On Fiction: Writing Stories with Laura Jean McKay

Set to take place from Sunday 20 October to Wednesday 23 October, The Hava Ubud will be the host venue for this three-day writing adventure led by the award-winning novelist, Laura Jean McKay. With her wealth of experience in teaching and writing, Laura will ignite your creative spark and guide you on a once-in-a-lifetime writing journey alongside like-minded new friends.

Nestled in the lush gardens of The Hava Ubud, a blend of Bali-chic luxury and local culture awaits. This elegant hotel offers authentic Balinese ambiance while providing easy access to the vibrant cultural and artistic scene of Ubud, making it the ideal starting point for your creative odyssey.

Laura Jean McKay is an award-winning Australian author and creative writing lecturer. She is the author of The Animals in That Country (Scribe 2020) - winner of the prestigious Arthur C Clarke Award, The Victorian Prize for Literature, the ABIA Small Publishers Adult Book of the Year, and co-winner of the Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Novel 2021. The Animals in That Country has been shortlisted for The Kitschies, The Stella Prize, The Readings Prize, and the ASL Gold Medal and longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Laura is also the author of Holiday in Cambodia (Black Inc., 2013) and an Adjunct Lecturer in Creative Writing at Massey University. She was awarded the NZSA Waitangi Day Literary Honours in 2022. Her latest collection is Gunflower (Scribe 2023), named one of The Guardian’s best books of 2023.

About the Retreat Facilitator

Laura is a gem of a mentor and teacher. Her approach to fiction is experimental, open and curious. Throughout my mentorship, she generously shared her wealth of expertise and knowledge without gatekeeping in any way. Working with Laura was an adventure – full of fun, excitement, care and a journey of discovery into the many possibilities of fiction – political, ethical, and aesthetic. Laura’s teaching is a true gift for writers of all stripes.

Writers’ Victoria ‘Writeability’ mentee

The fiction writing course will feature group discussions, writing exercises, and opportunities to share your work. Whether you're crafting your memoir or diving into a novel, 'On Fiction: Writing Stories' will hone in on character development, voice, imagery, and the drafting process for publication. This craft-focused program is designed to provide participants with enduring writing skills that will serve them well beyond the workshop. The course concludes with a special Q&A session with Laura Jean McKay and a signed copy of her latest book, Gunflower.

After completing this exceptional workshop, participants will gain exclusive entry to the prestigious Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, a four-day extravaganza of literary wonder. You'll receive a special invitation to a pre-festival sunset cocktail party with authors and publishers, a coveted seat at the grand Gala Opening followed by a private Festival dinner, providing an up-close-and-personal chance to mingle with all the Festival’s leading writers.

A focused 3-day writing course...

...unraveling your writing practice.

Your creative odyssey starts at the The Hava Ubud

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Casa Luna

4-Day of 2024 Festival Experience

Invitation to the 2024 Festival Gala Opening...

...with mesmerizing night of performances.

The retreat commences with a Balinese long table feast at Casa Luna hosted by Janet DeNeefe, the festival director, and Laura Jean Mackay. Here, you will meet your fellow participants, settling in for a cozy evening of delightful food, drinks, and engaging conversations centered around the art of writing.

Imagine waking up to the tropical sounds of nature, taking a refreshing dip in the pool, and indulging in a lavish breakfast to fuel your creative muse for the day ahead.

During Laura Jean's immersive 3-day workshop, you will delve deep into the layers of your writing practice. Afternoons are dedicated to self-guided writing sessions in the workshop space or relaxing Ubud-style activities such as spa treatments at Hava Spa, strolls through the rice fields, and cultural activities.

From dawn till dusk, the Festival promises to ignite your newfound creative spirit and might just be the life-changing catalyst for a new writing career!

INCLUSIONS & PRICE

The price of the retreat includes the following benefits.

Please also download our info kit below to learn more about the inclusions, payment options, and cancellation policy.

Early-bird Discount Awaits!

Book Today

/01

A unique 3-day writing course with award-winning author Laura Jean McKay

/02

8 nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room at the 4-star The Hava, Ubud

/03

4-Day Festival Pass for the 2024 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

/04

Welcome dinner with Festival Founder and Director, Janet DeNeefe, at Casa Luna hosted by author Laura Jean McKay

/05

An exclusive invitation to the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Opening Gala and Dinner

/06

A cocktail hour with authors & publishers during the 2024 Festival

/07

Breakfast, morning tea, and afternoon tea, plus airport transfers, transfers to the festival venue, and much more.

Single Occupancy
Regular Price
(1 August - 30 August)

Price

AUD 5,990

USD 4,000

Single Occupancy
Early Bird Price
(12 June - 30 July)

Price

AUD 5,400

USD 3,600

Twin Sharing Occupancy
Regular Price
(1 August - 30 August)

Price

AUD 5,190

USD 3,450

Twin Sharing Occupancy
Regular Price
(1 August - 30 August)

Price

AUD 4,500

USD 3,000

Download INFO KIT

Download PDF Format (354 KB)

Outdoor facilities at The Hava Ubud

Deluxe Room with king bed

Deluxe Room with twin beds

A blend of Bali-chic luxury

I was fortunate enough to have the amazing Laura as my tutor, who inspired and encouraged the entire class. The subject would not have been as great if I didn’t have such a motivated tutorial … Laura definitely encouraged the students to come out of their shell, making sure that everyone was contributing.’

University of Melbourne, Short Fiction course student

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you're interested in joining our Writing Retreat but have some more questions, we'd love to hear from you and learn about your preferences on the packages so we can tailor everything according to your wishes.

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I am beyond thrilled to be facilitating the UWRF Writers Retreat this year. This retreat combines two of my very favourite pursuits: writing fiction and eating Balianese food! I absolutely can't wait to share my love of words and flavours with this year's writers as we work closely together in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Laura Jean McKay, Writers Retreat Facilitator