Recalibration: Finding Focus, Structure and Momentum

Bundeena February 24-28 2027

Featuring a special guest workshop and intimate dinner with internationally best-selling author Hayley Scrivenor

This retreat has SOLD OUT If you want me to email you as soon as I offer my next retreat please contact me here and let me know.

About This Retreat:

This retreat is going to be hard and joyous in equal measures. It is aimed at writers who are beginning a larger project or who may have gotten stuck along the way and writers who have finished a draft that now needs to be smashed into something with a tighter focus and a more engrossing structure. It’s for writers who are curious about craft and want to gain a better understanding of the many different forms a piece of writing can take. The course is suitable for people writing all types of fiction, creative non-fiction and memoir. We will look at what every writer can beg, borrow and steal from each of these forms regardless of what genre you are writing in.

There will be some light reading required for the retreat which participants will receive one month in advance. You can choose to do this over your morning coffee while we are away or you can do the reading before the retreat. Readings will include a couple of short pieces of creative non-fiction, novel excerpts and short stories as well as some short sections from memoir and books on writing.

The emphasis of everything we do is on you thinking about and reflecting on your own work and what the techniques and ideas we are learning can bring to your own practice. If you are refining a short story, a collection of stories, a novel, a memoir, if you are writing essays or a larger work which combines many of these forms this retreat is for you.

I’ve developed the material in this course with a desire to give participants real, practical, tried and true strategies for writing as well as looking at some broader more philosophical ideas about how stories work. I hope to be entertaining and thought provoking and maybe even frustrating at times.

Internationally bestselling author Hayley Scrivener will be joining us one afternoon in order to give a workshop on focus and structure followed by a more informal discussion over dinner and drinks.

Topics include:

· Where does the work begin and what will drive it forward?

· Finding the focus of the work by asking the most thought-provoking questions.

· What can writers learn about structure from film makers?

· Breaking down traditional story structures and why they work for both fiction and non-fiction.

· How to break down a scene

· Why allowing yourself to get off track can be good for you and how to get back on the rails again.

· Alternative plot structures: What can more experimental writers show us about creating exciting and meaningful stories?

· How can writers use pattern, repetition and juxtaposition to create forward momentum in their writing?

· Using elements of Genre Writing, such as sci-fi and fantasy, in order to give your realist writing an edge.

+ a variety of different, practical ways to approach plotting before, during and after you have finished a work.

Our classes will take place at a property in Bundeena on the couch and in the living room and besides the pool. We will have afternoon sessions on picnic rugs under a tree at the beach and evening chats by the fire pit with a drink. We’ll walk the coastal trails and think and sit in cafes overlooking this quiet hamlet only an hour or so South of Sydney and write. The property where we are staying is located 200 meters from Hordens Beach. It’s a few minutes walk to the Royal National Park and a ten minute walk to local shops and cafes. Generally, there will be classes in the mornings from 9:30 -12:00 where we will unpack ideas, techniques and readings and reflect on how they apply to our own work. From around 4:30 to 6:00 we will have a session that is more focussed on writing/rewriting/planning our own work through guideded activities. Outside of these hours we will eat and talk and hang. You are welcome to chat to myself about your own individual projects between sessions or take a nap or dance or swim or read or write or do whatever makes you feel good. You can use this retreat to make lifelong friends or you can find a quiet space to stare at the sky. There is plenty of space for you to be at this retreat in the way that you want to be there.

The property features a large heated pool, a sauna and a cold plunge pool. Outside of our classes you’ll have time to relax, chat, eat delicious food and most importantly to write and to think about your project.

This retreat is all inclusive: That means that you wake up to freshly baked bread from the local bakery and fresh seasonal produce as well as snacks sourced from farms and delis in the local region. All meals are provided as well as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Our retreat also includes the occasional group meal at a local café or restaurant. I can cater for most dietary requirements but if yours are particularly complicated please discuss them with me before booking.

Why should you study this stuff with me?

Because I have a lot of experience as both a writer and a teacher and because I love books and words and throwing a good party and showing people a good time.

My fifth book, Peaches, is coming out soon and I’m well into my sixth. I know how books work because I write them and I’ve had them published both here and internationally. I’ve been the recipient of many awards for my writing including, The Prime Minister’s Award for Literature, The Queensland and Victorian Premier’s Awards for Literature and I’ve been a Finalist in the Miles Franklin Literary Award. I’ve also judged many major awards for literature including the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

My creative non-fiction and critical responses to literature and art are published both here and internationally on platforms such as The Sydney Review of Books, Electric Literature, LitHub, The Griffith Review and ABC radio and television.

I’ve also written performance pieces for The Sydney Opera House, The National Theatre of Parramatta and The Sydney Festival as well as text and installation works for several museums including The Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney and Powerhouse.

I’m a highly experienced teacher, speaker, writing mentor and teacher educator who has facilitated workshops everywhere from schools to community arts centres to correctional centres and I’ve helped to establish, promote and run many writing and storytelling programs.

I am going to make you think and learn and read and write in ways you haven’t before even if you’ve already written a lot. I’m drawing on many years of practice here, not just as a writer, but as someone who researches how creativity works and the best methods for teaching it. I have a PhD in Creative Practice and Australian Literature and I’m currently a Senior Lecturer with The Writing and Society Research Centre, Western Sydney University.

