Meg’s retreat came at the perfect time. I had recently finished a manuscript but was struggling with it, feeling burnt out and frustrated. I had hoped to use the retreat to rework it, but after staring at the same pages for so long, I was sick of it.
Instead, I decided to start a new project. Reconnecting with the joy of creating new characters and an exciting plot allowed me to refresh my mind. 11,000 words later, I had a solid foundation for a story I can continue working on.
The location was divine—serene, beautiful, and peaceful. I spent time walking in the adjacent forest, chatting with the sheep, and sitting in the sunshine staring at blades of grass, contemplating where my story could go next.
My room was bright and quiet, ideal for writing, napping, and reading.
Meg’s workshops were invaluable—informative, but not too long, leaving plenty of time for writing. The group dynamic during the workshops and evening meals was also fantastic. It was a great way to bond with other writers and learn about their stories. Sometimes just talking things out can be enough to fix a problem or fill a plot hole.
The one-on-one session with Meg was particularly helpful. I had hit a roadblock in my draft, and our conversation gave me the direction I needed to move forward.
And the food? Absolutely fabulous! Meg is a wonderful cook. Not having to think about meals was a real gift.
Having four full days to immerse myself in my story felt like a luxury. Most of us rarely have the chance to commit to writing without distractions. Taking the time to invest in our craft and giving ourselves permission to focus solely on writing is so important.
Thank you, Meg, for creating this space, organising everything so seamlessly, and bringing together a group of writers who could grow both individually and as part of a supportive writing community.
– Kylie Orr