Wildness is resolute for life: it cannot be otherwise, for it will die in captivity.
It is elemental: pure freedom, pure passion, pure hunger. It is its own manifesto.
(Jay Griffiths. Wild: An Elemental Journey)
Taught by n. a. bourke and Inga Simpson, this five week course invites you to revisit the Wildness and passion in your writing, and to learn more about the growing genre of 'wild writing'. In reaction to our increasing distance from, and destruction of, the natural world, a growing number of books, articles and magazines have appeared presenting alternative ways of living and thinking: re-embracing Wildness.
From lifestyle books to speculative fiction, memoir to history, philosophy to poetry, authors such as Jay Griffiths - whose work Wild traverses a range of genres and continents - are rediscovering the necessity of Wildness.
The course will include an exploration of the history of Wild writing, research practices, approaches to structuring your work, directing your passions, rising above description, audience expectations and engagement, and issues surrounding publication.
As part of a small group, allowing for individual attention and feedback on your work, you’ll be guided through a series of readings, discussions and writing exercises over six weeks, culminating in a week-long retreat where you’ll have the opportunity to use what you’ve learned in the introductory lessons to really hone in on your own work. You’ll be invited to send in an extract from your book-length work, or a full article, to the tutor a week before the retreat, on which you’ll gain one-on-one and peer feedback.
During each day of the retreat, there’ll be a writing workshop, quiet writing time, and opportunities for individual feedback from the tutor. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to write, read, think, learn and grow as a writer in a relaxing, natural environment. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day. A dinner out on the first night is included, and a last-night dinner at Olvar. During the week, you can take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen to prepare your evening meal together.
What’s Included?
The Wild Writing Course Reader, broken up into four weekly ‘lessons’, each of which includes:
- Extracts from key examples of Wild Writing
- Articles and secondary readings
- Commentary and close reading notes
- Writing Exercises
- Discussion Topics/Stimulus
Participation in an email discussion list (run for the four weeks leading up to the retreat) with the other participants and the tutor.
Week-Long Retreat at Olvar Wood: 23 - 30 October, including accommodation and most meals.
Optional outings during the retreat will include a rainforest or beach walk, visit to a local organic farm, and a trip to the local farmer's market.
WHEN
The Wild Writing Course begins on September 28 and concludes on October 30.
The non-residential course component runs from September 28 until October 23.
The residential retreat runs from October 23-30.
Bookings
To make a booking or an enquiry, please contact us by:
Phone: 07 5445 9222
email : admin@perilousadventures.net
or download and complete our booking form, which you can submit by email, or by faxing to: 07 5445 9277
COSTFive week Courses cost $3000.00. The costs include all tuition materials, readings, feedback during both the four-week online element of the course, and the residential week. All accommodation, breakfast, lunch and two dinners are included during the residential retreat.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: If you book and pay your deposit before June 28, you will receive a 10% discount.
Friends of Olvar receive a 20% discount.
QWC members, card-holding pensioners and fulltime students receive a 10% discount.
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Perilous Adventures in Olvar Wood. Queensland, Australia