Happy New Year of the Rabbit!
May the carrots and lettuce flow in abundance,
and bring us a year of peace, creativity, fortitude and joy.
Lots of stories, too!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
NEW Six Memoir/ Fiction Masterclasses with Beth Yahp from 13 March to 5 June 2011
Announcing a new series of 6 Memoir/ Fiction/ Travel Project Masterclasses beginning 13 March 2011.
These workshops will be a chance for participants to work with me (and other members of a small workshop group of 6) over a sustained period in the development of their writing towards a larger piece of work - e.g. a travel book, a memoir, a novel, a collection of stories.
The masterclasses feature indepth workshopping and detailed written editorial feedback from me each meeting, as well as a lesson focussing on an advanced writing skill (e.g. structure, transitions, point of view) and in-class writing exercises.
The masterclasses are for people who have previously attended writing workshops or classes, or have already published their writing, and therefore have some experience of writing craft. They are strictly limited to 6 participants to ensure that everyone has adequate time for discussion and feedback on their writing projects.
The meetings are fortnightly for the first three weeks, with a month's break in April, then fortnightly for the final 3 weeks.
When: 6 meetings, beginning 13 March 2011. Classes are mostly fortnightly.
Dates: Sundays 13 & 27 March, 10 April, (4 week break), 8 & 22 May 2009; 5 June 2011
Time: 2.30 - 6.40pm (there will be two 5 minute breaks)
Where: Bronte 2024, Sydney
You will get: A reader of course readings and writing craft notes, in-class writing exercises, presentation/discussion of particular writing/editing skills & techniques, and one detailed written edit of your submitted work per meeting (up to 2000 word submissions per meeting, 6 detailed edits from me in total). Each meeting you will also receive verbal feedback and detailed discussion of your work from me and other members of the group. You will also get acess to a safe space in which to test out your writing and exchange ideas and skills - a community of writers, engaged in a similar writing journey. Tea/ coffee/ snacks also provided.
Course covers: In-depth writing and editing skills for fiction and creative non-fiction (memoir/ travel narratives); generation of new material through writing exercises and reading/ discussion of samples of particular craft skills; advice on writing craft and sustaining your writing life, as well as publication strategies; how to give and receive feedback/ criticism that is supportive and helpful to yourself and others as writers; mentorship of you as a writer and of your writing project over the period of the course.
Application Process & Registration: Due to the small number of participants, there will be a selection process based on whether I consider I can be of assistance to you and your writing project; quality of work; and how I think the different projects in the group will resonate with each other. Selection will be based on a half page description of your project, as well as a two page example of your writing, which should be submitted to me by email ASAP.
Closing Date for Applications: 1 March 2011 (but as places are limited, it would be a good idea to send me a sample of your work ASAP)
Contact: For more information, please contact me at: bywritingworks@yahoo.com.au
Beth’s Rant on her Memoir/ Fiction Masterclasses
These workshops would suit those who are working on a writing project, e.g. fiction (stories or a novel) or memoir/ travel narrative. Or, those who have such a project in mind, and would like to get started in a supportive but concrete way. (Yes – for this workshop you would have to produce a piece of writing – 1000-2000 words, first draft – towards your project every two weeks. This can be new material, or a rewrite.)
Sound scary? Don’t worry, as those of you who’ve been to my workshops will know, I will provide you with a framework of readings (examples of good, exciting, inspiring writing and thoughts by writers on the writing process), in-class writing exercises as a warm up, and I will also give you written feedback and a detailed edit on work submitted for workshopping each meeting.
Each workshop will focus on writing but equally on critiquing and editing – both structural and copy-editing. This two-pronged approach to the writing process means that you develop your skills to create new work, but also to shape it for an audience. Allowing our work to take shape in a safe and supportive space gives us the freedom to experiment, play, take risks.
Fortnightly meetings mean you have time to write, and that you produce work each fortnight. (Nothing like a dedicated audience to keep one going!) The workshop operates on the understanding that you are producing mostly first or second drafts.
