Writing Course
You have to write the book that wants to be written
- Madeleine L'Engle
Book Writing Retreats are suitable for:
Exploring life story writing & creating a foundation to build a memoir
People wanting to explore narrative therapy and neuroplasticity
Gaining insights and techniques Into writing a childhood memoir
Incorporating archetypes into life writing as a more imaginative approach to self-understanding and making one’s writing richer
Those wanting to work through the integrity versus despair stage Erik Erikson's psychosocial development
Having the support of a writing coach who can provide guidance with structure and proofreading
People who relish a quiet writing space that is solely their own
Writing Retreats
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The Surrounds
Work inside or take time outside in the elements to soak in birdsong and nature
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The Space
A tranquil, restful space with bushland views and access to starry skies
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Local Walks
Chase waterfalls after dark on a local spectacular floodlit night walk in Katoomba
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Local Waterfalls
Our retreat centre is within walking distance of healing Mini Ha Ha waterfall
Writers Retreats
Testimonials
I didn’t really know what to expect but it’s definitely been one of the best things I’ve done. Marcus, you have given me such a valuable gift - I feel uplifted because of the “truths” we discovered together and emboldened by your words as I embark on this next stage. I greatly appreciate all that you have given me and your great generosity of spirit.
- Rosslyn Lam, author of For the Love of Difference
Absolutely wonder-filled! I’ve been challenged and supported and inspired. Marcus is so well read and a pleasure to listen to. The framework given, the gentle and varied suggestions on subject matter and the time to write was invaluable. So much to unpack, thank you Marcus.
- Suzanne Weller
Stimulating. Inspiring. Confronting. Educational. Eye-opening. Humbling. Challenging. I wasn’t expecting to be so deeply moved. Loved the whole course!
- Rick Bolstler
Each session ‘primed the pump’ for some heartfelt writing. There was a sort of alchemy at work it seemed. It was great, thank you!
- Mandy G
An excellent experience - the material was very articulate with heaps of resources to research and continue developing inner exploration. This course felt like the beginning of a significant chapter!
-Anon
Writers Retreat NSW
Program Outline
Exploring Childhood
Day One
Morning Session 9:30am - 12:30pm
An introduction to life writing and understanding life passages through development psychology and archetypal psychology.
Lunch 12:30pm
Afternoon Session 1:00pm - 4:00pm
You will revisit your childhood with readings and writing exercises culminating in you producing a piece which we will proofread and discuss.
Waterfall Walk (Optional) 4:00 - 6:00pm
Should the weather and your energy levels be accomodating, you can use this time to take in a nearby bushwalk to our local waterfall.
Alternatively, you might indulge in some art activities or enjoy one of the more physical activities we host (mountain biking / stand up paddleboarding).
Dinner 6:30 - 7:30pm
Enjoy a home cooked, organic meal or travel out to try one of Katoomba’s local dining facilities.
Evening (Optional) 7:30pm onwards
There are a range of optional evening activities for you to enjoy, such as listening to or reading poetry, life stories, or enjoying a thought-provoking film or inspiring documentary. Other options include self-guided meditation and yoga.
Day Two
Breakfast 8:30am
Enjoy a homemade breakfast, tea or coffee on the verandah whilst the kookaburras and other local birds sing.
Morning Sessions 9:30am - 12:30pm
You will look at the archetype associated with childhood, that of the Innocent. Readings and writing exercises on this theme will help you see how the archetypal development has played out in your own life. You will weave these threads together to produce a writing piece.
Lunch 12:30pm
Afternoon Sessions 1:30pm - 4:00pm
We will proofread and discuss the writing piece you’ve written. For those wanting to produce a memoir we will look at the core themes of your life story and how your writing pieces can be best structured.
Cost: $590 for 2 day writing retreat. $50 off for a weekday program.
$850 for a 3 day, deeper dive.
Inclusions: Our retreats include accommodation, meals, workbooks, counselling and activities.
Optional session of bibliotherapy. Learn more about our bibliotherapy service.
Location: Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW.
Your Facilitator
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Marcus Dabb had been always drawn to personal development before having a turning point when he came across the notion of the hero’s journey.
