I’m writing this to you from my kitchen table, steam rising from my afternoon cup of tea, freshly back from three weeks at a writing residency in France. I’ve got the fire on, because let’s face it, Melbourne is cold compared to France right now! (Read about my trip to Europe over on my Substack).
My head is still full of swans and quiet mornings, new friendships and breakthrough moments with fellow writers and artists.
And I can’t stop thinking about a conversation I had early this week from a writer who reached out to me about an upcoming writing retreat:
‘I keep meaning to write, but life just gets in the way. I have all these stories in my head, but I can never find the time or space to get them out.’
Does this sound familiar?
This is exactly why I carved out time for my time at the residency in France, and why I run my retreats. Time and space.
The permission to disappear (in the best way)
There’s something radical about stepping away from regular life to focus solely on your writing. When writers arrive at my retreats – often frazzled, usually apologetic about taking time away – I know I’m about to witness something beautiful.
It starts quietly. Maybe it’s that first morning when you wake up and realise the only thing on your agenda is your words. Or that afternoon when you look up from your notebook, surprised you’ve been writing for three hours without checking your phone.
The magic isn’t just in the writing time. It’s in the permission. Permission to put your creative work first. Permission to take yourself seriously as a writer.
The gift of creative community
But it’s not only about the solitude, it’s also about finding your people.
There’s something extraordinary that happens when writers and artists gather. Conversations over morning coffee that crack open new story possibilities. Gentle encouragement when someone shares vulnerable work. Laughter rippling through the group when someone reads a perfect line.
I’ve watched seasoned writers rediscover their joy and complete beginners find their voice. Friendships form that last long after the retreat ends.
We’re not meant to do this alone, this writing life.
What I learned in France
My recent residency at Chateau d’Orquevaux reminded me why these experiences matter so much:
- Routine creates magic – Having the same writing spot each morning, the same ritual, lets creativity flow more easily
- Community amplifies individual work – Sharing meals and conversations with other writers and artists fed my writing in unexpected ways
- Time moves differently – Without the usual distractions, I could sink deeper into my work than I have in months
- Small moments matter – Some of my best insights came during quiet walks, or swimming in the pond, not at my desk
- Permission is powerful – Being in a space designed for creativity gave me full permission to prioritise my writing
- Joy returns – I remembered why I fell in love with writing and art making in the first place
Your writing deserves this
I know what you might be thinking, ‘It sounds lovely, Meg, but I can’t possibly take time away.’
Here’s what I want you to know: your writing deserves this investment. You deserve this investment.
Your stories matter. Your voice matters. Sometimes the best thing we can do is create conditions for our creativity to flourish.
People need our stories.
It doesn’t have to be weeks in France (though that was pretty wonderful). Even four or five days surrounded by other writers can shift everything.
Ready to take the leap?
If something stirred while reading this, pay attention to that feeling. That’s your creative spirit recognising what it needs.
I’d love to have you join me for one of my upcoming writing retreats in beautiful Kinglake. I create safe, nurturing spaces where your creativity can flourish, surrounded by fellow writers who understand the journey.
Since my last retreat in March, I’ve been planning these next gatherings with even more intention, inspired by what I experienced in France and I’d love you to join me if you are needing this. I have three retreats left this year. One is waitlist only, but there is still some space left for the other two.
Upcoming retreat dates
- 21-24 August 2025 (waitlist only)
- 20-24 October 2025 (early bird pricing closes 20 August)
- 20-23 November 2025 (early bird pricing closes 20 September)
I’d love to welcome you into my creative community.
Until we meet over morning coffee and notebooks
x Meg
By the way, that writer who messaged me about never finding time? She joined signed up to my next retreat and is already feeling the relief that she can reconnect with her writing. Sometimes all we need is permission and the right space.
PS: Want more support?
I’m here if you need help. You can explore the Start Here page to find the ways I provide support for creatives from free articles to monthly creative mindset masterclasses, paid memberships and retreats. My Momentum memberships are a great way to get regular support you.
