve been challenged and supported and inspired. Marcus is so well read and a pleasure to listen to. The framework given, the gentle and varied suggestions on subject matter and the time to write was invaluable. So much to unpack, thank you Marcus.
- Suzanne Weller
Stimulating. Inspiring. Confronting. Educational. Eye-opening. Humbling. Challenging. I wasn’t expecting to be so deeply moved. Loved the whole course!
- Rick Bolstler
Each session ‘primed the pump’ for some heartfelt writing. There was a sort of alchemy at work it seemed. It was great, thank you!
- Mandy G
I have enjoyed and received so much from being in your life writing classes. These are some of the areas where I felt healing and validation occur with the help of you and your course: Grandmother/Mother/Daughter relationships Son relationship Father/daughter relationship Sisters’ relationship Lovers and husbands Self-shame, depression and spirituality Deeper relationship with Community Expressing the power in being vulnerable Eliciting writing that’s creative and skillful Discovery of family connections The pleasure of writing Appreciation and understanding what age is for Big thanks!
- Eve Grzybowski
Blog Articles
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![writers retreat]()
Rather than focusing purely on building creative clusters, perhaps we should give equal regard to building a hub for cultural creatives where the focus is on nurturing socially flourishing communities.
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How many relationships do you know of that you would regard as high functioning and responsible for bringing out the best in each person?
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We all engage with archetypes, be it consciously or unconsciously. The combination of introspection and writing helps us to view life as a great adventure and privilege. It infuses soul back into our lives.
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A brain scientist, a plant behaviourist, a healer, a philosophy professor, a psychedelics scientist, and a Buddhist monk each offer their perspectives on the big questions.
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![midlife crisis counseling]()
When it comes to life phases, the midlife passage (ages 35-55) is the most treacherous of our lives. Midlife calm is not a phrase in the lexicon but midlife crisis certainly is.
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![mens retreat]()
Moving beyond the masculine tendency towards anaesthetising the feminine, there is a great level of tenderness as the men allow their feminine side to surface in the way that they open up and care for one another.
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Narrative Therapy was born as a personal development tool to help people identify themselves as being distinct from their problems in order to employ their own strengths to move toward change.
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A radical rethink of our relationship to money is needed if we are to readdress the imbalances behind climate change, poverty, unhappiness and so many other social issues.
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![tarot card course]()
Its been argued that our fascination has to do with stories being able to speak to that part of us which yearns to live a heroic or significant life.
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![life therapy review]()
Our End of Year Exploration program is an opportunity to reflect on the year, integrate the developments and learnings while preparing for next years focus.
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![midlife mastery retreat]()
The moment you understand your value, you become valuable. Making the midlife shift from approval seeking to authenticity.
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![couple counseling retreat]()
Of all the myths causing heartache, few compare to the one which says that once we track down our elusory soulmate, everything will fall into place for us. Anaïs Nin put it succinctly when she said: “Where the myth fails, human love begins.”
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![Trauma Retreat]()
Why go through the struggle of metamorphosis? This urging to individuate resides in us all. Suffering and becoming authentic is the ultimate alchemy. Embrace it. Welcome it.
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![wellbeing health retreats]()
Words such as "depressed" and "anxious" don’t exist in some American Indian languages. Quite a contrast from modern society, where depression is the single leading cause of disability globally.
Blue Mountains Retreats
“Great things are done when people and mountains meet;
this is not done by jostling in the street.”
- William Blake
Take in a local stargazing tour at night
Rejuvenate in the Blue Mountains natural wonders
Retreats NSW
Art Retreat
Discover your creative potential and explore a variety of artistic mediums. Art Retreat
Astrology Retreat
An introduction to astrology where you learn about the zodiacs planets, signs, houses and how they impact one another. Astrology Retreat
Birth Your Business Retreat
A new small business is started every 100 seconds. Learn how to take your passions and make your livelihood doing what you love. Small Business Course
Boost Your Business
Learn how to make your business thrive & contribute to positive social change. Business Course
Breath Work Retreat
Intensive 2 and 3 day breathwork programs to help you release trauma and energy blockages. Breathwork Retreat
Career Retreat
Take a mini sabbatical to determine your ideal career & how to actualise it. Career Retreat
Couples Therapy Retreat
A program to enrich or revive one's relationship. Couples Counselling Retreat
Family Constellations
Explore your Internal Family Systems to liberate yourself from inherited beliefs and intergenerational trauma. Family Constellations Retreat
Family Healing Retreat
A program that explores the mother/father wounding and overcoming our imprints. Family Healing Retreat
Healing Retreat
Our healing retreat takes you through a range of modalities such as energetic healing, breathwork, transpersonal counselling & more. Healing Retreat
Health Retreat
Our health retreat takes a holistic approach to optimise your body, mind and emotional health. Health Retreat Blue Mountains
Life Purpose Retreat
Finding your life purpose is like the hub of a wheel, everything radiates out from it. Life Purpose Retreat
Love Retreat
Instead of gaming love, master the game of love by understanding your core needs and the blocks between you & a lasting connection. Singles Retreat
Maiden to Mother Retreat
An initiation to heal and move beyond the maiden phase of development & into the strength & centredness of the mother. Women’s Retreat
Men's Retreat / Women's Retreat
Integrate your divine feminine & divine masculine to find inner wholeness, sustain fulfilling relationships and obtain greater life direction. Sacred Union More
Mental Health Retreat
A program which focuses on working through mental health issues in a more holistic way that mainstream methodogies. Mental Health Retreat
Midlife Crisis Retreat
Midlife crisis presents us with a great opportunity to transition from the morning of life into the afternoon of life. Midlife Retreat
Mystical Retreat
A week long intensive where you learn the art of astrology, numerology, tarot & sacred geometry. Mystical Retreat
Rewilding Retreat
Recalibrate with nature, technology, yourself & your place in the world. Reconfigure your life in a radically simple and integrated way. Rewilding Retreat
Sacred Geometry Course
Create sacred geometry, learn the 9 numerology archetypes and explore your soul blueprint. Sacred Geometry Retreat
Self Discovery Retreat
A retreat centred around understanding yourself at the deepest level to integrate who you are with the life you live. Self Discovery Retreat
Self Love Retreat
Ideal for singles working on relationship patterns & those who could use some self care & greater appreciation for who they are. Self Love Retreat
Silent Retreat
Our silent retreats help you attain greater clarity through a calmer mind and clearer perspective. Silent Retreat Blue Mountains
Spiritual Awakening Retreat
A program to explore spiritual awakening and the process of understanding & expressing your soul aspect. Spiritual Retreat
Tarot Retreat
A Jungian retreat exploring the major arcana #0-3.Depth psychology & archetypal integration through a tarot course. Tarot Retreat
Wealth Retreat
There is an energetic aspect to money often overlooked. Explore the psychology of money & take a holistic approach to managing it . Wealth Retreat
Wellbeing Retreat
A retreat involving creative expression, life guidance, relationship exploration & activities - tarot, breathwork, counselling & more. Wellbeing Retreat
Writing Retreat
Each of us has a unique and interesting story to share. This program looks at writing your life story beginning with childhood. Writing Retreat
Writing Retreat (Program #2)
This program looks at writing your life story with a specific focus on the exploration of your adolescence. Writing Retreat NSW
Yoga Retreat
Discover a range of eastern wisdoms such as yoga, mediation, chakras, ayurvedic health and more. Yoga Retreat Blue Mountains