The masterclasses are open to those who have been to my Journeying Self or Creativity in Practice workshops – or those who have been in some other writing workshops – so that you have a foundation in writing craft and some of the techniques that bring both fiction and non-fiction alive for readers.
Numbers are strictly limited to 6 so that each person receives a substantial amount of time for feedback each meeting. If you are interested in attending, you would need to send me a half page description of your project, as well as a two page example of your writing. Because of limited numbers, inclusion in the workshop would be based on a selection process.
As WH Murray said (attributing it to Goethe): “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, magic in it. Begin it now.”
What past participants of Beth Yahp’s Writing Masterclasses say:
Odette S: I liked being in a ‘safe space’ around other writers sharing our work, learning together, guided by a fabulous teacher; improvement in my craft; being inspired by the group; reading some amazingly good work (and even commenting on them!); being REQUIRED to write AND read (that discipline has long been overdue); ideas from the others’ work and the reading. I was given confidence that I ‘could do this’. The course exceeded my expectations. The tutor, teaching method and materials were excellent and the masterclass stoked my dream [of writing my story]. The course was very good value.
Elizabeth B: I think more than anything the course provided the discipline to keep going with my project… now I have a much clearer view of the structure of what I'm writing and how the content can evolve inside it. I knew that the tutor would be fabulous… (that was part of the inspiration for taking the course!) and the writing materials were excellent… I would absolutely recommend it to someone who has a project and is looking for support and feedback to help them along what is otherwise a pretty lonely road… the community it provides has been invaluable to me.
Karen W: I gained more confidence and trust in my work; practice at critiquing; an avenue which allowed experimentation and a response to it; consolidation of writing skills; a group I am excited about continuing to work with. [The course] fulfilled all my expectations, which I must add were very high. Beth inspired, challenged and encouraged her students. She created a supportive, respectful, ordered and safe environment. The material was highly relevant and interesting. I have already recommended this course to everyone who will listen.
Leanne M: I liked the detailed feedback... The range of input was helpful - the variety of perspectives was very valuable. Giving feedback also helped me to start to look at my own work more objectively. The discussions and exercises on different topics related to writing craft helped me to see some of what I need to do and an inkling of how to do it. I feel that I am well-equipped now to take my first draft to the next stage. That was my goal and it has been reached.
The tutor was knowledgeable, friendly and kind, also encouraging and supportive. Firm when that was needed in terms of feedback/constructive criticism points. Teaching methods are very immersive and experiential and therefore effective. Materials - the handouts each session - are helpful and valuable references for the future… a good mix of inspiration, examples and practical guidance.
I would recommend the course, but emphasise that each participant has to be prepared to work and give of themselves. It was so good I didn't want the series to end! Mind you I was exhausted - like a marathon runner perhaps. Thanks for a great course.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Extended earlybird booking discount!
To celebrate the festive season, the earlybird booking discount for both tours has been extended to 30 March 2011. See Costs, Fees and Details post for more info. These are strictly word-of-mouth tours, so please tell your friends! Cheers and Happy Festive Season to everyone! Here's to big joy, big adventure and big horizons for us all in the coming New Year...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Announcing Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Writers' Trek and Writers' Retreat in Nepal and the Himalayas Oct/Nov 2011: Join Us On One - Or Both!
Tour 1: 12-Day Writing Trek in the Himalayas with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal: 9 - 21 Oct 2011
Join Beth Yahp and a small group of fellow-writers for a trek in the Himalayas while working on a writing project of your choice.
Whether your focus is fiction, travel or memoir, prize-winning author and teacher Beth Yahp is sure to free your storytelling capabilities in her inspiring and openhearted writing workshops, and one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss your writing.
Tour 2: 10-Day Writers Retreat in Nepal with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal 27 Oct - 6 Nov 2011
Spend 10 days on Retreat in the Himalayas working intensively on your fiction, memoir, or travel writing project with acclaimed writer and highly experienced creative writing teacher and editor, Beth Yahp.
