Four Elements of Fiction Writing & Four Days of Festival

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is thrilled to launch its first writing sojourn from 15 October to 22 October. Set in the lush grounds of the 5-star Plataran Resort and Spa, renowned novelists Louise Doughty, Jill Dawson, Kathryn Heyman, and Kate Pullinger will take you on a three-day writing adventure like no other. With years of teaching under belts, they will help you unleash your inner wordsmith and embark on an exciting writing journey with new friends.

Begin the week with dinner at Casa Luna, home of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival hosted by Janet DeNeefe, Festival Director. Wake up to the sounds of the tropics, a Balinese cleansing tonic and nourishing breakfast overlooking verdant rice fields and bamboo jungle. Then immerse yourself in 3-days of inspiration, as you peel back the layers of your creative writing practice, with sufficient me-time in-between. At your leisure you will be able to participate in one of Plataran’s cultural ‘encounters’ which offer the opportunity to peel back the layers of Ubud life and Balinese traditions.

This is followed by the world-class Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, with 4 days of festival magic, including attending the exclusive opening Gala with a once in a lifetime opportunity to be up close and personal with your favourite writers. From morning until the wee hours, the Festival will fuel your newfound creative mind. It might just be the start of your writing career!

The 3-day writing course will feature fiction masterclasses focusing on tools to create structure, order and a creative framework that will refresh your writing with a new voice and invigorated confidence. It will be carefully developed through the facilitator’s decades of experience as successful authors and writing mentors. At the end of the course, participants will come together for a special Q&A with the four authors.

Enjoy this short video of what you can expect and what you won’t want to miss.

Kate Pullinger, winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, excels in writing for both print and digital platforms. As a professor of Creative Writing and Digital Media at Bath Spa University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for publishing across various mediums. Kate’s expertise and insightful perspectives will push the boundaries of your practice and help you unlock your best writing.

Kathryn Heyman, acclaimed author of six novels, including Captain Starlight’s Apprentice, is the recipient of the CAL Author Fellowship and has been shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. As the founder of the Australian Writers Mentoring Program, Kathryn is a highly sought-after mentor, guiding writers towards a fruitful writing life. Her visionary skills and insights are invaluable.

Jill Dawson, hailed as ‘Britain’s most consummate historical novelist’ by Philip Hoare, is the award-winning author of 11 novels. She has mentored and taught prominent writers, both in the UK and abroad, including on the prestigious writing program at the University of East Anglia. Jill’s mentoring scheme for new writers, Gold Dust, and her teaching techniques aim to deepen creativity and bring joy to writing and life.

Louise Doughty, bestselling author of ten novels, including the BBC-adapted Apple Tree Yard, is an experienced creative writing tutor. Her lectures and workshops around the world, including at the Faber Academy and the UEA-Guardian Masterclass, have made her a highly sought-after mentor. Combining therapy, neuroscience, and spirituality, Louise’s unique approach yields phenomenal results.

Four Elements of Fiction Inclusions:

Unique 3-day writing course with Louise Doughty, Jill Dawson, Kathryn Heyman, and Kate Pullinger
Welcome dinner with Festival Director Janet DeNeefe at Casa Luna
4-day festival pass for the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
7 nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe Premier room at Plataran Ubud, including breakfast and airport transfers
Participation in one of Plataran’s cultural ‘Encounters’
Exclusive invitation to the Ubud Writers Festival Gala Opening party
Lunch and morning/afternoon tea during the writing course (Monday to Wednesday)
Complimentary copy of the 2023 UWRF Anthology

Enhance your writing skills and connect with fellow wordsmiths. Secure your spot today for this transformative writing experience.

Retreat Costs and Packages

Early Bird Pricing	12 July – 18 August
Standard Pricing	19 August – 15 September

For Single Occupancy

The retreat price for a single occupancy is AUD 5,950, with an early bird pricing of AUD 5,450 available.

Payment schedule:

Payment one:	(Early bird: AUD 2,725 \| Standard: AUD 2,975) due upon registration
Payment two:	(Early bird: AUD 2,725 \| Standard: AUD 2,975) due one month prior to the retreat (18 Sept)

For Twin Sharing Occupancy

The retreat price for a twin occupancy is AUD 5,250 with an early bird pricing of AUD 4,850 available.

Payment one:	(Early bird: AUD 2,425 \| Standard: AUD 2,625) due upon registration
Payment two:	(Early bird: AUD 2,425 \| Standard: AUD 2,625) due one month prior to the retreat (18 Sept)

The registration deadline is 15 September. We are unable to modify the retreat dates. 50% of the payment is due upon registration, and the remaining amount must be paid by 18 September 2023. Please note that deposits are non-refundable.

Booking and Reservation Details

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Note: To secure your booking, we offer two convenient payment options. You can choose to make the payment via bank account transfer or PayPal, which allows you to use your credit cards for added flexibility. When you contact us for booking inquiries, our team will provide you with the necessary payment details and guidance to complete the transaction smoothly.

Important Details for Your Retreat

Please be aware that the retreat price does not cover the following:

Flights
Transportation to the festival precincts
Dinner
Lunch throughout the festival
Any personal purchases

Registration and Cancellations:

A 50% deposit is required for registration. Deposits are non-refundable.
The balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the workshop start date.
Registrants who need to cancel must do so at least 30 days before the workshop date.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the training program will not receive a refund.

Registration Modifications:
Modifications to registrations, indicating a substitute participant, must be completed at least seven business days before the workshop date.

Workshop Cancellations:

If Ubud Writers Festival has to cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be informed as soon as possible. You may then enroll in another workshop (based on availability) or receive a full refund. Ubud Writers Festival is not responsible for travel or other arrangement losses incurred as a result of a workshop cancellation. If we are unable to run the session due to government restrictions/advice or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer everyone who has booked a credit for the same workshop at a future date.