Freelance Writer Retreat * Kleinmond, South Africa August 19-20, 2017 * Registration now open
Two days focused on boosting your confidence, skills, and bottom line as a freelance writer. Plus, penguins.
Click the button to sign up.
THIS WEEKEND RETREAT WILL BE UNLIKE ANY OTHERS YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT...
Imagine if you could easily generate freelance article ideas that delighted you, your editors (or the editors you want to write for), and your readers.
Over the weekend, you’ll tap into your creativity to see new possibilities for your freelance writing career. New angles for articles to pitch. New ways into your dream publications. New inspiration.
We will write. We'll discuss the practice and business of freelancing, including writing for overseas markets. We’ll harness our collective brainpower and creativity.
AND you'll leave with next steps to keep the momentum going at home.
All in a calm, woodsy setting that’s a short walk to both mountains and the sea.
You and your writing mojo can expect some fun in addition to connections with fellow writers, practical strategies, and lots of words filling up your notebook.
The Freelance Writer Retreat is for you if you want to: +Earn more money with practical ways to find/develop/sell new story ideas and angles for South African and overseas markets +Get personalized feedback on your top freelance writing challenge +Enjoy supportive professional development in a relaxed, natural setting with others who have similar goals +Improve your confidence, skills, and bottom line as a freelance writer
Even if you're ... +Feeling burnt out by freelancing +Struggling with writer's block and/or imposter syndrome +An introvert who normally socializes behind a screen +Not sure where Kleinmond is or how to get there
The Freelance Writer Retreat will help you reconnect with your innate talent and calling to cover nonfiction stories that matter and that pay well.
Freelance journalist and writing coach Rebecca L. Weber will lead the freelance writer retreat.
Rebecca has been full-time freelance journalist for more than a dozen years, covering social justice, the environment, the arts, travel, and other topics. Her most meaningful assignment was covering the death of Nelson Mandela for USA Today and Ebony.com during the ten-day period before his burial.
Rebecca has written for SA publications such as Business Day, the Cape Argus, and Marie Claire, and US publications such as CNN, the New York Times, and Dwell. She broke into all of these with a story idea and a cold query via email, demonstrating that you don't need a journalism degree or established connections to land freelance assignments.
Rebecca has a MA in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and years of experience teaching adults. She has created several courses for freelance writers.
Rebecca has helped students pitch and get commissions domestically in Sawubona (South African Airlines' inflight magazine), the Mail & Guardian, the Cape Times, and overseas in Al Jazeera, BBC Travel, the Guardian, Runners World, and many others.
SPECIAL BONUS:
After the retreat, you'll get lifetime access to my new ecourse about idea generation for freelance writers.
The videos and worksheets address finding, organizing, developing and evaluating ideas. It's the perfect complement to the work we'll be doing and will keep you motivated.
Here's what writers say about Rebecca's other classes, online and in real life:
"My brain was suddenly firing off idea after idea."
– Tamara Oberholster
"Met and surpassed my expectations."
– Samuel Okocha
"Her short course on crafting and tracking pitches helped me publish in the Guardian and two new-to-me national magazines."
– Morgan Trimble
"Rebecca's style and approach is very positive and motivating. As we have quite a harsh and often negative tabloid press here in the UK, this is really welcome."
– Jenny Hudson
"Good for all levels and stages of a freelance writer's career."
– Christopher Clark
"It is a daunting process to submit freelance writing, and everyone needs all the help they can get from an experienced specialist like Rebecca."
– Elsabe Pepler
"THE COURSE IS BRILLIANT!” – MARTA LANE
"MOTIVATED ME COMPLETELY! TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE, NON-COMPETITIVE, AND 100% ENCOURAGING." – FRANCES ARON
"IT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. I FEEL SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENT AND MOTIVATED NOW." – CATH JOHNSEN
"I LANDED A WELL-PAYING ASSIGNMENT WITH MY FIRST QUERY. I IMMEDIATELY FELT GOOD ABOUT MY INVESTMENT.” – MEG ROOT
Can you walk like a penguin?
We’ll take advantage of our location near a wild penguin colony to generate creative approaches to reporting and storytelling.
No prep or special knowledge about the environment, science, or travel necessary.🐧
HOW DOES THIS SOUND TO YOU?
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Two days of small group workshops led by Rebecca L. Weber in Kleinmond, South Africa
- Individual feedback on your top freelance writing challenge
- Private tour of the wild African penguin colony at Stony Point (weather permitting)
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Coffee/tea breaks on Saturday and Sunday
- Braai (traditional South African barbecue) dinner on Saturday evening
- Option to bring a guest to the braai dinner
- Private Facebook Group
- Recommendations for where to stay and what to do before and after the retreat
- BONUS: Full lifetime access to my new ecourse on Idea Generation for Freelance Writers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: -Breakfast -Accommodation -Transport
"As writers—especially freelancers who work from home—it can be easy to get stuck in your bubble of processes and ways of doing things, and seeing how someone else does things and what recommendations they have is extremely helpful. Rebecca was wonderful about providing feedback and support." – Ashley Lauretta
COST AND REGISTRATION
Registration: ZAR 2399.00*
BRING A FRIEND SPECIAL: Book with a friend for ZAR3998.00 (1999.oo each)
A nonrefundable deposit of R1000 (R2000 for the bring-a-friend special) is required to confirm your registration. Any outstanding balance must be paid in full two weeks prior to the start of the retreat.