Tour 1: 12-Day Writing Trek in the Himalayas with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal: 9 - 21 Oct 2011
This is a unique journey of writing and inner development for experienced and amateur writers located in one of the most extraordinary and beautiful regions on the planet. We will explore Kathmandu, trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, then unwind back in Kathmandu, with writing workshops and insights along the way.
Whether your focus is fiction, travel or memoir, prize-winning author and teacher Beth Yahp is sure to free your storytelling capabilities in her inspiring and openhearted writing workshops, and one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss your writing.
A creative and supportive atmosphere for beginners, or the more advanced. Time for reflection and remembering. Sharing of knowledge and writing skills. And fun—as well as a sense of accomplishment—in writing and sharing our stories.
This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the trekker who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. Accommodation from rustic traditional mountain lodges to the Hyatt in Kathmandu for rest and rejuvenation.
Draft Itinerary:
DAY 1 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu /Transfer to hotel/ Rest.
You will be staying in the heart of the tourist area of bustling Kathmandu in an eco-guest house decorated in traditional style. Walk out the front door and into atmospheric Thamel, where you can shop for presents, or just soak up the atmosphere. There will be a brief orientation session and introductions.
DAY 2 Kathmandu
We will begin the day with our first workshop session, and preparations for the trek, followed by a tour of some of the famous Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. There is so much to see in Kathmandu, and you won’t have time to see it all. However, Day 2 gives you a chance to whet your appetite and visit some of the sacred and world heritage sites; to look, take photos or write. Options include:
a. Patan Durbar Square –world heritage site, with ancient temples and well laid out museum
b. Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) or Boudhanath Stupa—two soaring Buddhist stupas, pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, especially the Tibetan Community
c. Pashupatinath Temple—world heritage site, one of the 4 top pilgrimage sites for Hindu Pilgrims around the world
In the evening we will have a mountain safety briefing and video about altitude sickness (and how to prevent it.)
DAY 3 Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakdin
In the early morning, step onto the twin otter plane at Kathmandu, and be transported as if in a time capsule to the village of Lukla in the Khumbu region (2827m). Here you will begin the acclimatization process and the first mountain session while you enjoy breakfast and plenty of hydrating liquids.
Even if your mind is still racing at city pace, your body will remind you that it is time to slow down –particularly when you find yourself puffing more than usual when climbing stairs, as you become aware of the first effects of the altitude.
After breakfast in Lukla and a recap on mountain safety, the trek begins with a 3 to 4 hour walk to Phakdin. Sometimes you will be sharing the trail with yak trains, other trekkers, and local traders on their way up to Namche Bazaar. Such rich material for your photos, writing and memories. You will also get your first close up glimpses of the mountains, weather permitting.
We will spend the night at a lodge situated in a valley right on the Dudh Koshi River.
Please Note: Lukla’s weather is variable, and the planes can’t land in the mist (when you get there you’ll see why). So be prepared for the potential for delays in the flight, sometimes even cancellations due to the weather. This applies for the return journey from Lukla to Kathmandu also.
DAY 4 Phakdin to Monjo
A couple of hours walk through lush vegetation, past agricultural fields and Buddhist monuments takes us to Monjo. Monjo is a Sherpa village on the border of the Sagarmatha National Park. Opportunities for word pictures. You will want to capture every blink of your eyes.
DAY 5 Monjo to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is situated approximately 3440 metres from sea level. At this point you will definitely start feeling the altitude, although most people acclimatise within a day or so. Nestled at the top of a cliff, Namche is a traditional trading place, with traders coming from Tibet, India and Nepal to the small hill top village. When the clouds part, views of Mount Everest, and several other 8000m peaks are visible.
(There is a steep climb into Namche Bazaar—and this section of the trip will be dependent on the health and fitness of our group. The alternative will be day trips and writing sessions in and around Monjo and Phakdin)
DAY 6 - 8 Namche Bazaar Activities
Writing workshops in Namche Bazaar.
