Weaving our Stories

We were a diverse bunch of writerly types, all with different projects driving us, haunting our dreams and firing our passions.

We had gathered in Geelong for a weekend writing-intensive which promised an environment that was ‘nurturing, supportive and stimulating.’ There were to be morning guided writing sessions, coupled with structured talks around key writing principles and opportunities to share our writing in a ‘supportive, salon-style atmosphere.’

Facilitated by the consummate ‘queen of the short story,’ Castlemaine local, Cate Kennedy, and hosted by the warm, welcoming and talented Ingrid Gaiotto, this fully accommodated weekend writing retreat delivered much more than it promised.

The house was a sight to behold. Eastern Beach Art House, is, as its name suggests situated in the heart of the Eastern Beach precinct, offering expansive ocean views and quick and easy access to the beach, the Pavilion café, the Botanic Gardens, Eastern Gardens and the city centre.

Built in 1909, the house is described as a ‘finely crafted art deco home’ which is simultaneously unique, quirky and palatial. The upper floor boasts two garret bedrooms (the perfect habitat for writers) and a gorgeous suntrap balcony. The ground floor has two further bedrooms. Described as ‘deluxe’, they are more like luxury suites, furnished and decorated to reflect a more prosperous and elegant time. Then there’s the Undercroft, which was my haven for the weekend.

Down a steep flight of narrow stairs, the Undercroft had a past life in the 1940’s as a nautical themed cocktail bar, complete with portholes. The bar remains and the space is still used for small social and performance events. We put the bar to good use on Saturday night as we let our inhibitions fly and enjoyed a spot of karaoke, a drop of wine, much talk and laughter. Who said writers are introverts?

Adjoining the bar is another cosy performance space which can be converted to a twin bedroom when needed, and this is where I slept. While I may not have had the ocean views of the upper rooms, I did have the luxury of a private entrance verandah with direct access to the garden – the perfect spot to sit and write my ‘morning pages’.

Shared spaces included an expansive, fully equipped kitchen, a wooden-panelled lounge, and the light and airy conservatory, which housed a breakfast/tea/coffee station and a large dining table around which we all gathered to be enlightened, to write, and to partake of all the delicious foods on offer over the course of the weekend.  All rooms of the house are full of unique and beautiful pieces of art and furniture. It was a delight to inhabit these spaces for the weekend.

It was also a delight to share stories, dreams, aspirations and hone our writing craft. Cate generously shared so much of herself, her writing journey and the amazing set of skills and knowledge she has developed along the way. Often the hardest thing a writer has to do is share their work with others; our self-talk invariably tells us what we have made is no good. But this was, as the brochure had said, a supportive and nurturing environment. It felt safe. We were validated and encouraged as writers.

I have come away with a new energy, and the confidence to forge ahead with the telling of the story that burns inside me.