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WRITING RETREAT

The Story Workshop, Sydney, August 21-23 2026

The Story Workshop, Sydney, August 21-23 2026

Regular price $1,300.00 AUD
Regular price Sale price $1,300.00 AUD
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Overview
A first-time Sydney event, this three-day Storytelling Workshop builds on more than 15 years of creative writing teaching in Europe and is designed to strengthen your writing now. Across nine craft-focused sessions with five industry specialists, you’ll cover everything from The Fundamentals of Storytelling to Backstory, Character and Memoir, all with a practical, results-first approach. You’ll work alongside other writers, get clear on what your story needs, and finish with a live Q and A with a literary agent.


What You Get
• 9 workshop sessions with 5 industry specialists
• The option to submit a precis for introduction to an international literary agent
• A live Q and A with a literary agent on the final day
Hearty sandwiches for lunch with tea and coffee
• All handouts and notebooks
 A welcoming space for writers of all levels

  • August 21-23, 2026
  • Woollahra Library, Sydney
  • Classes led by 5 expert tutors
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Why This Workshop Is Different

1.

Five teachers — not one

Most Australian workshops offer a single instructor. This retreat brings together five industry specialists, creating a rich, multi-layered learning experience.
2.

A curated, boutique 3-day intensive

Not a drop-in seminar, but a carefully designed, premium three-day program for deep creative development.
3.

Direct literary agent access

Participants finish with an exclusive Q and A with a literary agent — something rarely offered in Australian writing workshops.
4.

Optional precis submission sent directly to the agent

Every participant may submit a precis that becomes a professional introduction to the industry.
5.

Personalised publishing insight

Writers can ask anything about pitching, representation, submissions, pathways, and career strategy.
6.

International pedigree with more than 15 years of European creative writing teaching

The program carries a rare global credibility and long-established teaching heritage.
7.

A premium venue with an intimate cap

Woollahra Library offers a beautiful, quiet, inspiring space. The intimate group size (max 24) ensures personal attention.
8.

Guided by decades of writing, editing and teaching experience

The program is led by an experienced writer with a background spanning published books, memoir, journalism, coaching, and international teaching.
9.

A blend of craft, clarity and confidence-building

Writers strengthen voice, structure, technique, emotional resilience, and professional mindset.
10.

Multiple industry perspectives

Guest teachers offer different genres, approaches, and strengths, giving participants a genuinely holistic education.
11.

A retreat, not a course

Catered, supportive, well-paced and human. It feels like a creative home for three days, not a classroom.
12.

A trusted brand with history and heart

The Art of Writing has built an international reputation over many years. Sydney continues that legacy.
13.

Outstanding value

Three full days with five teachers, catered meals, materials included, plus agent access — a rare combination in the Australian market.
14.

Writers leave with inspiration

Participants walk away with direction and a clear roadmap, no matter what they want to do with their writing.
15.

A warm, encouraging teaching style

The workshop is grounded in generosity, humour and practical honesty, creating a creative environment that is both energising and safe.

Course Program

Want to know more about your program? Contact us for a full rundown on this retreat's classes and daily schedule. Each retreat is different, uniquely tailored to the needs and trends of writers worldwide. Time to get excited!

Frequently asked questions

Curious to know more?

What is the experience level necessary? Beginners, intermediate or advanced?

We welcome every skill level! Whether you are still trying to figure out how to start your first chapter or you are working on the finishing touches of your final draft, our retreats are for you.

Do I have to come with work prepared?

All we ask is that you bring what you have worked on so far. This could be an idea that you have brainstormed or a string of chapters. We welcome you with no pressure or expectations.

What are some examples of previous attendees' work?

Example projects of previous attendees include (but are not limited to):

  • Drafted memoir notes
  • Halfway through writing a historical romance
  • Developing ideas for a movie script
  • Working on contemporary romance set in Chicago, USA
  • Fiction thriller novel
  • Fantasy fiction story
  • Juggling two books, including a young adult (YA) story, both set in different countries
  • Final edits of a sci-fi book, looking to make editorial debut
  • Writing first book proposal
  • Adapting non-fiction work and academic essays to fiction
  • Have published a non-fiction book that is research focused in the past, struggling to write something more personal now
  • A series of short stories
  • Longtime academic editor, turning to creative writing after many years away

What are the class sizes?

Our writing groups strike the perfect balance: they are big enough to have a good level of diverse opinions and small enough to have that intimate feel.

Do topics stay the same or differ from season to season?

There are specific themes across different courses. This means that there is overlap between course content across courses but each one has a specific driver.

Are travel, hotel and airfare included?

Please note that travel, hotel and airfare are not included.

Are places application-based?

Spots are available on a rolling basis - first come, first served. Secure your spot now to not miss out on this retreat!

Our Success Stories

A proud spotlight on previous Art of Writing attendees who have had their work published

Scenes from previous retreats

Take a peak below at our past retreats to see our creative magic and supportive environment in action!