For the love of words

I’ve always wanted to write.?

As a kid I was forever writing short stories. When someone asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” my answer was invariably, an author (although admittedly, in Grade 4, I was convinced I wanted to be a comedian).?

In high school, I journaled everyday and excelled (if I do say so myself) in english and literature. I went through the obligatory I-want-to-be-a-marine-biologist-and-hang-with-dolphins phase but soon returned to the idea of writing and set my sights on journalism.

I wound up studying communications, took a lot of creative writing subjects at uni and continued to feed my passion for the written word through side projects, short courses and daily stream of consciousness writing rituals.?

Yet, I’ve never had the confidence to call myself a writer.?

But over the weekend, I took the plunge. I went on my first writer’s retreat to focus on the process of writing a book.

Hosted by Hands Across the Water founder/ author/ keynote speaker and all round incredible human, Peter Baines OAM and his wife- CEO/ host with the absolute most/ attention to detail extraordinaire Claire Baines at their stunning 100km property, Wildnest in NSW’s Capertee Valley- I knew I was in for a treat.?

On arrival, we sipped wine around the campfire and watched Pete and CTs two spaniels chase tennis balls into the sunset. I soaked up the tales of travel, family and overcoming adversity shared by the other two retreaters, Colin James and Carolyn Birchill . I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being in that exact place, at that exact time with those exact people. But it wasn’t long before a familiar, yet unwelcome fourth guest arrived- my old mate imposter syndrome. Who was I to think that I had a book idea worth sharing with this group, let alone the world?

But later that night, sitting around the dinner table savoring CT’s homemade pasta, I remembered the nugget of advice Steph Clarke had shared with me earlier that week. Surround yourself with people who have more experience than you and who’ve done the things you want to. It dawned on me that had been my subconscious intention for this retreat in the first place. I was here to soak up as much as I could, to step out of my comfort zone, pull the pin on procrastination and own this big, scary thing I’ve wanted to do for so many years. Yes world, I want to write a book.

As we got into the learning, ideating and sharing on day two, my insecurities quickly faded. The book concepts that have been percolating (one for almost a decade) were not only validated, but given time to breath and take shape through the feedback of those I was sharing the experience with.?

With two best selling books under his belt and a third just launched, Pete had so many invaluable insights to share on the writing, editing and publishing process. This came as no surprise. What did surprise me was the generous way in which the other guests and our hosts shared not only their ideas, but also their personal stories, hopes and life lessons. It was a humbling experience. And all with a 360 degree view of the widest canyon in the world behind us. Magic!?

There were so many icing on the cake touches from our hosts too- the leather bound journal waiting on my bed on arrival, the delish homemade meals, the cups of tea delivered to my writing table and the sunset drinks shared while watching shifting colours dancing on the escarpment. My expectations were exceeded at every turn.

And like most experiences I’ve shared with those I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise, I’ve walked away with so much more than anticipated- greater clarity on the vague ideas I’d arrived with, an understanding of how to take said ideas forward and three commitments made to myself and the others on my next steps from here.?

But above all of that, I’ve walked away with many pearls of wisdom from the unexpected conversations shared around the dinner table, lounge room and campfire. The chats on travel, philosophy, purpose, connection, family and religion offered humbling lessons on life and the way I hope to live mine. It was a true privilege to be gifted the shared space with such brilliant minds. If only it were socially acceptable to take notes at the dinner table I would have filled three notebooks with stories and insights.

A huge thank you to Pete and CT for crafting such a special weekend and opening up your beautiful home and to Colin and Carolyn for your openness, feedback and the inspirational approach you both have to soaking up all that life has to offer.?

As for those book ideas… watch this space!??