Description
Welcome to my Annual Writers Retreat, a peaceful getaway to inspire and support your writing journey. Whether you’re working on a novel, a poem, or just starting, you’ll find the perfect space to focus and create. With helpful workshops, feedback from experienced writers, and plenty of quiet time, this retreat is the ideal place to recharge and take your writing to new heights. Join us for a memorable experience that will boost your creativity and craft.
Jan 31st – 2nd Feb 2025
Very limited places, everyone has their own room. If you would like to share a room with a friend, please chat with Amanda via email: info@amandaviviers.com
Costs: $100 for the retreat
Accommodation: By Donation to the Guest House.
Accommodation cost: This is payable at the end of the retreat via donation. There is an anonymous slot for donations, or you can use your Eftpos. Also, you can pre-pay with the details below to make it easier.
Donation to Guest House for Accommodation and Meals:
The recommended price is $150 per night. This includes all meals, a glass of wine, and your room. Any questions regarding accommodation payment can be sent to guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.au
If you would like to pay for this via direct debit and receive a tax invoice for PD.
BSB- 086 006
Account Number- 842750860
Name- New Norcia Services
Ref- Amanda Viviers Group
Retreat Overview:
Friday 31st Jan:
The Bindoon Bakery is a fantastic stop along the way
5 pm: Meet and greet in the lounge room of the guest house and check into rooms. You are welcome to arrive earlier or later, depending on your work schedule.
6.30 pm: Vespers in Monastery (optional 15-minute service with monks singing psalms)
7 pm- Dinner
8 pm: Reading and conversation in the Library
Saturday 1st Feb:
7 am writing sprint in the library
8.30- 9.30 am- breakfast served at the guest house and cottage.
10 am- Shut up and write session
10.45- morning tea break
11 am- Shut up and write session
12 pm- Lunch Dining Hall
1 pm- afternoon nap, time alone or reading in rooms or writing together in the library.
5 pm- communal walk New Norcia grounds
7 pm- Dinner
8 pm- Library and lounge room discussion and feedback of everyone’s writing, prepare one piece for feedback. (Constructive/ Positive feedback only)
Sunday 2nd Feb:
8.30- 9.30 am- breakfast served at the guest house
Freewriting session in your rooms or the reading room: Silent Writing.
11.45 am- Close of the retreat & Lunch is optional
About New Norcia
*A comfortable 90-minute drive from Perth
*Flexible facilities and work spaces available to write
*Easy walking distance between the town’s facilities
*Daily vespers and prayers in the Monastery Chapel if you want to attend
*Museum and Art Gallery – Mission and Monastery memorabilia displayed alongside European
religious artworks and contemporary Australian artworks
*Guided town tour – to unravel the unique history, architecture and artwork of New Norcia
*The River Walk – a spiritual, historical and Indigenous experience in the bush
Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the town has had many purposes: a mission, a monastery, a provider of education, and now a place of spiritual retreat.
The Monastery, where the monks live, work and pray, is at the heart of New Norcia. The monks of New Norcia live according to the guidance and rhythms of The Rule of St Benedict, followed by monks since the sixth century AD. Monks who do so are referred to as ‘Benedictines’. Unlike many priests and nuns, monks do not join an ‘order’ as such but instead join an autonomous monastery where they promise to remain for the rest of their lives.
Pax. (their motto is translated simply as peace)
PAX a Latin word meaning peace is the motto of the Benedictine monks. It is the fruit of their regular, prayerful and stable life together and the gift they offer all who enter their town.
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