© 2018-2022 Kerry Sunderland
Plant The Seed
A writing retreat from 11-14 May 2018 for those who want to turn a great idea into a compelling narrative
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant
- Robert Louis
- Robert Louis
Our focus
A creative writing retreat from 11-14 May 2018 with award-winning novelist Jesse Blackadder focused on transforming the essence of a fact (whether it be something in your own life, or a moment in history) into a compelling narrative.
Jesse says:
"Every story begins with a seed. Although I'm a novelist, for me that initial idea is always something in the real world. An old photograph that engraves itself on my memory. Words from a long dead poet. An event in my distant childhood. A news story I cut out and saved. A tomb for unborn whales. A tale passed down over centuries...
"But a seed isn't a tree and an idea isn't a story. The joy, and work, and the craft of writing comes from growing a tiny idea into a fully realised story.
"In this course we'll explore how to take the seed of an idea and develop it into a compelling narrative. Examining the structures that underpin successful books and stories, I will help you apply their principles to your own writing in original and exciting ways. Hands on exercises will help you find the best structure for your work, create memorable characters and vivid worlds, and polish your words and sentences until they glow.
"I will spend 20 minutes individual time with every participant during the workshop, giving you personal feedback on a sample of writing sent beforehand.
"I look forward to hearing about the idea that just won't leave you alone…"
- Jesse Blackadder, Doctor of Creative Arts
"But a seed isn't a tree and an idea isn't a story. The joy, and work, and the craft of writing comes from growing a tiny idea into a fully realised story.
"In this course we'll explore how to take the seed of an idea and develop it into a compelling narrative. Examining the structures that underpin successful books and stories, I will help you apply their principles to your own writing in original and exciting ways. Hands on exercises will help you find the best structure for your work, create memorable characters and vivid worlds, and polish your words and sentences until they glow.
"I will spend 20 minutes individual time with every participant during the workshop, giving you personal feedback on a sample of writing sent beforehand.
"I look forward to hearing about the idea that just won't leave you alone…"
- Jesse Blackadder, Doctor of Creative Arts
Jesse spoke about the inspiration for her writing, and some of the wisdom she will be sharing on the retreat, on Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand on March 15, 2018. Listen online here.
Our inspiring venue
Appleby House and Rabbit Island Huts are situated on 25 acres of Waimea Plains land, located only 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 11-14 May 2018.
Find out more about our awe-inspiring location.
Find out more how to get to the retreat.
Find out more about our awe-inspiring location.
Find out more how to get to the retreat.
Your space to write
Retreat schedule for 11-14 May 2018
Friday, 11 May
16:00 - Arrive and settle in
17:00 - Welcome/Mihimihi
17:30 - Yoga Nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinner
20:30 - Writing session 1
21:30 - Free time
17:00 - Welcome/Mihimihi
17:30 - Yoga Nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinner
20:30 - Writing session 1
21:30 - Free time
Saturday, 12 May
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing workshop (1.5 hrs)
17:00 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinnner
20:30 - Writing session 2 (optional)
21:30 - Free time
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing workshop (1.5 hrs)
17:00 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinnner
20:30 - Writing session 2 (optional)
21:30 - Free time
Sunday, 13 May
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing workshop (1.5 hrs)
17:00 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinnner
20:30 - Reading/sharing
22:00 - Free time
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Writing workshop (1.5 hrs)
17:00 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
19:00 - Dinnner
20:30 - Reading/sharing
22:00 - Free time
Monday, 14 May
07:00 - Writing session 3
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Pack up/check-out of rooms
10:00 - Reflections and farewells
11:00 - Depart
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
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 five yoga classes. Included in these prices is a free one-on-one appraisal session with Jesse. There are a range of accommodation options. Choose your preferred style of accommodation below. Book today, as this retreat is strictly limited to only 11 participants.
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)
Private room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$950
- Three nights accommodation in private room with Queen bed
- All linen and towels provided
- Shared bathroom with one other participant
Private ensuite hut
FULLY BOOKED
$1,000
- Three nights accommodation
- Private hut with queen bed, quality linen and furnishings
- In-room heating
- Ensuite bathroom
Private ensuite room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$1,100
- Three nights accommodation in private room with Queen bed
- All linen and towels provided
- Ensuite bathroom
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.
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.