McGregor Writing Retreat 12 - 16 November 2025
Wed Nov 12, 10:30 - Sun Nov 16, 15:00
Temenos
ABOUT
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 daily
- All meals for the duration
- A fully guided writing process
- A one-on-one session
- Structured feedback on your project
- All course fees and learning material
COST EXCLUDES
- Flights to Cape Town if needed
- Travel 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 bar
- Visas and Travel Insurance
- Any 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 writing
by 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 '22
This 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 ‘22
A 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 ‘22
The 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 ‘22
If 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 ‘22
I 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 ’22
Go 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 ’22
It 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 ’22
This 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 retreats
daunting, this was spot on.
Suzanne Casamento, USA ’22
I 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 ’22
Sun, sea, quaint village, wonderful restaurants. Lots of inspiring and quiet writing spaces, Warm supportive facilitators.
Mary Joe ’22
Transformative 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 ’22
It’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 ‘22
Just 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 ’22
The 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.
HOST
Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, international writing coach and literary agent. Founder of The Writing Room and Kent Literary, she has had over 100 books published by writers she has mentored. As well as being a regular guest on talk shows, podcasts and writers’ circles, Sarah has been leading international writing retreats and adventures for the past decade. “There’s a different writing energy when you are away from home and immersed in a creative adventure. Without exception, everyone in the group has a story to share and becomes the learner and the teacher. It is my job to guide this.”Her books include Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking About & Just Write and Love & Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.
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T&CS
PAYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. It is the customer’s responsibility to check the reservation and ensure that the particulars contained therein are correct.
2. The customer shall pay The Writing Room a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit as specified above of the total amount due for each person named in the reservation.
3. The balance monies due shall be paid by the customer to The Writing Room not less than 6 weeks prior to the date of retreat. Bookings within the last 8 weeks must be paid in full at time of booking.
4. If payment of either the deposit or the balance is not received by the due date The Writing Room reserves the right to cancel the reservation and retain the deposit / payment
.5. In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, minus the deposit, apply. (The deposit is non-refundable, as mentioned in 2):
- Cancellation 4 – 6 weeks prior to retreat: If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event that your place is not filled there will be a refund less 50% of the full fee.
- Cancellation less than 4 weeks prior to retreat: If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event that your place is not filled there will be a refund less 75% of the full fee. If your place is not filled, then no refund is possible.
6. Due to teacher cancellations or other situations beyond our control, The Writing Room reserves the right to change bookings or venues and shall inform the customer as soon as possible. Alternative arrangements / new retreat dates will be offered but we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfare.
7. The Writing Room is not held liable for flight or travel.
8. The Writing Room reserves the right to offer discretionary discounts and this does not affect the status of any guests who have paid the full price and no discount will then become due to them.
9. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has all the relevant travel documentation, visas if required and arrives at the airport in time.
10. The Writing Room can accept no responsibility for delay or cancellation of any flights, train, buses or other forms of transport.
11. The Writing Room reserves the right to alter any facility accommodation or activity in the schedule.
12. In the event that the customer decides to downgrade their accommodation after monies have been paid, the customer will not be entitled to any refund. If the customer wishes to upgrade in a new facility, full costs are liable.
13. The Writing Room cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage of personal possessions or valuables of the customer.
14. The Writing Room shall not be liable for any failures beyond its control. This covers natural disasters, war, ‘acts of God’, closure of airports, civil strife, accidents or failure to perform by third parties, including suppliers and subcontractors.
15. The Writing Room accepts no liability for loss, damage, injury or illnesses which may be received during the customers stay or travelling to and from the Retreat, during the Retreat or any unofficial activities.
16. We recommend that all customers have adequate travel, cancellation and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.
17. These terms and conditions shall be governed by South Africa Law and the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in all matters regarding them.