Writing Courses
Group Writing Class
Life Writing Using the Guidance of Archetypes & Adult Development Phases
I am the man whose heart feels imprisoned because I’m yet to find my creative outlet....something is alive in me, what can it be!
Vincent Van Gogh expressed this frustration before going on to find his life’s passion as a painter. Self-expression is defined as the expression of one's personality, feelings, or ideas, through speech or art. We all have a strong need for self-understanding and self-expression. By delving into the deeper layers of our life’s journey we are able to do both. This course will appeal to both writers as well as non-writers who are self-reflective and open to exploring life events as a way of making greater sense of their passage through life.
Novels, TV and films reveal archetypal patterns, which speak to us at a deep level. Gaining an understanding of the archetypes and what they have to teach us about the stages of life development, unearths rich material to write about our own journey.
The course will begin with a brief history of story, biography, the essence of archetypes and the power of creative self-expression. Each day will explore specific archetypes that reflect a time period of our lives. Participants then compose a story about a life event to uncover its inner meaning. Seeing aspects of your life story in a new light helps clarify your past, as well as the present, and facilitate a shift that can bring insight into your path for the future.
In line with brain plasticity research, it has been proven that writing about life experiences rearranges memories to produce new perspectives in our relationship to what we see on the page. Writing becomes more than therapeutic, it becomes transformative and empowering. Reaching into the events of your life allows you to locate deeper layers of wisdom and find the healing that can lie within them.
Participants will be invited to experience the release and tenderness of sharing their story with others. Navigating the cycle from birth to death will provide a foundation for people to write their autobiography as well as help people reframe events to mine them for learning opportunities and recognise how much they have grown.
Please note that this week long workshop will not take place in the Blue Mountains, where our workshops typically are hosted. This group course takes place in Bellingen.
As this is a large, annual event, spots can fill up quickly. Book your place through the event organiser, Camp Creative.
This course will appeal to both writers as well as non-writers who are self-reflective and open to exploring life events as a way of making greater sense of their passage through life.
This form of work can help you uncover the inner meaning of certain life events, and offer the release of sharing your story with others.
This work builds a foundation to write your autobiography as a way to clarify your past, as well as the present, and facilitate a shift that can bring insight into your path for the future.
Writing becomes more than therapeutic it becomes transformative and empowering.
Next Group Retreat
12-16 January 2025 Bellingen
You have to write the book that wants to be written
- Madeleine L'Engle
What you’ll get from this course:
An understanding of how to unearth the rich material of your life
A range of techniques to make your writing and stories more compelling
The skill of being able to reframe challenging events as learning experiences and gifts
A collection of stories to leave as a legacy or to share with loved ones
An outlet to pass on your unique insights
The reawakening of memories and opportunity to celebrate one’s life
An understanding of the journey of your life and its stand out themes
Romano Guardini once said, “Every phase [of life] exists for the benefit of the whole and for the benefit of every other phase; if it is damaged, both the whole and every individual phase suffers.”
When you write about your life story you can heal the woundings from your past and find the connecting thread which illuminates your future. Discovering your personal myth is medicine for oneself which births medicine for the collective.
This original life writing course can be done in this group setting, or as an individual retreat program or online.
Writing Retreats
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The Surrounds
Work inside or take time outside in the elements to soak in birdsong and nature
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The Space
A tranquil, restful space with bushland views and access to 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 Waterfalls
Our retreat centre is within walking distance of healing Mini Ha Ha waterfall
Memoir Writing Retreat
A students experience
After taking part in my group memoir writing class, Ros developed the stories she wrote over the week long course until she had sufficient material for a book.
She brought her material to my Blue Mountains retreat and we worked together to piece the stories together and accentuate her narrative.
With some further polishing, Ros went on to publish her memoir, which you can read a sample of here.
This is how she described her experience of undertaking the writing retreat:
I have just returned from a Writes of Passage Retreat run by Marcus. I didn’t really know what to expect but it’s definitely been one of the best things I’ve done.
I started out with a draft of events that made up my life story and after a few days of gentle conversation and insights shared from psychology, a whole bunch of new truths came to the fore.
I feel changed because of these discoveries and I can’t wait to write these new depths of meaning into my narrative.
Marcus’s open, unassuming yet skilful approach was just what I needed to build and strengthen the story of my life. Its been an amazing few days!
With a desire to write my life story as a gift for my children, I undertook his life story writing group and discovered that writing the story of my life might actually be achievable.
The focus on finding the bigger narrative in one’s life led to my “Eureka” moment - when all at once, I realised how I would frame my story and how each chapter would unfold.
I found that writing it up was enjoyable and cathartic and I know I have him to thank for getting me started and showing me the way.
When I arrived at the retreat space to work individually with him I had a draft of my story which to me seemed a little dull and probably incomplete.
Again the question of bigger narratives revealed itself as we discussed my life events and also explored other tools including the idea that we each have a life path we explore. Marcus helped me to identify themes that I had barely thought of.
With unsurpassed patience, he read through my draft word by word and along the way shared insights that now “must” be included in the book - they are all so vital.
Now as I look back over this week, I am in absolute awe of the themes he has highlighted. I have work to do - but I am excited and can’t wait to begin to incorporate them!
Marcus, you have given me such a valuable gift - I feel uplifted because of the “truths” we discovered together and emboldened by your words as I embark on this next stage.
I greatly appreciate all that you have given me and your great generosity of spirit.
- Rosslyn Lam, author of For the Love of Difference
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.
Self-directed Online Courses
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Program #1 Exploring Childhood
The Greek poet Homer wrote The Odyssey to tell the journey Odysseus went through. After surviving the war at Troy he went through all manner of trials and adventures in his quest to return to his homeland of Ithaca.
Whereas Homer divided The Odyssey into 24 books, this online memoir writing course takes you through 12 stages of life.
Childhood can be regarded as the first life passage we navigate, setting the scene for our life's trajectory.
Purchasing this module provides you with 3 workbooks based on childhood themes with associated writing tasks.
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Program #2 Exploring Adolescence
#1 module explores themes of adolescence from a more left-brained perspective. It contains over 20 pages with a host of writing prompts and questions.
#2 module explores themes of adolescence from a more right-brained perspective to incorporate an archetypal model (the orphan archetype). It contains over 20 pages with writing prompts and questions.
#3 module contains over 100 pages of sample writing relating to adolescence.
You also have a further option to receive feedback on your writing and help in locating the overarching theme of your life’s journey. *Feedback and support involves an additional fee.
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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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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![ayahuasca retreat]()
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 workshop]()
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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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