Writing Retreat – Batangas, October 13-15, 2023

Is it time to put down the phone and pick up a pen? You used to enjoy writing, right? When was the last time you got creative with your words….for your business or purely for yourself? This writing retreat will provide the time, space, inspiration, expertise and accountability for you to indulge your creativity and take action on growing your business, your influence or your legacy, through storytelling.

 

Join this all-women writing retreat and experience the following:
Hours of undisturbed creative time in a calm and beautiful setting with plenty of nooks and crannies to curl up in with a pen (or laptop).
Group workshops to learn concepts, skills and best practises on finding your writing voice, setting writing goals, structuring your writing sessions, dealing with writer’s block, and getting published.
Laser focused 1:1 coaching sessions to help you work through your blocks and move your writing project forward.
Inspirational surrounds and pampering to ensure you’re in the best frame of mind possible to write.
Delicious food, amazing views, comfortable venue, morning walks and a relaxing massage.
Connection with, and support from, a community of creative women with a common goal.

 Who is this retreat for?

Women who want to write… and even those who think they can’t write.

You may be a busy business owner, influencer or entrepreneur who wants to improve the communications and content marketing aspect of your business, but you rarely get the chance to stop and think, let alone write!

  • You’ve been doing well from referrals but you’re ready to broaden your reach (through social media, email marketing, advertising)
  • You’re aware that publishing valuable content can help grow your business BUT you’re overwhelmed so you don’t prioritise it
  • You’re ready to be seen as a thought leader in your field and know you’ll need a substantial body of content to achieve this (a book, a keynote) BUT you have no idea where to start.
  • You want to capture the essence of your value and expertise in a tangible product (an online program, a workshop, a book)

OR

You might be a woman who has a story to tell who needs guidance and permission to indulge this.

  • You want to document the life of a family member to share the legacy but it’s been complicated so you never started
  • A significant event has changed the course of your life and you want to share the resulting wisdom with others, but you’re unsure where to begin
  • You have a burning story to tell but have never had the freedom to write it
  • You used to love writing to express yourself but your creativity has been lacking lately and you need new inspiration and structure

REGISTER HERE


What can I expect from this retreat?

Whilst this will be a super relaxed and creative weekend, it will also be purposeful and engaging. We’re not going to just sit around and contemplate our navels!  I want you to walk away with new knowledge and new confidence regarding your writing ability, AND to have a clear plan to achieve your goals. Whether you’re a business owner seeking to market yourself more successfully, or a creative writer ready to tackle a novel, the ability to express yourself clearly and consistently is my aim.

It’s not as hard as you might think but it does take know-how, a mindset shift, and some good old fashioned motivation. Spend a weekend away from the distractions of family, clients and commitments, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your creativity kicks in and your output increases.

As a business owner you may learn about:

Writing a business book | Writing an eBook | Writing business blogs | Writing website content | Writing social media posts | Writing a keynote speech | Writing an online program.

You’ll get all my tips and secrets from decades of experience in marketing, storytelling, copywriting, editing and re-purposing content. You’ll learn how to write words that tell, sell and compel. You’ll understand how to create a substantial body of work that will help you be viewed as a thought leader. You’ll begin to truly own your leadership and have confidence in the way you present online as well as in person. Importantly, you’ll learn how to make your content work smarter for you.

As a fiction or memoir writer you may learn about:

Creating a memory list | Finding your core stories | Deciding on a plot line | Building a narrative arc | Charting a hero’s journey | Maintaining integrity and ‘truth-telling’

Writing a memoir or fashioning experiences into a fictional setting is not simply a case of recounting events.  Storytelling is the oldest form of communication but there are some ‘rules’ around writing them which make a story more (or less) memorable or ‘successful’ than others. Let’s work together with your ideas and my structural know-how to ensure your stories are told in the best way possible.

By the end of the retreat you’ll feel: 

+ Confident that you can actually write and now have a plan to achieve your goal

+ Humbled by the value that lies in your own story

+ Motivated to share more stories more regularly

+ Equipped to write in a variety of styles


The venue

Ataalaya Farmhouse is a peaceful, family-owned rural retreat, perched atop a forest clad cliff on the southernmost tip of Taal Lake. Located just 2 hours south of Makati, the home celebrates the heritage and traditions of Old Batangas, yet offers the comforts of modern living. Its design is best described as Colonial Melange – blending elements of Cape Dutch and Indian styles with Philippine architecture. With beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the home, and a breathtaking view of Taal Lake, the venue is a tranquil haven, just perfect for those seeking inspiration. The rooms have either double, twin, triple or quad configurations, and there are 2.5 bathrooms. The terraces and lounge rooms offer stunning views, and there are plenty of other nooks and crannies for group gatherings or quiet contemplation. Free private parking is available on site and free Wifi is available.

What’s included in the writing retreat package: 

+ 2 nights accommodation at Ataalya Farmhouse

+ All meals plus snacks and drinks

+ Three group workshops

+ Two laser-focused 1:1 coaching sessions

+ Wine & cheese night

+ Writer’s goodie bag

+ Relaxation massage

+ Hours of joyful writing time!

The investment is php32,000 per person, twin share

Maximum 8 writers

We accept payments via Paypal, bank deposit via BPI, or GCash.  If you pay via Paypal an additional 4% will be added.  An invoice will be sent to you when you register. Payment plan is available, please request on the registration form. Please take note of the refund and cancellation policy. I am unable to refund any part of the payment for the retreat. This is a firm policy. Please purchase mindfully and honour the commitment you’ve made. If you can’t make it for any reason, your place may be transferable to a suitable participant as vetted by me.

REGISTER HERE


What previous participants of Jo’s Writing Retreat thought:

Who am I to host this Writing Retreat??

I’m Jo Johnson, The Content Coach. I’ve spent 25 years working in the digital communications and marketing arena for both large corporates and SMEs – so I know a thing or two about business storytelling.  I’ve been running my own business for 12 years as a copywriter, editor, content marketing consultant and writing coach. This retreat is my opportunity to share with you all the incredible things I’ve learnt about content creation, storytelling, learning experiences, writing, community and thought leadership.

I’ve attended a number of retreats in my life, and facilitated/hosted more than half a dozen in Australia, Fiji and Bali, so I know what works and what doesn’t. The ‘immersion therapy’ (as I like to call it) is a powerful one, but the role of a facilitator shouldn’t be taken lightly.  I’ve designed this retreat experience exactly as I would love it to be as a guest.  There’s plenty of listening and learning but also plenty of creating and implementing. There is also rest time and play time as well. I know the people that come to my retreats are a lot like me, so you’re definitely going to love it too!

Are you ready to stop making excuses? This is your time to write. Make it count.

 

REGISTER HERE