For those missing the comfort of home, there are bakeries that are a legacy left by early German climbers, with reasonable coffee and apple pie with a view. There are also three museums to explore—the main one covers culture/ geography/ flora and fauna of the Everest Region. Then there are two smaller ones, one specialising in Sherpa Culture, the other in Traditional Himalayan Medicine. There is also a traditional Tibetan Healer available for consultation at the Himalayan Healing Centre.
DAY 9 Namche Bazaar to Phakdin
Day 10 Phakdin to Lukla
Day 11 Lukla to Kathmandu
After the mountain lodges, now you have the opportunity to be pampered at the majestic Hyatt Hotel. This luxury five-star hotel overlooks Boudathnath Stupa—one of the largest Buddhist temples in Kathmandu. At dawn and dusk, you can join the throngs of Tibetans encircling the stupa reciting their pujas. You may choose to have some additional pampering at the Hyatt’s day spa, such as a healing ayurvedic massage.
The Hyatt provides a serene environment to continue our writing.
(Please remember, getting out of Lukla is dependant on the weather. Sometimes it can take several days to fly out.)
DAY 12 Kathmandu
The final full day in Nepal has some time for shopping, and optional sightseeing, and our last writing workshop and optional evening reading of our work at the Hyatt.
a. Bhaktapur Durbar Square- World Heritage Site
b. Changu Narayan Temple- World Heritage Site
c. Shopping, relax around the Temple
d. Visit to orphanage
DAY 13 Departure
Optional for those who would like to deepen their writing experience in Nepal, you can choose to follow this 12-Day Trek with a further 10-Day Retreat with Beth where she will mentor a 10 day intensive, luxurious and creative Writing Retreat at Nagarkot (27 Oct – 6 Nov 2011). The biggest and most auspicious festival in the annual Nepalese calendar, Dashain, takes place around this time, and free days between the tours can be spent soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience in celebration of the Goddess Durga. See details in following post on this blog.
“When we reconnect who we are
with what we do,
we approach our lives and our work
with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity.”
- P. Palmer
Sanjaya Tripathee
Managing Director,
Sacred Journeys Nepal Treks P. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Web: http://www.sacredjourneysnepal.com/
Mob: (0011) 977-9851112953
For more information, cost and a detailed itinerary, please contact Beth Yahp at bywritingworks@gmail.com or Susanne Rix at susanne@superworking.com.
For travel details please contact Sacred Journeys at sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Whether your focus is fiction, travel or memoir, prize-winning author and teacher Beth Yahp is sure to free your storytelling capabilities in her inspiring and openhearted writing workshops, and one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss your writing.
A creative and supportive atmosphere for beginners, or the more advanced. Time for reflection and remembering. Sharing of knowledge and writing skills. And fun—as well as a sense of accomplishment—in writing and sharing our stories.
This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the trekker who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. Accommodation from rustic traditional mountain lodges to the Hyatt in Kathmandu for rest and rejuvenation.
Draft Itinerary:
DAY 1 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu /Transfer to hotel/ Rest.
You will be staying in the heart of the tourist area of bustling Kathmandu in an eco-guest house decorated in traditional style. Walk out the front door and into atmospheric Thamel, where you can shop for presents, or just soak up the atmosphere. There will be a brief orientation session and introductions.
DAY 2 Kathmandu
We will begin the day with our first workshop session, and preparations for the trek, followed by a tour of some of the famous Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. There is so much to see in Kathmandu, and you won’t have time to see it all. However, Day 2 gives you a chance to whet your appetite and visit some of the sacred and world heritage sites; to look, take photos or write. Options include:
a. Patan Durbar Square –world heritage site, with ancient temples and well laid out museum
b. Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) or Boudhanath Stupa—two soaring Buddhist stupas, pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, especially the Tibetan Community
c. Pashupatinath Temple—world heritage site, one of the 4 top pilgrimage sites for Hindu Pilgrims around the world
In the evening we will have a mountain safety briefing and video about altitude sickness (and how to prevent it.)
