Gunnas Weekend Writing Retreat Testimonials

There’s lost of different types of people working on different types of projects who would benefit from a Gunnas weekend. For me I write a lot for work but haven’t written for myself or for joy or on a passion project for a long time.

This weekend was perfect for reconnecting me to the part of me that has something to say and for giving me permission to just write. The writing blocks got me writing and into the process of writing.

I learnt things I can use at work – like don’t write for your audience, they don’t know what the fuck they want or need – and things for my passion projects – like pull your finger out and just get writing.

Dev reminds you that there’s no magic pill – you want to be a writer, you sit down and write.

Besides the writing, there is plenty of time to relax and rest, there’s beautiful beach and scenery, glorious people, raging fires, delicious comforting food and fun. Don’t wait any longer, just do it.

Lena Turnbull

THANK YOU. You are marvelous and your Gunnas retreat is almost as amazing.I loved it all: the writing blocks, the food, the location, the activities. The truth that you instil in every piece of advice. All the love in the way everything was planned and executed.

What a transformative weekend, what a Goddess.

Thanks again. You are my 2019 highlight so far (and I had a pretty great year!).

Love,
Mariona

Hi there Dev,

Thank you so much for this incredible retreat experience. I knew I needed to be here this weekend and I didn’t know why. I trusted the answer would be revealed.

I’ve had a major breakthrough regarding letting go. My job was an event coordinator so by virtue of that I was always, forever, organising with military style precision.

Your talk regarding judgement and trust really hit home for me. My writing has been stopped by not trusting to just get shit out. And to then see what the fuck is on the paper and to then deal with it. Perhaps it’s for the bin, perhaps it has another purpose.

And the reality is, if it’s not on paper, it’s no where.

So I am going to trust myself to listen to myself and experience what comes out. To not judge, to let the words flow. And then see what I’ve got. Or not got.

My god, thank you for an extraordinary weekend.

And book me in for next June 2020. Same room. I’ll be here.

Love your work so much,
Eternally grateful,
Alida xxxx

I could talk about what I really liked about the setup of the weekend, but the options for that are pretty much limitless. Here’s some of the great things that were provided:

• The writing exercises
• Ash’s nourishing, plentiful timely food (The poke bowls were orgasmic)
• The people, all a bit nuts in the most wonderful of ways
• The location – perched on a hill near the beach on the Great Ocean Road
• The warm rooms with comfy beds
• The clean bathrooms and ample hot water
• The open fire
• The friendly cows

I could then talk about my favourite moments on the weekend, like:

• Finding my tribe
• The writing exercises
• Listening to Clementine Ford speak
• Discovering Rob’s scones and Hugo’s cheesecake – both stellar
• The most fabulous 80’s Music Trivia contest – fiercely fought and won by a team of champions
• Listening to people’s stories
• Dancing in an old chapel, first thing in the morning, strictly following the instructions of “Come in pyjamas, do not brush your hair, do not clean your teeth, do no put on a bra, just come and dance.” It would be rude not to go.
• Skinny dipping in the Southern Ocean at daybreak with a group of likeminded lunatics in the middle of winter. This was a transformational experience.
• Working out that having the time and space to get out of your own way is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

We laughed, we cried, we shared experiences, we wrote, we made new first name friends. It was a bit like Orientation Week at uni, but without the binge drinking, angst and hazing.

Dev’s generous, open, honest and forthright views on writing, and life, is something to behold. She and her team have created a very special weekend. It’s a place to power down, get excited, laugh, cry, howl at the moon and really enjoy life at it’s best. I can’t thank her enough for having me along.

If you really want to know my favourite part of the whole weekend – that’s easy. Standing out on the grass at night, a nip of sloe gin in my hand, looking up at the Milky Way, watching the moon cast its light over the ocean, listening to the waves.

The Gunnas writing retreat was perfect in every way.

Amanda Pearson

Join us..  

Dear Dev,

This was my second Gunnas Retreat and I did have that nervous feeling that I was trying to recreate the magic from June 2018 like a sad cunt. But last year was so incredible and, dare I be so dramatic, life changing, that I just had to take a punt and go along again.

It’s pretty hard to write this when I still feel so lost for words. From the moment I skidded in and saw your bloody lovely face I knew I was in for another incredible weekend. I saw friends from the last winter retreat who also came back to recapture the ambience, inspiration and disco vibes. I saw a new bunch of Gunnas who were all equally as excited and friendly. I saw the food that the incomparable Ash serves up, and I knew I was back with my tribe.

