BYRON BAY
WRITING RETREAT
writing + community + relaxation
What happens when you bring together a group of writers for 4 blissful days?
Magic.
Writing is a solitary endeavour. But it doesn’t have to be.
At our retreat, we create a sanctuary for you to write, rest and connect with like-minded people. We gather writers from all genres and 1 professional editor to build a community and give you that all-important critical feedback.
After 4 peaceful days, friendships will be created. Words will be written. Goals will be met. Memories will be made.
Join your hosts Kate and Sara for a rewarding 3-night retreat designed to give you the time and headspace to write without distraction. Leave your responsibilities at home and immerse yourself completely in writing and wonderful conversation.
All meals will be provided (except our last night when we dine out in Byron), as well as unlimited cups of tea and coffee. Your hosts will be on hand the whole time so you won’t need to lift a finger.
BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY & PROGRESS WITH YOUR MANUSCRIPT
One of the biggest problems writers have is carving out long stretches of time and that’s why we designed this retreat. Without the everyday pressure of chores and school runs and laundry, you can really deep dive into your writing without distraction.
There are no workshops or classes because this retreat is about pure quality writing time, the kind of time you’ve been longing for so that you can progress. Instead, we give you plenty of time you can dedicate to writing. You can work at your own pace in a quiet corner of the villa or gather with your fellow writers and write together. Whatever works for you.
FEEL INSPIRED
A 5000 word manuscript assessment and a one-to-one session with an editor is included in the retreat. Whatever stage your manuscript is, the value of critique from a professional is priceless.
CONNECT WITH OTHER WRITERS
Nothing beats conversations with other writers who simply ‘get it'. Over communal grazing platters and regular coffee breaks, there will be opportunities to talk about the rocky road to publication, how to get an agent, imposter syndrome, promoting yourself on social media, etc.
REST, RELAX & FEEL REJUVENATED
Sleep in, lie by the pool with a book, grab a coffee and go for a walk along the beach or stroll into Byron to browse the local bookstore The Book Collective. This is your adventure so you choose what’s on your agenda.
A massage therapist will be available on site for writers to book a treatment. (NOTE: Massage services are not included in the retreat fee.)
HEAR FROM OUR WRITERS
“Food amazing! Hosts amazing! Location gorgeous.”
“Such a wonderful weekend. Everything was perfect. Thank you and more please!“
“Can we do it again?”
Stay in a luxury villa right in the heart of Byron Bay
Located near beautiful Belongil Beach, the villas give the feeling of space, freedom and privacy. Each villa has state of the art appliances, stylish interiors and most importantly, comfortable beds!
You have the option to spread out and find a writing nook, set up a co-writing space or stroll into Byron town centre to write at a cafe.
NIC GILL, AUTHOR OF ANIMAL ECO-WARRIORS
“What a glorious few days! Sara and Kate curated a wonderful retreat which accommodated quiet individual writing, collaborative work time and relaxed social meals. The accommodation was stunning and with all meals provided, and walks to stir brain cells, it really provided an ideal setting for productive work. Would jump at the chance to go again!”
FAQs
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This retreat is for you whether you are writing a novel, a non-fiction book proposal or poetry. There are no workshops or classes, and there is a professional manuscript assessment so it is best suited to writers with publishing ambition. Though you are welcome to join the retreat even if you are at an early stage in your writing.
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We have 6 generous 4 bedroom villas within a private, secure property. Two bedrooms have en-suites and two have a shared bathroom. The downstairs master bedroom also has a tranquil outdoor stone shower. The upstairs family room is equipped with a large flat-screen TV and space to write. The downstairs area is extremely spacious with a large dining room that flows out to an alfresco undercover deck, topped off with a shared pool area, the perfect spot to wind down.
The villas are two minutes from beautiful Belongil Beach, just a ten-minute walk from Byron town centre. Ballina airport is a 30 minute drive and Gold Coast airport is 50 minutes, making it an easy journey if you're flying to join us. Sara and Kate will be available to collect from the airport (arranged in advance) and taxis are also available. For those who wish to drive, there is plenty of parking.
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The villas are very spacious and the bedrooms are large so there is plenty of space to spread out. Each villa has several communal areas too, though these are quiet zones which allows for a peaceful, tranquil experience that both encourages community and respects the space to create.
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3 nights accommodation in a room of your choice, self-service breakfast and grazing lunch x 3, 2-course meal x 2 , a 5000 word manuscript assessment by a professional editor and 20 minute one-to-one feedback session. All linens and towels are included. Plus unlimited tea and coffee!
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Travel to and from the villa. On our final night, we have dinner at a local restaurant in Byron. Alcohol is BYO. Any massage treatment.
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En-suite bedroom $1250
Bedroom with shared bathroom $1050
Rooms are first come first served.
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Yes. You will receive communication prior to the retreat to be sure we are clear on your preferences and restrictions.
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To secure your place, get in touch and let us know your first preference of rooms. You will then receive an invoice for a 25% deposit. When that has been paid, your place is secured. The remaining balance will be due 6 weeks before the retreat.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch with us.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
SARA BRAGG
Sara is a writer and book editor for Cherubs magazine. She also designs websites for authors. In 2022, she swapped London city life for coastal living in Queensland and since moving with her family, she spends most of her time reading, walking by the beach and working through plot holes. She is working towards publishing an adult crime novel. Seeing other writers creating and sharing their journey really inspires her. Sara is represented by Greenstone Literary.
KATE FOSTER
Kate is a bestselling and award-winning children's author with multiple books published across several territories. When she isn't writing middle grade books and junior fiction, she runs Author Pen Pals with her good friend Dee White and The ASLA DANZ Children's Book Award. Though originally from a small village in the Kent, UK, she has lived on the beautiful Gold Coast with her family and second-hand dogs for ten years. Kate is represented by the Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency in London.