DAY 3 Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakdin
In the early morning, step onto the twin otter plane at Kathmandu, and be transported as if in a time capsule to the village of Lukla in the Khumbu region (2827m). Here you will begin the acclimatization process and the first mountain session while you enjoy breakfast and plenty of hydrating liquids.
Even if your mind is still racing at city pace, your body will remind you that it is time to slow down –particularly when you find yourself puffing more than usual when climbing stairs, as you become aware of the first effects of the altitude.
After breakfast in Lukla and a recap on mountain safety, the trek begins with a 3 to 4 hour walk to Phakdin. Sometimes you will be sharing the trail with yak trains, other trekkers, and local traders on their way up to Namche Bazaar. Such rich material for your photos, writing and memories. You will also get your first close up glimpses of the mountains, weather permitting.
We will spend the night at a lodge situated in a valley right on the Dudh Koshi River.
Please Note: Lukla’s weather is variable, and the planes can’t land in the mist (when you get there you’ll see why). So be prepared for the potential for delays in the flight, sometimes even cancellations due to the weather. This applies for the return journey from Lukla to Kathmandu also.
DAY 4 Phakdin to Monjo
A couple of hours walk through lush vegetation, past agricultural fields and Buddhist monuments takes us to Monjo. Monjo is a Sherpa village on the border of the Sagarmatha National Park. Opportunities for word pictures. You will want to capture every blink of your eyes.
DAY 5 Monjo to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is situated approximately 3440 metres from sea level. At this point you will definitely start feeling the altitude, although most people acclimatise within a day or so. Nestled at the top of a cliff, Namche is a traditional trading place, with traders coming from Tibet, India and Nepal to the small hill top village. When the clouds part, views of Mount Everest, and several other 8000m peaks are visible.
(There is a steep climb into Namche Bazaar—and this section of the trip will be dependent on the health and fitness of our group. The alternative will be day trips and writing sessions in and around Monjo and Phakdin)
DAY 6 - 8 Namche Bazaar Activities
Writing workshops in Namche Bazaar.
For those missing the comfort of home, there are bakeries that are a legacy left by early German climbers, with reasonable coffee and apple pie with a view. There are also three museums to explore—the main one covers culture/ geography/ flora and fauna of the Everest Region. Then there are two smaller ones, one specialising in Sherpa Culture, the other in Traditional Himalayan Medicine. There is also a traditional Tibetan Healer available for consultation at the Himalayan Healing Centre.
DAY 9 Namche Bazaar to Phakdin
Day 10 Phakdin to Lukla
Day 11 Lukla to Kathmandu
After the mountain lodges, now you have the opportunity to be pampered at the majestic Hyatt Hotel. This luxury five-star hotel overlooks Boudathnath Stupa—one of the largest Buddhist temples in Kathmandu. At dawn and dusk, you can join the throngs of Tibetans encircling the stupa reciting their pujas. You may choose to have some additional pampering at the Hyatt’s day spa, such as a healing ayurvedic massage.
The Hyatt provides a serene environment to continue our writing.
(Please remember, getting out of Lukla is dependant on the weather. Sometimes it can take several days to fly out.)
DAY 12 Kathmandu
The final full day in Nepal has some time for shopping, and optional sightseeing, and our last writing workshop and optional evening reading of our work at the Hyatt.
a. Bhaktapur Durbar Square- World Heritage Site
b. Changu Narayan Temple- World Heritage Site
c. Shopping, relax around the Temple
d. Visit to orphanage
DAY 13 Departure
Optional for those who would like to deepen their writing experience in Nepal, you can choose to follow this 12-Day Trek with a further 10-Day Retreat with Beth where she will mentor a 10 day intensive, luxurious and creative Writing Retreat at Nagarkot (27 Oct – 6 Nov 2011). The biggest and most auspicious festival in the annual Nepalese calendar, Dashain, takes place around this time, and free days between the tours can be spent soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience in celebration of the Goddess Durga. See details in following post on this blog.
“When we reconnect who we are
with what we do,
we approach our lives and our work
with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity.”
