Writing Retreat, Cape Town, South Africa

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. 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. Other writers join to write a blog, write content or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome.

All the info on the retreat is also here, where you can book a chat to discuss if this is right for you.

In Cape Town you will join literary agent Sarah Bullen in her home city. Sarah is the founder of The Writing Room where she runs writing courses and mentorship. She also runs writing immersions in Greece, Tuscany, Lamu and Cape Town. You can see the retreats at International Writing Retreats

We are going to be there for five nights, which is a solid time to get a good start on your writing.

All writing genres are welcome on this retreat - novels, memoirs, non-fiction, academic writers, poetry, children's book as well as playwriters and journalists.

Who should come?

The days will flow between craft sessions, feedback and loads of time to finally sit and write.

For those who need a push, the structured sessions will show you how to write, edit and market your book.

Get help with your structure, developing characters and plot, advanced plotting and pace, and scene construction. We will cover writing techniques and genre conventions and discover how to find your voice. You’ll learn how to prepare your manuscript, approach publishers, write your marketing material, and review new publishing models. Or just sit back and immerse yourself in the quiet simplicity of the city, with quaint coffee shops to dream and journal.

THE HOTEL

We are staying in the heart of the city of Cape Town at an intimate African boutique hotel. Walk around the city and explore, or climb the famous Table Mountain.

The hotel is located in Cape Town's East City 'Media Quarter' and nestled alongside leafy Dunkley Square (popular for its excellent restaurants, coffee shops and bars). We are within a few minutes’ walk of many cafes, restaurants, yoga, museums and art galleries.

THE SCHEDULE

The mornings will be structured writing sessions where we cover more of the craft. The afternoons will be free to pour your words onto the page. We will gather in the evenings for reading, feedback, and storytelling.

For those who need a push, structured sessions will show you how to write, edit and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, how to construct scenes, best writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material, new publishing models.

COST 2025

Southern African residents qualify for a residential rate (including accommodation) of R23,000 or a non-residential rate of R8,500. Non-residential means you will not stay at the hotel but will join all the sessions. The non-residential ticket will include all items below (excluding accommodation and transfers). We require you to attend the meals as part of the group's energy and experience. 

This website is for payment for Southern African residents only. If you are not based in South Africa you will use this link is here and that rate is $2,300 for a standard room or $2 600 for a mountain-facing room.

COSTS INCLUDE

• 5 nights in a boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town
• Transfers from the airport
• Breakfast daily
• Your second meal daily, which is either dinner (or lunch)
• An evening with an authentic African 14-course menu with live Djembe drumming and dancing
• A day trip around the city and beaches
• All tuition and course material
• Snacks at all sessions + teas and coffees
• A fully guided writing process
• A one-on-one session

COST EXCLUDES

• Flights to Cape Town
• Travel to the venue. Uber is a great option.
• Additional lunches/dinner outside the 5 included will be at your own cost
• Visas and Travel Insurance
• Any additional services such as yoga, massages, treatments, or extra trips

YOU WILL LEARN

* 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

The Writing Room is a retreat endorsed by the Global Retreats Company and the Queen of Retreats

We have an entire page of reviews of retreats at this link.

You can find videos, references, and recommendations as well as a load of other retreats, groups, or ways we can write on the site.

SARAH BULLEN

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 150 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.

Her recent books include Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking about and Just Write It and Love & Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.

WHAT PREVIOUS RETREATANTS HAD TO SAY

** We have a full page of retreat reviews from the last 8 years of writing retreats which you can read here

"The retreat was a real treat! I met some lovely people, talked about writing and reading, meditated, progressed a lot on my story and enjoyed Sarah’s passionate talks. A highlight was Sarah’s storytelling."

Petros Isaakidis, 2021

"Apart from being at lovely venue the retreat in McGregor fired me up to complete my fist draft which I am now doing. I learnt a lot about the practical and business side of getting published."

Jan Glazewski, 2021

"I have been charmed by the magic of being cared for and boosted alongside a group of creative others in a health-giving space, and a month later, my writing is still flourishing under the spell."

UK Journalist Caroline Sylger Jones READ THE FULL REVIEW

"Thank you so much for an unforgettable week. The beautiful energy, the gentle, nurturing environment that blended with the physical care taken with the healthy, organic food, yoga sessions and massages all conspired to bringing about a luxurious introspection into spaces that I have allowed to become dusty corners of my imagination."

Carin Combrink, Forgotten Waterfall, 2019

"I spent this last week with Sarah and the other writers at the Write your Novel Retreat in the Cape. This was truly the most inspiring and motivating thing I have ever done for myself. Sarah's guidance is invaluable. Working our way through the writing process with Sarah has left me feeling far more equipped to pursue my dream. And her personal insights into my project has taken it to another level. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone, regardless of where you are writing wise. Amazing experience."

Hanri Mostert 2017

"There is a special magic that happens in this little village. Creativity is emboldened, a gentle release is inevitable and all anxiety seeps away, allowing and encouraging you to write your book. I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart, backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don't think twice! Do it."

Gabi Lowe 2018, author Get Me to 21

"I attended this retreat in June/July 2019 and have never been on a more profound experience in my life. Kate and Sarah unlocked my creativity with their gentle guidance and their expert knowledge. It is more than just a writers retreat - it is a journey into discovery of self and your potential. I highly recommend this retreat to any one who wishes to write something or even just want to explore their own thoughts. Swimming to the famous rock was a highlight for me and I overcame my limiting beliefs in a very safe environment. Give yourself this gift at least once in your life."

Mary-Joe Emde SA

"If you can only go on one writing retreat in your lifetime, this is the one to choose. Sarah is a truly inspired coach, seconded by Kate. They create a caring, trusting atmosphere conducive to making progress on your own writing. A truly galvanizing experience!"

Beverly Pimsleur USA 2019

"A really wonderful retreat, I went there with one project in mind & came out having written a quarter of a memoir instead. The hosts are AMAZING & the energy of the group was so encouraging, inspiring and uplifting. I have changed for the better since the retreat and attribute these positive changes to the wonderful time I had here."

Ani Naqvi UK 2019

"This "write a novel" course was the best birthday present I ever gave myself. It was set in a beautiful and peaceful environment, was well paced, was information packed with all the basics of how to really write a book, had surprising acts of art and physical exercise included to move the thinking through the body, was practical and honest about how dedicated one must really be to write, and was delicious to be around such inspiring facilitators who are warm, caring and so professional too."

Kate Baxter 2017

"I spent this last week with Sarah and the other writers at the Retreat in the Cape. This was truly the most inspiring and motivating thing I have ever done for myself. Sarah's guidance is invaluable. Working our way through the writing process with Sarah has left me feeling far more equipped to pursue my dream. And her personal insights into my project has taken it to another level. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone, regardless of where you are writing wise. Amazing experience. "

Jill Aslett 2018