

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: McGregor Writing Retreat 11 - 15 March 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 12:00 pm – Sun, 15 Mar, 2026 at 03:00 pm
- **Event Description**: About the event

Join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on an adventure into writing in midsummer. All writers are welcome, and you can be working on a novel, a memoir, a screenplay or poetry. We will be developing and working on your project with the feedback and connection of a group.

 

Please read the info below carefully. Also note that this event is not in Cape Town but in the small town of McGregor, which is two hours' travel out of Cape Town.

WHO SHOULD JOIN


Anyone with a book or a writing project is welcome to join.

You may be a new writer or an experienced writer who needs time away from your life to really settle into your writing. You will join writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on a journey into quiet, and into your story.

I have writers of many different levels coming on these retreats. Some are starting a book and need more guidance, others are working on the 2nd or 3rd books. Still other writers join to journal or write poetry. Academic writers are also welcome. Each writer will get a personal plan to focus on your project and work on your writing plans and material.

 

HOW DOES IT LOOK

For those who need a push, the structured sessions will cover a lot of craft. There will be modules on how to write, edit, and market your book, find a structure, character, plot, advanced plotting and pace, and construct scenes. We also cover writing techniques, timelines and schedules, genre and finding your voice, preparing your manuscript, how to approach publishers, how to write your marketing material and new publishing models.?

 
WE WILL COVER…

* 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 journalism

* 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 ideas


WE STAY AT the TEMENOS RETREAT CENTRE, MCGREGOR

Temenos is well-loved for its beauty and tranquillity. It is set in the heart of the small village of McGregor. Please note this is a low-key and simple centre gathered around a magnificent garden. There are a range of simple, fully equipped cottages. Each cottage sleeps 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 healing gardens are many private spaces for meditation and quiet reflection and writing. There is an on-site restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and supper. There are 11 cottages and when you book you will be given the list and can select one that calls to you. 

 
Environmentalist journalist Don Pinnock wrote about the place in his story, Billy’s Magic Garden of the Beloved, saying: “While walking the labyrinthine paths of the Garden of the Beloved, getting lost is inevitable and the greatest pleasure. Among the eclectic flowerbeds, woods and ponds are unexpected surprises.“Around a sudden curve in the path you might discover the Inner Temple of the Heart, just big enough for two people with walls in blue stained glass, or the Angel for Lost Children. Sitting on a driftwood bench you could be surrounded by peacocks or have your shoelaces undone by a playful grey cat.


COSTS 2026

Single occupancy room R18,202 

Sharing room per person R14,200


Deposit R5000 ZAR 

Final payment 1 October


COSTS INCLUDE: 

4 nights accommodation

Breakfast buffet daily

All meals for the duration

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 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 bar

Visas and Travel Insurance

Any additional services such as yoga, massages, treatments, or extra trips

HOW DO THE DAYS ON RETREAT 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

* Anchored writing time 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


WE WILL COVER

* 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 journalism

* 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 ideas.


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 adventuresfor 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 &amp; Just Write and  Love &amp; Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.

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 adventuresfor 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 &amp; Just Write and  Love &amp; Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/robertson/mcgregor-writing-retreat-11-15-march-2026/200029614445409
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, workshops, trips-adventures, health-wellness, sports, meditation
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 9

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/291524-mcgregor-writing-retreat-12-16-november-2025/?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=robertson-events

## Event venue details

- **city**: Robertson
- **state**: WC
- **country**: South Africa
- **location**: Temenos Retreat in McGregor
- **lat**: -33.950079855165
- **long**: 19.826179753743
- **full address**: Temenos Retreat in McGregor, Tebaldi's Restaurant &amp; Coffee Bar, Voortrekker St, McGregor, 6708, South Africa, Robertson

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 2
- **organizer**: Sarah Bullen The Writing Room (https://allevents.in/org/sarah-bullen-the-writing-room/23350687)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/d8e9b29fd28b314fb7948f277d499aaf01740b9963abc09b57bb37e045c66ed6-rimg-w968-h371-dcfdfefe-gmir?v=1772302343
- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://dyn-image.allevents.in/generate-image?v=4&title=McGregor+Writing+Retreat+11+-+15+March+2026&date=11+Mar

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 12:00 pm
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** Temenos Retreat in McGregor, Tebaldi's Restaurant &amp; Coffee Bar, Voortrekker St, McGregor, 6708, South Africa, Robertson
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** Sarah Bullen The Writing Room
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** art, literary-art, workshops, trips-adventures, health-wellness, sports, meditation
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about McGregor Writing Retreat 11 - 15 March 2026 ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

## Structured Data (JSON-LD)

```json
[
    {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "McGregor Writing Retreat 11 - 15 March 2026",
        "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/d8e9b29fd28b314fb7948f277d499aaf01740b9963abc09b57bb37e045c66ed6-rimg-w968-h371-dcfdfefe-gmir?v=1772302343",
        "startDate": "2026-03-11",
        "endDate": "2026-03-15",
        "url": "https://allevents.in/robertson/mcgregor-writing-retreat-11-15-march-2026/200029614445409",
        "location": {
            "@type": "Place",
            "name": "Temenos Retreat in McGregor",
            "address": {
                "@type": "PostalAddress",
                "streetAddress": "Tebaldi's Restaurant &amp; Coffee Bar, Voortrekker St, McGregor, 6708, South Africa",
                "addressLocality": "Robertson",
                "addressRegion": "WC",
                "addressCountry": "ZA"
            },
            "geo": {
                "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
                "latitude": "-33.950079855165",
                "longitude": "19.826179753743"
            }
        },
        "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode",
        "description": "About the event\n\nJoin writing coach and literary agent Sarah Bullen on an adventure into writing in midsummer. All writers are welcome, and you can be working on a novel, a memoir, a screenplay or poetry. We will be developing and working on your project with the feedback and connection of a group.",
        "organizer": [
            {
                "@type": "Organization",
                "name": "Sarah Bullen The Writing Room",
                "url": "https://allevents.in/org/sarah-bullen-the-writing-room/23350687"
            }
        ]
    }
]
```