- P. Palmer
Sanjaya Tripathee
Managing Director,
Sacred Journeys Nepal Treks P. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Web: http://www.sacredjourneysnepal.com/
Mob: (0011) 977-9851112953
For more information, cost and a detailed itinerary, please contact Beth Yahp at bywritingworks@gmail.com or Susanne Rix at susanne@superworking.com.
For travel details please contact Sacred Journeys at sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Tour 2: 10-Day Writers Retreat in Nepal with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal 25 Oct - 4 Nov 2011
Spend 10 days in the Himalayas working intensively on your fiction, memoir or travel writing project with acclaimed writer and highly experienced creative writing teacher and editor, Beth Yahp.
Pristine mountain air and breath-taking views to Mount Everest in the traditional luxury of Newari-style Fort Resort of Nagarkot, 30 kms from Kathmandu, provide the perfect surroundings for intensive writing and editing of your work. Just about every room has a view.
Built in the traditional Nepali architectural style and set on 14 acres of land boasting forest and organic gardens, the ambience and facilities at The Fort provide a peaceful and creative space in which to breathe and be productive. "A space to let go of the addiction of pulling and pushing," as the owners say.
The Writers Retreat offers the combination of mentorship by a prize-winning author, in-depth creative and structural editing and discussion of your work, as well as small group workshops and masterclasses with writing exercises to get your creative juices flowing.
Beth’s clear, encouraging and open-hearted workshops guide participants to deepen their writing and narrative skills, as well as learn to give and receive useful and supportive feedback. Each participant also receives detailed comments and edits of their writing from Beth, as well as a Course Reader of useful readings and notes for further study.
There will also be spare time in order to enjoy the facilities of the resort, to read, write and reflect. There will be free days and afternoons for participants to hike or join optional guided tours to surrounding nature, sporting or cultural activities (at extra cost). Included in the retreat are daily yoga classes and Ayurvedic massage.
We may also visit Bhaktapur, a World Heritage-listed Newari town that is famous for its culture, temples and traditional artworks as part of the retreat.
In the evenings we will gather to discuss everything and anything, and read from our work if we like. On our final night at Nagarkot there will be a party with a formal reading of participants’ work.
The group is strictly limited to ten participants to ensure that everyone has ample time for discussion and detailed feedback. Participants would contribute five pieces of writing (up to 2000 words each, submitted in advance of the writing retreat) to be workshopped over the 10 days.
Please note that this is NOT a backpacker experience but for the traveller/ writer who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity.
The following ITINERARY and CLASS SCHEDULE may vary depending on the number of participants:
Day 1: Arrival in Nagarkot, orientation and introduction to course; getting to know each other and your projects.
Day 2: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 1: Intent, Critiquing and Workshopping
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 3: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 2: Editing, Description, Scenes
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 4: Free day for writing, reading, editing, or exploring. Optional full day hike/ tours available—see list below (extra cost).
Day 5: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 3: Transitions in Place & Time, Show & Tell
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 6: Morning free for own writing, reading, editing, exploring.
2.00–6.00PM: Masterclass 4: Structure: Plot Shapes and Sequences
Day 7: Free day for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 8: 9.00–1.30 PM: Masterclass 5: Foregrounding, Flashbacks and Subtext
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 9: Free day for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring. Optional full day hike/ tours available—see list below (extra cost).
Day 10: 10.00–12.00 PM: Masterclass 6: Polishing, Publishing and Sustaining Your Writing Project; Reading Techniques. Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
6.00 PM: Dinner reading/ party.
Day 11: Departure for Kathmandu; optional extended stay in Kathmandu or 3 day tour of Nepalese village (extra cost).
This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the traveller/ writer who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. Please note that Nepal is a developing country.
CONTACT AND BOOKINGS:
To secure your place, a non- refundable deposit of US$500 per traveler is required.
“When we reconnect who we are
with what we do,
we approach our lives and our work
with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity.”
P. Palmer
We look forward to welcoming you on this special expedition.