If you register but are unable to attend, you may request a refund (less the nonrefundable deposit) up to two weeks before the retreat begins.
South Africans will be sent an invoice to be paid via EFT.
*International participants may alternatively pay US $199 via credit card or PayPal. If choosing this method, you will need to pay in full at the time of registration.
The registration fee does not include accommodation, transport, breakfast, or any incidentals. Recommendations for all of these will be sent to registered participants, including affordable rooms as well as luxury suites.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
The total amount due must be paid in full (at the latest) by two weeks prior to the start of the retreat. If the balance has not been paid by August 4, you may forfeit your registration.
If, after attending the event and you are not completely satisfied with the retreat experience, let us know in writing within 14 days and we will refund your money in full.
The initial deposit is nonrefundable, unless the retreat is cancelled.
In the unlikely event of the retreat being cancelled, students may choose either a full refund or a credit to a future retreat or course.
We are not responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses in the case of a cancelled event. If you are traveling a long distance, we recommend you purchase refundable tickets and/or travel insurance.
By submitting your deposit, you agree to these terms and conditions.
WILL YOU JOIN US AT THE RETREAT?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I sign up for the retreat? Click the "register now" button and fill out the short questionnaire. (Don't stress--no writing sample is required.)
Soon after, you'll receive an invoice by email to submit payment. Upon receipt of your deposit, your registration will be complete.
Who is the retreat for (and not for)? This will be the best fit for part- and full-time freelance writers and journalists, and staff journos who want to freelance on the side. Prior publiction is not a prerequisite, but will be the best fit for people who have some professional writing experience, either as a journalist or in some other capacity.
If you get paid for what you write (or have been in the past), but struggle to call yourself a "writer,” or don’t identify as a journo, this is still a safe space.
While many journalists also write poetry, short stories, comics, personal essays, books, etc., we will be focusing on the kind of reported articles typically published in consumer magazines, newspapers, and websites. You may find that some of the techniques we use can be applied to other forms.
Email Rebecca if you have any questions about if it’s a good fit or not.
When is the retreat? Saturday and Sunday, August 19 - 20, 2017
What’s the schedule? Saturday: 9:30 for 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., workshop sessions, with tea and lunch breaks (You’re welcome to come at 9:30 to pick out your seat, have a cuppa, and generally get settled in. The workshop proper will start at 10:00 sharp.)
4:00 - 6:30/7:00 p.m.: Free time
6:30 for 7:00 p.m.: Braai dinner
Sunday: 9:30 for 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., workshop sessions, with tea and lunch breaks
Where will the retreat be? The Freelance Writer Retreat will take place in the small seaside village of Kleinmond, about 110 kilometers east of Cape Town, South Africa.
Our primary venue is The Grail Centre, which is across the street from a nature reserve with hiking trails, and less than a mile from the ocean. We will also have an excursion to Stony Point Nature Reserve in nearby Betty's Bay.
Map and driving directions will be provided.
Why haven’t I ever heard of Kleinmond before? It’s a small, hidden gem that doesn't look like much from the Main Road. Come visit before it gets as popular as towns with less pristine beaches, fewer used bookstores, and throngs of tourists.
How will I get there? Kleinmond is easily accessible via car from Cape Town--just two turns from the N2, the main highway right in front of Cape Town International Airport. Complete directions will be sent to registered participants.
The closest major airport is Cape Town International. For those flying in, arranging ground transport in advance is highly recommended. We will provide travel suggestions to registered participants.
All registered participants will be invited to a private Facebook Group, where we will encourage ridesharing by either offering to drive or contributing petrol money to somebody who is driving. It’s also possible to organise a private shuttle if enough people require rides.
When do I need to arrive? We start on Saturday morning at 10:00, so you could drive in from Cape Town in the morning if you’re local. However, we do recommend that you come in at least one night beforehand to settle in.
Coming from elsewhere in South Africa or Europe, we suggest you arrive by Friday to account for any unforeseen delays. If you’re coming from the Americas or Asia/Australia, allow at least a few nights in South Africa to adjust to the local time zone.
Where will I stay? A list of options (basic to luxe) will be sent to registered participants. Affordable rooms are available at the retreat centre itself.
What should I pack? Suggestions will be sent to registered participants.
Is there wifi? Yes, but it’s more of check-your-email wifi rather than stream-a-movie wifi.
What can I do when not in the workshop? Or, what can my non-writing partner do while I’m in the workshops? In your off time, you can: +Hike or bike the mountain in the nature reserve +Breathe sea air at a bench overlooking the beach, dassies, and meerkats +Write in your journal while sipping cappuccino +Make your Instagram followers jealous #FreelanceWriterRetreatKleinmond
What if I’m an introvert and/or abhor name tags? This will be a small group, with activities to help establish a safe space for everyone.
I’ve already completed your Freelance Writer Bootcamp or I'm thinking about doing it in the future. Which comes first? The Freelance Writer Retreat is a complement to the Bootcamp. You can do them in either order.
Can you handle my dietary intolerance or other special request? We'll do our best. Let us know in your responses to the registration questions.
What if I sign up but can't make it after all? Please see the refund policy above.
I have another question. Who can I contact? Email Rebecca: rebecca AT freelancewriterbootcamp DOT com
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited on the retreat to ensure a personalized experience. Register early to ensure your spot.
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