Barrydale Writing Retreat, South Africa 1 - 5 November 2025
Sat Nov 1, 10:00 - Wed Nov 5, 12:00
Karoo Art Hotel
ABOUT
We are gathering in the vast and empty land at in a magical of landscapes
for a week-long retreat in midsummer in South Africa to write.
1 - 5 November 2025
Join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a writing immersion in Barrydale in the Klein Karoo in South Africa to get quiet, get inspired and dive into words. Sarah Bullen 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
Twice a year we retreat in South Africa in a wonderfully remote and quiet location. This is time to slow down and find a beat to your story. Barrydale is the quiet space we find ourselves in 2025. We are going to be there for four nights, which is a solid time to get a good start on your writing. Feel free to extend your stay for a longer immersion in the empty spaces of a small town.
We understand writers, and the quiet magic that is sometimes needed to allow words to flow. After decades of supporting writers, we know that to write a story buried in your heart, you often need to remove yourself from ordinary life. All types of writers are welcome into these immersions into the world of story and creativity.
Who should come?
Anyone with a book, or a writing project is welcome to join. You may be a new writer, or an experienced writer who simply needs time away from your life to really settle into your writing. The days will flow between craft sessions, feedback and loads of time to finally sit and write.
I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome. Each writer has two personal sessions with me to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material.
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, 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 in the quiet simplicity of a small town with horizons and open spaces to dream and journal.
THE HOTEL
The Venue is in Barrydale at the Karoo Art Hotel, three hours drive from Cape Town. The wonderful little town of Barrydale lies nestled at the foot of the beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley, Life moves in a low gear, which is exactly the sort of slowing down that serves your story. We will gather in this arty and eclectic hotel for a week.
THE SCHEDULE
Mornings will be a structured writing session where we cover more of the craft. with afternoons free to pour your words onto the page. We gather in the evenings for reading, feedback and storytelling.
For those who need a push, my structured evening 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.
All writing genres are welcome on this retreat - novels, memoirs, non-fiction, academic writers, poetry, children's book.
HOW DO THE DAYS UNFOLD?
This is an exercise in slowing down. Let's not rush. Allow yourself some time and space to really settle into your writing craft. The days unfold in a slow and easy way.
* Two daily classes on writing craft from structure to story building.
* A structured programme to advance your project and your writing craft
* Anchored writing time for most of the day where you can get feedback, input and review. Or just sit and write.
* A writing plan for your project, with deadlines and support.
* Professional feedback and peer review on your work
* Personal book structure session with your host and writing coach Sarah Bullen
* Workshop your synopsis / proposal.
* How to present your book to agents and publishers
* How to make your book your brand.?
COSTS 2025
This is the price for South African authors only.
Tuition per person R5680 + accommodation of your choice.
We have a number of different rooms available and they are listed below. Once you pay your deposit you will book your room separately. So in calculating the cost of the retreat it is
TUITION + ACCOMMODATION.
THE KLEIN KAROO ROOMS
Single occupancy R9602,50 + tuition
Double occupancy R18,185 + tuition
THE GROOT KAROO ROOMS
Single occupancy R10,947 + tuition
Double occupancy R17,525 + tuition
THE GARDEN SUITES x 2
Single occupancy R11,600 + tuition
Double occupancy - R18,830 + tuition
Please note a deposit is required to secure your place. This is non-refundable as per our T&Cs which we will send you. Please be clear before your book as places fill up fast. We can jump on a quick call to discuss if this is right for you.
COST INCLUDES
- 4 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily and dinner
- Two lunches
- Pre-dinner cocktails on two nights
- A fully guided writing process
- A one-on-one session
- Structured feedback on your project
- All course fees and learning material
COST EXCLUDES
- Flights to Cape Town if needed
- Travel to the venue. We will organise a bus / transfer if you need at a shared cost, or self drive.
- Additional lunch and dinner will be at your own cost or you can self-cater in your own cottage.
- Visas and Travel Insurance
- Any additional services such as yoga, massages, treatments, or extra trips
REVIEWS
The Writing Room is a retreat endorsed by the Global Retreats Company and 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.
WE WILL COVER
- How to define and create your most compelling story
- The elements of structure
- Finding your book genre and sub-genre
- Creating plot, place, and character outlines for your genre
- Adding plot points and structure
- Beginnings, middles, and ends
- Developing your main character
- Developing your minor characters
- Developing your voice
- Developing point of view as a plotting technique
- How to improve your plotting, pace, and structure
- How to make your characters unforgettable
- Adding depth and layers?
- Sourcing tips and techniques
- How to present your book to publishers
ABOUT 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. Sarah has been writing groups and retreats for the past decade. Her recent books include:
Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking about and Just Write It
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 MacGregor 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
HOST
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 100 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. “There’s a different writing energy when you are away from home and immersed in a creative adventure. Without exception, everyone in the group has a story to share and becomes the learner and the teacher. It is my job to guide this.”Her books include Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking About & Just Write and Love & Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.
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T&CS
PAYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. It is the customer’s responsibility to check the reservation and ensure that the particulars contained therein are correct.
2. The customer shall pay The Writing Room a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit as specified above of the total amount due for each person named in the reservation.
3. The balance monies due shall be paid by the customer to The Writing Room not less than 6 weeks prior to the date of retreat. Bookings within the last 8 weeks must be paid in full at time of booking.
4. If payment of either the deposit or the balance is not received by the due date The Writing Room reserves the right to cancel the reservation and retain the deposit / payment
.5. In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, minus the deposit, apply. (The deposit is non-refundable, as mentioned in 2):
- Cancellation 4 – 6 weeks prior to retreat: If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event that your place is not filled there will be a refund less 50% of the full fee.
- Cancellation less than 4 weeks prior to retreat: If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event that your place is not filled there will be a refund less 75% of the full fee. If your place is not filled, then no refund is possible.
6. Due to teacher cancellations or other situations beyond our control, The Writing Room reserves the right to change bookings or venues and shall inform the customer as soon as possible. Alternative arrangements / new retreat dates will be offered but we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfare.
7. The Writing Room is not held liable for flight or travel.
8. The Writing Room reserves the right to offer discretionary discounts and this does not affect the status of any guests who have paid the full price and no discount will then become due to them.
9. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has all the relevant travel documentation, visas if required and arrives at the airport in time.
10. The Writing Room can accept no responsibility for delay or cancellation of any flights, train, buses or other forms of transport.
11. The Writing Room reserves the right to alter any facility accommodation or activity in the schedule.
12. In the event that the customer decides to downgrade their accommodation after monies have been paid, the customer will not be entitled to any refund. If the customer wishes to upgrade in a new facility, full costs are liable.
13. The Writing Room cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage of personal possessions or valuables of the customer.
14. The Writing Room shall not be liable for any failures beyond its control. This covers natural disasters, war, ‘acts of God’, closure of airports, civil strife, accidents or failure to perform by third parties, including suppliers and subcontractors.
15. The Writing Room accepts no liability for loss, damage, injury or illnesses which may be received during the customers stay or travelling to and from the Retreat, during the Retreat or any unofficial activities.
16. We recommend that all customers have adequate travel, cancellation and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.
17. These terms and conditions shall be governed by South Africa Law and the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in all matters regarding them.