Sanjaya Tripathee
Managing Director,
Sacred Journeys Nepal Treks P. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Web: http://www.sacredjourneysnepal.com.np/
Mob: (0011) 977-9851112953
For Information: Beth Yahp at bywritingworks@gmail.com or Susanne Rix at susanne@superworking.com
For Bookings: Sanjaya Tripathee at Sacred Journeys Nepal sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Pristine mountain air and breath-taking views to Mount Everest in the traditional luxury of Newari-style Fort Resort of Nagarkot, 30 kms from Kathmandu, provide the perfect surroundings for intensive writing and editing of your work. Just about every room has a view.
Built in the traditional Nepali architectural style and set on 14 acres of land boasting forest and organic gardens, the ambience and facilities at The Fort provide a peaceful and creative space in which to breathe and be productive. "A space to let go of the addiction of pulling and pushing," as the owners say.
The Writers Retreat offers the combination of mentorship by a prize-winning author, in-depth creative and structural editing and discussion of your work, as well as small group workshops and masterclasses with writing exercises to get your creative juices flowing.
Beth’s clear, encouraging and open-hearted workshops guide participants to deepen their writing and narrative skills, as well as learn to give and receive useful and supportive feedback. Each participant also receives detailed comments and edits of their writing from Beth, as well as a Course Reader of useful readings and notes for further study.
There will also be spare time in order to enjoy the facilities of the resort, to read, write and reflect. There will be free days and afternoons for participants to hike or join optional guided tours to surrounding nature, sporting or cultural activities (at extra cost). Included in the retreat are daily yoga classes and Ayurvedic massage.
We may also visit Bhaktapur, a World Heritage-listed Newari town that is famous for its culture, temples and traditional artworks as part of the retreat.
In the evenings we will gather to discuss everything and anything, and read from our work if we like. On our final night at Nagarkot there will be a party with a formal reading of participants’ work.
Please note that this is NOT a backpacker experience but for the traveller/ writer who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity.
The following ITINERARY and CLASS SCHEDULE may vary depending on the number of participants:
Day 1: Arrival in Nagarkot, orientation and introduction to course; getting to know each other and your projects.
Day 2: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 1: Intent, Critiquing and Workshopping
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 3: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 2: Editing, Description, Scenes
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 4: Free day for writing, reading, editing, or exploring. Optional full day hike/ tours available—see list below (extra cost).
Day 5: 9.00–1.00 PM: Masterclass 3: Transitions in Place & Time, Show & Tell
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 6: Morning free for own writing, reading, editing, exploring.
2.00–6.00PM: Masterclass 4: Structure: Plot Shapes and Sequences
Day 7: Free day for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 8: 9.00–1.30 PM: Masterclass 5: Foregrounding, Flashbacks and Subtext
Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
Day 9: Free day for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring. Optional full day hike/ tours available—see list below (extra cost).
Day 10: 10.00–12.00 PM: Masterclass 6: Polishing, Publishing and Sustaining Your Writing Project; Reading Techniques. Afternoon free for own writing, reading, editing, or exploring.
6.00 PM: Dinner reading/ party.
Day 11: Departure for Kathmandu; optional extended stay in Kathmandu or 3 day tour of Nepalese village (extra cost).
This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the traveller/ writer who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. Please note that Nepal is a developing country.
CONTACT AND BOOKINGS:
To secure your place, a non- refundable deposit of US$500 per traveler is required.
“When we reconnect who we are
with what we do,
we approach our lives and our work
with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity.”
P. Palmer
We look forward to welcoming you on this special expedition.
Sanjaya Tripathee
Managing Director,
Sacred Journeys Nepal Treks P. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sjnepal@wlink.com.np
Web: http://www.sacredjourneysnepal.com.np/
Mob: (0011) 977-9851112953
For Information: Beth Yahp at bywritingworks@gmail.com or Susanne Rix at susanne@superworking.com
For Bookings: Sanjaya Tripathee at Sacred Journeys Nepal sjnepal@wlink.com.np
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