Seatavern

Join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on an adventure into writing in midsummer. All writers are welcome, and you can be working on a novel, a memoir, a screenplay or poetry. We will be developing and working on your project with the feedback and connection of a group. Please read the info below carefully. Also note that this event is not in Cape Town but in the small town of McGregor, which is two hours’ travel out of Cape Town.

WHO SHOULD JOIN

Anyone with a book or a writing project is welcome to join.You may be a new writer or an experienced writer who needs time away from your life to really settle into your writing. You will join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a journey into quiet, and into your story.I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others are working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome. Each writer will get a personal plan to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material. HOW DOES IT LOOK

For those who need a push, the structured sessions will cover a lot of craft. There will be modules on how to write, edit, and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, and construct scenes. We also cover writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material and new publishing models.? WE WILL COVER…

• The basics of planning a compelling story* The key elements of structure* The business side of books and screenplays* Short Form Writing Masterclass – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine journalism* Researching and the art of the interview* Creating realistic characters* Beginnings, starts and hooks* Self editing and editing styles* Handling point of view* Working with dialogue* Working through personal blocks* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice* Sourcing tips and techniques* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one* How to launch your brand and publicity ideas

WE STAY AT the TEMENOS RETREAT CENTRE, MCGREGOR

Temenos is well-loved for its beauty and tranquillity. It is set in the heart of the small village of McGregor. Please note this is a low-key and simple centre gathered around a magnificent garden. There are a range of simple, fully equipped cottages. Each cottage sleeps has its own private patio. The centre comes from the Buddhist tradition, where simplicity and silence are welcomed. There is a swimming pool in the gardens, and healing gardens are many private spaces for meditation and quiet reflection and writing. There is an on-site restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and supper. There are 11 cottages and when you book you will be given the list and can select one that calls to you. Environmentalist journalist Don Pinnock wrote about the place in his story, Billy’s Magic Garden of the Beloved, saying: “While walking the labyrinthine paths of the Garden of the Beloved, getting lost is inevitable and the greatest pleasure. Among the eclectic flowerbeds, woods and ponds are unexpected surprises.“Around a sudden curve in the path you might discover the Inner Temple of the Heart, just big enough for two people with walls in blue stained glass, or the Angel for Lost Children. Sitting on a driftwood bench you could be surrounded by peacocks or have your shoelaces undone by a playful grey cat.

COSTS 2025

Single occupancy room R18,202 Deposit R5000 ZAR Final payment 1 October

COSTS INCLUDE

4 nights accommodation Breakfast buffet dailyAll meals for the duration A fully guided writing processA one-on-one session Structured feedback on your project All course fees and learning material COST EXCLUDES

Flights to Cape Town if neededTravel to the venue. We will organise a bus / transfer if you need it at a shared cost. This is usually around R600-R1000 each way depending on how many need transport sharing.Some authors self-drive, lift share or hire a car. Drinks from the barVisas and Travel InsuranceAny additional services such as yoga, massages, treatments, or extra trips

HOW DO THE DAYS ON RETREAT UNFOLD?

This is an exercise in slowing down. Let’s not rush. Allow yourself some time and space to really settle into your writing craft. The days unfold in a slow and easy way.

• Two daily classes on writing craft from structure to story building.* A structured programme to advance your project* Anchored writing time where you can get feedback, input and review. Or just sit and write* A writing plan for your project, with deadlines and support.* Professional feedback and peer review on your work* Personal book structure session with your host and writing coach Sarah Bullen* Workshop your synopsis / proposal.* How to present your book to agents and publishers* How to make your book your brand

WE WILL COVER

• The basics of planning a compelling story* The key elements of structure* The business side of books and screenplays* Short Form Writing Masterclass –LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine journalism* Researching and the art of the interview* Creating realistic characters* Beginnings, starts and hooks* Self editing and editing styles* Handling point of view* Working with dialogue* Working through personal blocks* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice* Sourcing tips and techniques* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one* How to launch your brand and publicity ideas

REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

WE HAVE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF REVIEWS OVER THE YEARS. SOME ARE BELOW THERE IS ALSO AN ENTIRE PAGE OF THEM HERE

Surpassed all expectations, delivered more than I hoped. I had an idea of what a writer’s retreat should give. I had an idea of what I would experience. I also had a lot of expectations. Sarah Bullen’s Writer’s Retreat delivered on all of those, but also delivered an additional connection which was totally unexpected. It’s hard to describe the full extent of it. All I can say is if you ever wanted to do a writer’s retreat, if you cannot find time or struggled to hone your craft by yourself, if daily life is messing up your goals, GO AND DO THIS RETREAT! Evert Verhagen Absolutely fantastic experience on the writing retreat with Sarah! 5 days of blissful writing, learning techniques from the best, sharing with an awesome group of ladies! Beautiful setting and lovely place for writingby Patricia Pillay

