Writing retreat in Lanzarote: why you should join us this Autumn

Are you a writer who’s currently struggling to put your ideas into words?

Does it seem as if there aren’t enough hours in the day to concentrate on your writing?

Have you ever been given the opportunity to work with experienced writers and publishers?

Or the chance to share and discuss ideas with like-minded people?

Would you be interested in spending some time with professionals of the writing world, in order to focus exclusively on your writing, encourage you to punch above your current writing weight and develop you into the writer you want to become?

Are you free this Autumn?

Magical Journeys Writing Retreat

If so, this Autumn, Mardibooks are teaming-up with Magical Journeys to host a unique writing retreat in Lanzarote. This fantastic getaway will take place from 1^stto 10^thNovember 2018 and aims to focus on a variety of objectives in order to develop your writing and push you closer towards that publishing contract you’ve been looking for.

During these ten days, Mardibooks directors Belinda Hunt and Claire Steele will be setting-up writing, editorial and publishing workshops, giving you invaluable advice and enhancing necessary skills to get your book published. There will also be an opportunity to engage with Art and Photography in our other workshops, run by Betty Rawson.

This retreat will be a tremendous experience for all those involved, and where better to hone your creativity than the breath-taking island of Lanzarote?

Why come..?

This writing retreat is an opportunity to really work on your writing as well as relax, meet new people and explore the island. Belinda and Claire will be directing writing workshops every day, with the primary focus on getting your work shipshape and ready to publish.

Whether you’ve just started, nearly finished, or are in the process of writing your novel, Belinda and Claire will be on-hand to consult and point you in the right direction when it comes to writing. Refining, editing and re-drafting are just some of the key things needed to get you thinking about your work and sculpting it to its best potential; with like-minded people there to help out and float ideas around, you’ll be selling books in no time.

Anyone is welcome! If you feel as though you’re at a loose-end with your writing, or that you no longer have time to sit down and write a page or two, or even if you’ve thought-up plenty of ideas but can’t quite seem to scribble them onto paper, then this retreat is perfect for you.

A truly unique experience, and one which caters to you, the writer.

Why Lanzarote?

For many years, Lanzarote has provided tourists with spectacular scenery, historical intrigue and an atmosphere for creativity. Lanzarote can be visited any time of year and still holds such vast natural beauty and curiosity. A Spanish island located in the northernmost and easternmost of the autonomous Canary Islands, Lanzarote provides unspoilt mountains, low levels of tourism, beautiful beaches and a range of natural splendour (not to mention great food!).

Nestled on the Atlantic coast, Lanzarote has some picturesque volcanic landscapes and national parks, as well as breath-taking art and architecture brought to life by the famous César Manrique. It is an ideal place to let your imagination run wild, offering unobstructed views to let your ideas flourish, calm sea breezes and sunny walks to refresh and reawaken your mind, mouth-watering food and good wine to replenish your soul and body.

What you can expect…

Writing workshops are every day, as well as Art and Photography workshops run by professional photographer Betty Rawson, who lives and works in Lanzarote. This will provide a totally different dimension to the retreat and will allow writers to develop their innovation in areas other than writing.

The Art and Photography workshops will explore perceptions of shadow and vision, offering studies on contrast, colour and exposure, seeing the world in a completely different light. These workshops will be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in creativity, allowing you to explore new objects and ideas in a fun and riveting way.

The retreat also allows for excursions as well as private time. The excursions will be a great way to disconnect yourself from the outside world, giving you some time to reflect on your writing but also learn something new.

Who will be there?

Belinda Hunt, Mardibooks

Belinda first set up Mardibooks in 2011 and has since developed it into a network for all writers, aiming to achieve prompt publication and powerful e-marketing. Mardibooks was established as a limited company in 2015 and has over 250 writers, selling over 100 books mainly on Amazon and the Mardibooks website.

Belinda is a writer, performance poet and teacher, author of ‘Mrs Godbothers’ and ‘Windows and Doors’, she has previously stated that her poetry is about ‘observation and story-telling’. She worked as a management consultant in strategic marketing across Europe for major corporates before re-training to be a teacher to coincide with becoming a mother. An experienced writer and editor, as well as director of Mardibooks.

Claire Steele, Magical Journeys & Mardibooks

Launched in 2010, Magical Journeys provides unique holidays with the aim of discovering the world’s most unusual and beautiful places in which to write, develop and invent creative possibilities. Magical Journeys explores the abundant pleasures of writing in an encouraging and thrilling environment. Using guided writing exercises to provide structure and incentive, it welcomes you to embark upon your new writing adventure.

Founder of Magical Journeys, Claire Steele, will also be coming on the Lanzarote writing retreat. For the last eight years Claire has been running bespoke creative writing retreats in Morocco, India, Turkey and the UK. She has taught in universities, church halls, double decker buses, wine bars, prisons and on airport runways. Also a judge on the Guardian First Book Award for four years, she is a writer, creative writing tutor and director of Mardibooks.

Betty Rawson, Photographer & Writer

Originally trained as a Fine Artist (B.A. M.A. in Fine Art and Theory), Betty’s photography takes on a huge range of subject matter. From portraits to animals to sunsets, she has a good eye for capturing the perfect snapshot. Her extraordinary work can be viewed on her website.

A blogger and writer too, Betty has previously been published under Mardibooks. Her charming novella ‘The Adventures of Loulou’ is available on Amazon. She first started writing as a hobby about 14 years ago, with most of her work being tailored specifically for radio. Her inspirations include Spike Milligan and John Le Carre. 

Accommodation

We are lucky enough to be staying in a villa with a private pool and two separate cottages at the gorgeous Casa el Morro. Offering yoga and meditation classes as well, this magnificent villa is perfect for those dreaming of a quiet getaway in which to focus on their writing. With some great reviews including ‘total, heavenly relaxation’, this is sure to be a truly unforgettable and enjoyable experience.

Let us help you tell your story — join us in Lanzarote…

For more information and to sign up to this writing retreat, please contact Belinda or Claire.