© 2018-2022 Kerry Sunderland
FIND YOUR WAY FORWARD II
A writing retreat with Elizabeth Knox near Nelson from 11-14 October 2019
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.
Overview of retreat:
Are you having trouble starting or staying with your story? Are you maybe 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 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? Or do 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 to 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.

What this retreat offers is a period of intense concentration, outside your everyday life, with like-minded people. The writing teacher is a highly experienced writer of novels, and of creative non-fiction.

Each of the workshop's participants will submit a piece (or two) of writing before the retreat weekend (3000 to 6000 words altogether) in good time for everyone to have read each other's work before we meet.

The weekend will consist of writing exercises, of workshopping of some part of each writer's work, one-on-one story doctoring sessions with Elizabeth Knox, as well as free writing time. 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.
Bookings have now closed
SOLD OUT
Our inspiring venue
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 11-14 October 2019.

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 October 2019
Friday, 11 October
16:00 - Arrive and settle in
17:00 - Welcome/Mihimihi
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Yoga Nidra (30 mins)
20:30 - Free time
Saturday, 12 October
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
16:00 - Writing workshop (1 hr)
17:15 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Writing workshop (1 hr)
21:00 - Free time
Sunday, 13 October
07:00 - Yoga (1 hr)
08:00 - Breakfast
10:00 - Writing workshop (2 hrs)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Individual writing time / one-on-ones with Elizabeth
16:00 - Writing workshop (1 hr)
17:15 - Yoga nidra (45 mins)
18:30 - Dinner
19:30 - Reading session (1.5 hrs)
21:00 - Free time
Monday, 14 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 yoga classes. There are a range of accommodation options. Choose your preferred style of accommodation below.
Standard private room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$850
  • Three nights accommodation in private room with queen bed
  • All linen and towels provided
  • Shared bathroom
Join waitlist
Private hut
FULLY BOOKED
$895
  • 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
Deluxe private room in Appleby House
FULLY BOOKED
$950
  • Three nights accommodation in large private room 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.