After reading Jim Styne’s book about it, Heroes: A Guide to Realising Your Dreams, he recognised that working as a public servant for the taxation office was probably not living out his highest potential.
His higher education in teaching was complemented by his time working in employment services, recruitment, outdoor education and the TAFE always with a view to helping people discover and develop more authentic vocational paths.
Finding the courage to walk an alternative career path - one fraught with self-doubt and other obstacles - began a journey that led to his current focuses, A Different Drummer - Career Counselling, Polaris - Soul Blueprints & and Writes of Passage Retreats - Personal Development Retreats.
Having worked closely with many people to help them find their sense of vocational fit and career bliss.
After running a wide variety of workshops in Australia and overseas he launched his retreat initiative in the belief that contemplation, nature, carefully curated ideas and guidance from someone who has been through the ordeals of the hero’s journey, is the ideal means for people to look at life with greater possibility and unearth their own dormant potentiality.
Writing has been an integral part of his life. After studying creative writing at university and moving into social work, he employed writing activities with clients to help them find empowerment.
In addition to teaching life writing to groups and individuals, he has published a book which incorporates life writing called, The Different Drummer: Follow your own beat to find enlivening work and lead an extraordinary life.
Revisiting Childhood - A Rich Source of Personal Development
There is general consensus that staying as a child when our development has moved into adulthood only stunts our growth. Equally damaging, is losing touch with our childlike selves to adopt joyless adult roles, armour and stoicism. Our writing program involves celebrating the gifts from your childhood and exploring how you can cultivate more of the healthy traits of the child, or Innocent archetype, into your life.
A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.
~ Paulo Coelho
Shadow Work
Although we continue to revere ‘the ideal childhood’, the most interesting and humane adults tend to be those who have found the gifts in their woundings.
Leonard Cohen said, “There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.” He spoke of the need to confront brokenness in order to find resurrection and return. Only when we explore shadow work and integrate those disconnected parts of ourselves, can we become whole and healthy.
Otherwise, we remain what William Faulkner called a Man-Child, or escape into Pollyanna denial where grief and other unpleasant emotions are avoided, rather than transmuted.
The happy childhood is hardly worth your while.
~ Frank McCourt
It is universally accepted that childhood, or the first phase of our life, has an enormous bearing on how capable we become of living happy, high-functioning lives as adults.
Psychologist Erik Erikson argued that if we fail to integrate healthy development stages we will inevitably have to revisit them. This program helps you to identify areas you mastered as well as those that need to shift, either in thought or behaviour.
Reclaiming the wonder, appreciation, enthusiasm and optimism of the child archetype can fertilise all of the aspects to your life. Think of someone integrated, such as the Dalai Lama. He’s disciplined, yet light. Purposeful, yet playful.
True adulthood, or psychological maturity, has become an uncommon achievement in Western and Westernized societies, and genuine elderhood nearly nonexistent.
- Bill Plotkin
Group Writing Workshop
If you’d prefer to take part in my group life writing workshop in Bellingen consider joining me at Camp Creative.
Here is a poetic piece written by one of my participant’s about her experience doing my class:
A
week in the rainforest
To
focus on me
Camped
in a field
Surrounded
by trees
A
week in a tent
Woken
by birds
Tiny
little wrens
Big
black cockatoos
A
week away from obligation
To
do as a I please
No
cries for food
No
messes to clean
A
week to dig deep
Into
my heart, into my soul,
To
rewrite stories
Internally
told
A
week to wake
To
the sound of rain
In
deep imagination
No
intention, but to create
A
week to be in flow
In
sync with rhythms and thoughts
No
one coughing or blurting
Chewing
or slurping
A
week to connect
With
strangers, now friends
Through
verse and words
Unique
story’s blend
A
week to find home within
In
Bellingen
A
yearning now sated
Community
un-gated
Blue Mountains Retreats
“Great things are done when people and mountains meet;
this is not done by jostling in the street.”
- William Blake
Take in a local stargazing tour at night
Rejuvenate in the Blue Mountains natural wonders
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