© 2018-2022 Kerry Sunderland
FIND YOUR WAY FORWARD
A writing retreat with Elizabeth Knox near Nelson from 5-8 October 2018
Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction there is always a way in which your story will want best to be told.
Our focus
Acclaimed New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox (The Vintner's Luck), will support you to find a clear direction for your story - and, along the way, you'll learn to become a shrewder, more flexible, confident and daring storyteller.

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - JOIN THE WAITLIST BELOW OR SIGN UP FOR UPDATES ABOUT OUR 2019 RETREATS HERE
Overview of retreat:
Are you having trouble starting or staying with your story? Do you feel you're writing without traction? Perhaps you are in the wrong character's head? Do you have pacing problems? Or does the tone seem wrong? Do you like how you've started, but feel that you're wandering about as you go on? Or have you been writing for some time, getting your story down, but now feel you're lost in a wilderness you might not be able to write your way out of? Perhaps you know very well what story you want to tell – because it's something that happened to you – but are bewildered by all the possible approaches to telling it?

Whether you are writing short fiction, a novel, or a work of creative non-fiction there is always a way in which your story will want best to be told. A writing workshop that involves peers who are generous readers is one of surest ways for a writer to find a way forward.

This creative writing retreat offers a period of intense concentration, outside your everyday life, with like-minded people who will read and discuss your work, as you read and discuss theirs - under the guidance of one of New Zealand's most experienced authors. Elizabeth Knox has written best-selling novels, science fiction, young adult (YA) fiction and is also a highly acclaimed creative non-fiction author.

You will be invited to submit a piece (or two) of writing before the retreat weekend (3000 to 6000 words altogether) in good time for everyone to read each other's work before we meet. This ensures everyone will turn up well-prepared to get the most out of an intense period of workshopping.

The weekend will also allow for one-on-one 'story doctoring' sessions with Elizabeth. The aim of the weekend is that everyone who attends will leave with a clear feeling for how to proceed with confidence, energy, and renewed engagement.
Our inspiring venue
Due to popular demand, this retreat has been relocated to the same venue as Write Across New Zealand's inaugural retreat. Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts are situated on 25 acres of Waimea Plains land, located less than half an hour's drive from central Nelson, between Richmond and Mapua on the way to the Abel Tasman National Park. This peaceful rural setting with 360 degree views of the Richmond Ranges and the Waimea Estuary and only a short drive to the long golden beaches on Rabbit Island is the ideal place to get your creative juices flowing. Join us here from 5-8 October 2018.

Find out more about our awe-inspiring location.

Find out more how to get to the retreat.
Your space to write
Retreat schedule for 5-8 October 2018
Friday, 5 October
16:00 - Arrive and settle in
17:00 - Welcome/Mihimihi
17:30 - Yoga Nidra (30 mins)
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Writing session 1
21:30 - Free time
Saturday, 6 October
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing session 2
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Writing session 3
21:00 - Yoga nidra (30 mins)
21:30 - Free time
Sunday, 7 October
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing session 4
18:30 - Dinner
19:30 - Reading session
21:00 - Yoga nidra (30 mins)
21:30 - Free time
Monday, 8 October
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Pack up/check-out of rooms
10:00 - Reflections and farewells
11:00 - Depart
Scrumptious meals by Food Forest Catering
Food Forest Catering will provide nourishing and delectable meals - all created with gluten-free and organic ingredients from head chef Chloe Keylock's family land, a diverse permaculture farm in the Lud Valley north of Nelson.

Follow Chloe on Instagram
Your investment
Your investment starts at only $850 for the retreat. This includes three nights' accommodation, all meals, tea and plunger coffee, all writing tuition and six yoga classes. There are a range of accommodation options. Choose your preferred style of accommodation below.

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - JOIN THE WAITLIST BELOW OR SIGN UP FOR UPDATES ABOUT OUR 2019 RETREATS HERE
Private hut/glamping tent
FULLY BOOKED
$850
  • Three nights accommodation in one of three private huts or the deluxe glamping tent
  • Queen bed, quality linen and furnishings
  • In-room heating
  • Access to two shared bathrooms only a short walk away (share with only one other participant)
Join waitlist
Standard private room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$850
  • Three nights accommodation in private room (downstairs) with queen bed
  • All linen and towels provided
  • Shared bathroom
Join waitlist
Deluxe private room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$950
  • Three nights accommodation in private room (upstairs) with queen bed
  • All linen and towels provided
  • Shared bathroom
Join waitlist
Private ensuite hut
FULLY BOOKED
$995
  • Three nights accommodation
  • Private hut with queen bed, quality linen and furnishings
  • In-room heating
  • Ensuite bathroom
Join waitlist
A 30 per cent deposit must be paid within five business days of booking to secure your place. The balance must be paid 21 days before the retreat.

Cancellation policy: If Write Across New Zealand cancels the event for any reason, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel your booking anytime at least one month (31 days) before the retreat, your deposit (and full payment if already made) will be refunded. If you cancel less than 21 days before the event, you will receive a refund less the 30 per cent deposit. If you cancel anytime after 14 days before the event, no refund will be possible unless your position is filled by someone else.