# Event Details - **Event Name**: November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 04 Nov, 2026 at 10:00 am – Sun, 08 Nov, 2026 at 12:00 pm (+02:00) - **Event Description**: We are gathering in the vast and empty land in a magical landscape for a week-long retreat in summer in South Africa to write.About this EventJoin writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on quiet a writing immersion in McGregor in the semi desert of the Klein Karoo in South Africa to get quiet, get inspired and dive into words.Sarah Bullen is the founder of 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 and find more info about this particular retreat on this page.Twice a year we retreat in South Africa in a wonderfully remote and quiet location. It's time to slow down and find a beat to your story.McGregor is the quiet space we find ourselves in.We will be there for four nights, which is a solid time to get a good start on your writing.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.WE STAY AT TEMENOS RETREAT CENTRETemenos is well-loved for its beauty and tranquillity. It is set in the heart of the small village of McGregor. Please note that this is a low-key, simple centre, gathered around a magnificent garden. There is a range of simple, fully equipped cottages. Each cottage has its own private patio. The centre comes from the Buddhist tradition, where simplicity and silence are welcomed. There is a swimming pool in the gardens, and the healing gardens include many private spaces for meditation, quiet reflection, and writing.THE SCHEDULEMornings 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.COSTS 2026Single occupancy room €1000Sharing a room - €800 per personDeposit €400COSTS INCLUDE:4 nights accommodationBreakfast buffet dailyAll meals for the durationA fully guided writing processA one-on-one sessionStructured feedback on your projectAll course fees and learning materialsCOST EXCLUDES:Flights to Cape Town if neededTravel to the venue. We will organise a bus / transfer if you need it at a shared cost. This is usually around R600-R1000 each way, depending on how many need transport sharing. Some authors self-drive, lift share or hire a car.Drinks from the barVisas and Travel InsuranceAny additional services such as yoga, massages, treatments, or extra trips https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/a4d8b040-e2f3-11f0-820b-e5e04fbe28e9-rimg-w1200-h344-dcf8ead7-gmir.jpg YOU WILL LEARN* The basics of planning a compelling story* The key elements of structure* The business side of books and screenplays* Short Form Writing Masterclass – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine* Researching and the art of the interview* Creating realistic characters* Beginnings, starts and hooks* Self editing and editing styles* Handling point of view* Working with dialogue* Working through personal blocks* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice* Sourcing tips and techniques* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one* How to launch your brand and publicity ideasREVIEWSThe Writing Room is a retreat endorsed by the Global Retreats Company and the Queen of RetreatsWe 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.https://youtu.be/oaI_MfL4-So?si=KMu-bVqrhjsW3P80SARAH BULLENSarah 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. 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.Her recent books include Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking about and Just Write It and 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 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 "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 2016 https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/a625a2a0-e2f3-11f0-b1e5-fb8d04c0193d-rimg-w1139-h740-dc1b284d-gmir.jpg - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/mcgregor/november-midsummer-writing-retreat-mcgregor-south-africa/100001978876930168 - **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, health-wellness, workshops, sports, meditation, storytelling, trips-adventures - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 400, max: 400, currency: EUR ## Event venue details - **city**: McGregor - **state**: WC - **country**: South Africa - **location**: Temenos Retreat in McGregor - **lat**: -33.9498902 - **long**: 19.8261076 - **full address**: Temenos Retreat in McGregor, Voortrekker Street, McGregor, South Africa ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/95b2f5a851de23afbbc3ed0fa83a48d3a9d161beb7801192f1bc9a85ea0f639e-rimg-w1200-h386-dca3adb8-gmir.jpg?v=1766819661 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa being held? - **A:** November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa takes place on Wed, 04 Nov, 2026 at 10:00 am to Sun, 08 Nov, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Temenos Retreat in McGregor, Voortrekker Street, McGregor, South Africa. - **Q**: Who is organizing November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa? - **A:** November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa is organized by The Writing Room Retreats. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** November Midsummer Writing Retreat McGregor, South Africa is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in McGregor, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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After decades of supporting writers we know that to write a story buried in your heart, you need to remove yourself from ordinary life. All types of writers are welcome into these immersions into the world of story and creativity, from people writing their first novel to experienced creators of non-fiction booksOur retreats are suitable for people with no writing experience, or for writers who are just stuck with plotting or character development. We have had a range of people come on the retreats over the past few years, from published authors who need a push to novices who have only ever written letters.The Writing Room is there to support writers.The Writing Room" } ] } ] ```