Have You Always Wanted to Write a Memoir?

Join us in Airlie Beach QLD Australia

Dear Readers and Writers,

4-Night Memoir Writing Intensive with Award-Winning Author Dr. Lindsay Simpson at Yangaro Resort

Memoir writing offers a transformative opportunity to reconnect with your past, weaving personal stories into powerful narratives. This immersive 4-night retreat masterclass with award-winning author Dr. Lindsay Simpson will unlock your creative potential and refine your craft. Dive into key writing tools such as mastering dialogue, creating vivid scenes, and structuring compelling narratives. Through self-reflection and creative exploration, this retreat will help you hone your memoir-writing skills in an inspiring and therapeutic environment.

Escape to the serene beauty of Yangaro Resort in the heart of the Whitsundays from September 8-12 for a unique, luxury writing experience. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this exclusive retreat offers a deep dive into life writing — memoir, personal essay, and literary journalism — guided by Dr. Simpson’s expert instruction.

For just $2500 this package includes expert workshops, immersive writing experiences, and four-nights accommodation at the luxurious and serene Yangaro Resort, where a 3-night stay alone is usually $2500. This deeply discounted offer makes it an exceptional value — combining the tranquil beauty of the resort with a transformative writing journey. Spaces are limited.

In addition to the writing intensive retreat, take the opportunity to register for the Whitsundays Writers Festival Event LOVE LETTER TO QUEENSLAND on Friday evening 12 September. Prominent Queenslanders will write, read and sing their love letters. Keynote Speaker Dr. Anita Heiss will present her From the Heart keynote address. Additional cost is $85.

If you’re a university student, you may be eligible for Commonwealth-supported university credit for this retreat. For more information, contact the convenor, Victoria Kuttainen at Victoria.Kuttainen@jcu.edu.au.

Proudly hosted by the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing at James Cook University (JCU), this retreat celebrates the rich tradition of Australian literary arts.

Special Events in our Program Include:

Friday evening event Love Letter to Queensland at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, our venue partner.

The announcement of our Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards; enter now HERE before July 14th.

Prizes will be awarded for our Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition which can be entered before August 31st; learn more about our Daydream Island, Tropix Photography and Street Library Australia & Kitten Vintage prizes HERE.

Morning and Afternoon Memoir Writing Workshops with Dr Lindsay Simpson at Whitsunday Sailing Club.

We know bringing beloved authors to the Whitsundays is a golden opportunity for regional Queenslanders and visitors to connect and learn from some of our greatest writers. Our events bring together creative minds in the picturesque setting of the Whitsundays.

Tickets Available Now

We highly recommend securing tickets and booking accommodation early to fully enjoy the wonders of the Whitsundays. Make sure to mark your calendar and stay tuned for further announcements and author profiles.

Further details for booking tickets and expressions of interest for sponsors are available at the festival’s website HERE