Price:

Early Bird: Before December 20 2026

$2,800 – Master Bedroom (there are two of these with an Ensuite and a King Size Bed)

$2,600 – All Other Rooms (these are still good-sized rooms with double beds and a close by external bathroom shared between two bedrooms)

After December 20 2026

$3,100 – Master Bedroom (there are two of these with an Ensuite and King Size Bed)

$2,900 – All Other Rooms (these are still good-sized rooms with double beds and a close by external bathroom shared between two bedrooms)

Share Discount – If you want to come with a friend or a lover who would also like to participate in the retreat, I will put you in a Master Bedroom, or one of the rooms that has a double and a single bed. You will also receive a discount of $500 off the total price per person.

Deposit: A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining fees must be paid by January 20 2027

Inclusions and Exclusions:

Inclusions: All food, drinks and accommodation is included

Exclusions: Travel Insurance and transport to and from the venue. The best way to reach the venue by public transport is to take a train to Cronulla Station and then take the ferry across to Bundeena. It’s a twenty minute ferry ride. Ferries leave around every half hour. I can arrange to pick you up from the ferry station which is a five minute car ride to our accommodation.

Check in for our retreat is between 3:00PM and 4:00PM on February 24. We will begin classes and activities at 4:00. Our Retreat ends at 1:00PM on February 28 2027

To secure your spot or ask me any questions please email me here

If you can’t come to this retreat but you would like to come to my retreats in the future please email me and I will let you know what I’m running in the future.

Images of our accomodation and surrounds in Bundeena

“Felicity brings the rigour of the creative writing academic, the creativity of the writer and the fun and care of the consummate hostess to create a writers retreat like no other.” -Maria

“Felicity's retreat was a delight from start to finish. It was such a privilege to have seven days to nerd out as much as I liked over words and stories, with like-minded people and under Felicity's brilliant instruction. The accommodation and food were incredible, and Felicity was such a knowledgeable host, generous with her time and with answering our (many!) questions, from craft-related to 'Where's the best place to go to for [yoga/tourist shopping/chocolate/dinner]'? Writing can feel lonely at times and it was wonderful to find this place of community and support. I'd recommend this retreat to anyone who's thinking about writing, wants to learn more about the process, or has been writing for a while and feels they need a bit more guidance. Thank you, Felicity, for your thoughtful classes, stellar advice and general all-round amazingness!” - Kalhari

“Felicity Castagna's 'Retreat with me' in Ubud was absolutely life changing. I learned so many inspirational and essential approaches to the writing process - and the setting and the other special souls on the retreat made everything even more magical. Felicity took amazing care of us all as well. The whole week was so valuable and enlivening to my current writing projects. Would love to do it all over again. Thank you!” - Debra

“To be taught in such intimacy with an award winning writer and scholar was a gift. Dr Castagna is a natural teacher. Her session on how to write propulsively and understanding a characters’ wants and needs raised a roof in my mind.” - Bron

“Engaging daily classes on a raised bamboo open air classroom with a rustling river below and monkeys dancing in the surrounding foliage, diving deeply into what makes good literature felt like a dream come true . The retreat works for both for non fiction and fiction writers, commercial and literary, for those interested in craft, plot and style as well as those who might just want to read deeply interesting work and talk through it. This retreat is ideal for emerging and experienced readers and writers, and those seeking communion with like minded bookish folks as well those who want solitude to do their own thing. There’s lots of time to eat (delicious buffets), rest, sight see, write or just quiet your mind and enjoy the breathtaking surrounds of the private retreat accommodation. With deep respect and collaboration with local Indonesian partners, and one on one consultations this retreat left me feeling both intellectually stimulated and deeply supported. For those in a block or burnt out this will be the game changer you need for your creative journey - help and support to you keep going as a writer and to recover a love of words for the sheer pleasure of them.” - Sarah

“The retreat was amazing. Felicity is a knowledgable, confident and collaborative workshop leader, and a superb host. The course was really well designed and I have come away with a life-time of memories, some wonderful new friends and lots of fresh ideas that will (hopefully) take my writing to the next level.” - Jane

“As an academic writer and a novice to creative writing, I found the pre-reading guided my preparation. Despite not having experience writing creatively, I felt ready to engage with the discussions. Everyone had the opportunity to contribute. Now I have a tool box of writing strategies to apply when I am writing.” - Jennifer

“There are few people that combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the way Felicity does. Whether you’ve studied it all or written it all, she’ll give you fresh insights to your theory, work and practice you’ve never considered. What a gift!”

- Charlotte

“I enjoyed everything, and felt truly blessed to meet such a great group of people. How wonderful it was to spend extended time in Bali, absorbing Felicity's inspirational writing classes. Felicity took care of every detail including meals, transport, wine, boring things like laundry, sweet room greetings, stimulating writing questions over breakfast, and super-fun activities. (Dancing anyone?)” - Peta

“A wonderful workshop! Felicity was a learned and enthusiastic teacher, and provided plenty of good material to read and work with, but not in too pressured a way. She balanced the workshop schedule with free and group time really well, and enabled everyone to participate and ask questions. I left feeling relaxed, energised and inspired to write, with some new writer friends I will stay in touch with.” - James

“Going to Felicity’s Ubud retreat was the best decision I’ve made in years. I learned so much about what makes good writing ‘good.’ I feel confident about writing more effectively now, and I’m excited to put into practice what we’ve learned. As a bonus, it’s been a rollicking good time with like minded writers. What a ride. And all in the jungle, with a monkey audience.” - Claire