It took me 42 published books before I attended a writing retreat. I wasn’t sure what to expect but wasn’t disappointed. I learnt a huge amount on many levels— from the actual structure of book writing, seeing things from the publishers’ viewpoint, and self-marketing, intermingled with some shamanic practices. Loved interacting with the other writers and hearing their stories. I wish I’d done this workshop before.by Ann Gadd

?Everything was lovely, great group, Got valuable feedback, Sarah is very knowledgeable and personable. I enjoyed the experience and would do it again by Cesar

This was an excellent event! I learned a lot, met some fabulous other writers (whose ideas and talent was so inspiring), and got a real kick start on the process of writing my book! Sarah was fantastic. She held the vision of the group, engaged us, was fun and involved. I highly recommend her as a mentor, teacher and retreat leader.Cat Glennie Pippa Shaper ‘22This has the perfect holding space to get me started on a book that has been sitting in my head and heart for years. I doubt I would have had the courage to star without this space

Ruth Parry, UK ‘22A wonderful balance pf pressure and fun, downtime play and focussed writing. Very clearly tells you and demonstrates tricks of the trade. A deeply absorbing experience, careful of the individual and their needs, while fostering community and shared difficulties and laughter

Megan de Beyer ‘22The wisdom, experience and amazing energy of the Sarah Kate combo is incredible. A wonderful team to motivate me to write my next book. They create an interesting and solid container which attracts amazing people from around the world to their carefully chosen location.I’m a fan and for the first time, a groupie!

Tshepiso Phiri ‘22If you are looking for a place to share your work /writing with some experienced inspiring writers, Kate and Sarah are your girls. Amazing girls who are true to their craft. My ten days on the residency were filled with self discovery, time to write and learn much-needed techniques from experts from other parts of the world. I made some lifelong new friendships.

Sue Adams ‘22I would recommend this 100 times over. Sarah and Kate your combination of expertise, enthusiasm and incredibly slick, well organised retreat made this experience memorable. Being given the space to write, while being encouraged, coached and assured, allowed me t develop as a writer. And as far as the Greek Island experience it was unsurpassed — amazing food, a village with great vibe, fabulous swimming and interesting excursions. It couldn’t get better.

Andrew McEvoy, Australia ’22Go and do it! Learn to write. Destress in a nurturing environment and do something completely different. It’s as much about “you-time” as it is about writing. It’s real life non-fiction. I loved learning how much I didn’t know about writing a book. You two are like peaches and cream — hand in a glove.

Millie McEvoy, Australia ’22It doesn’t matter the level of experience you have going into it, you will learn something. I was daunted entering the retreat by my lack of experience and not working on a book, but I learned things I wouldn’t have learned had I not attended!

Sue Routledge ’22This has been a life-changing experience for me. Transformation, as my card said. Kate and Sarah are an excellent team and I always felt valued and supported. Especially those who find retreatsdaunting, this was spot on.

Suzanne Casamento, USA ’22I highly recommend this retreat and residency experience if you’d like to receive inspiring instruction, sharing and exploration in a beautiful setting where the energy is perfect for creativity and writing.I loved the balance of learning, sharing and exploring and also that there was no pressure if I needed to sit out an activity. Thank you for a magical experience and I will gladly follow you all over the world! Fantastic job! Lots of love.

Barry Gilder, Syria ’22Sun, sea, quaint village, wonderful restaurants. Lots of inspiring and quiet writing spaces, Warm supportive facilitators.

Mary Joe ’22Transformative and life-changing and you get to write a book with these amazing mentors and guides. Thanks Sarah and Kate for allowing me to be part of so many people’s beautiful journeys. You guys and in my heart forever.

Reneva Fourie Syria ’22It’s a warm, inspiring environment for beginners and experienced writers alike. It was perfectly structured and where more personal writing time was required, the flexibility in this regard was appreciated!

Alex Ruczaj, United Kingdom ‘22Just WOW - it may also depend on who your cohort is-just a little-but wow I lucked out! I feel reborn. Renewed! Rediscovered! Nurturing environment, fun, focussed and in an amazing setting! Thank you!

Celynn Morin, France ’22The world needs more authentic stories — everyone should attend! Loved the length of more left brain work in the morning and heart focussed work in evening.