Every writing session in the glorious little chapter is another opportunity to dust off the writing cobwebs and get shit done. I was fascinated to reflect on how much I’d grown in confidence in a year, and that change all began at Gunnas last year. I have so much to be grateful to you for Dev, but that is number one. Thank you for helping me to realise that I have something relevant and worthwhile to say.

One of the highlights of the retreat this year was listening to the formidable Clem Ford speak about her experiences as a writer. What an inspiration she is! I continue to be in awe of her conviction and her eloquence.

Once again I had the absolute best time at the 80s trivia and disco event. It goes off like Bobby McGees on a Monday night circa 1999. My trivia team were the best bunch of dancing queens you could hope for and our moves on the dance floor were hot and loose…like a questionable stool.

Sunday morning brought about the hangover cure – the bathing of the lunatics. I loved this far more than I thought I would. Yes the water was cold but the company and the sunrise were beautiful. After washing away the sketchiness from the night before we wandered quietly back to the Seacroft, feeling rejuvenated.

A few final writing blocks and some more glorious food and it was time to say goodbye to the best bunch of people you could hope to meet.

I’ve rebooked for next June and I’ll see if I can squeeze the November retreat in too. I’ve realised that it’s not about recreating the vibes of past retreats, every single retreat has its own incredible heartbeat and I want to be a part of them all!

Love you Dev xx

Kris Kennedy

Dev creates a beautifully safe, generous and authentic space to explore your writing, wherever you may be in your writing journey. Her exercises will take you to places in your writing that you don’t expect, and give you skills and practice to keep going when you’re back home and surrounded by dishes and kids and emails and other people’s priorities. Her no bullshit approach cuts through all your excuses, and just gets to the point – which is to write. Just write. And laugh.

Thanks for a terrific weekend, Dev. Your generosity and energy are so wonderfully affirming. See you next time. X

Lesley-Anne Houghton

Do you want to find a place where no cunts are allowed?
I bet you thought that was impossible these days.
What about a place where there are people who don’t know you, and you don’t have to put on a show every minute of the day. A place that you can immerse yourself in words or water or sky or laughs, and no one will judge you or give two fucks if you do none of it?
There is such a place.
And Dev thought of it, she made it real and put it out to all us – come, let your words out, let yourself go, dance to the tunes, watch her turn water into wine – do it.

Dawn Bottoms

It’s the winter solstice. In Victoria. The breeze has come across the Strait, seeking warm land. Maybe not seeking warm naked bodies, but today, it might get lucky.
We set off soon after dawn.
It’s a good day, Dev calls. Not driving needles of rain like last time. Still, it’s not exactly tropical. We keep our hands in our fluffy pockets and tuck our chins to our necks to keep out the cold. Through the first gate and people are chatting nervously as we keep our eyes on our gumbooted feet, avoiding cow pats and caramel-coloured mud puddles.
Out the farm gate and across the sleeping snake of the Great Ocean Road. No cars.
On the beach, the cold sea air rushes into my chest and makes my eyes water. The treed mountains shrink us down to the size of dressing-gowned bugs. The lined grey rocks beneath my feet remind me of the change happening all around. Wind and water has raised and flattened them and will go on doing so long after I leave, write this, go home, grow old and die.
We are all butterflies here – fluttering by for a moment. But, oh what a moment!

I peel off my chrysalis of clothes and drape my towel ready on a shell-crusted rock.
I grin at the coming waves. We are partners in this act of reckless abandon. Others are walking into the water quickly. “Breaking the waters”, Dev calls it. Pioneering bottoms. I follow. No hesitation.
The icy froth climbs further up my legs, splashing up to my softness. I start to run.
A thin line of white breaking water tickles on the lip of a glassy incoming. I run faster. It gets louder, roaring and bubbling, sending spikes of fear and excitement through me as I dive into its curling body.
It’s a quick lovemaking. I come up for air but cannot breathe.

My arms reach up to the sky. My underarm hair hasn’t seen a razor since summer. It hardly counts for butterfly wings but I like the metaphor and I feel could fly so I’ll stick with it. I lift my face to the far away sky and scream. I woop, I cry. I gasp for more air.
My nipples have shrunk to puckered pinkness and my vulva is screaming “what the frigging fuck?” but the rest of me is singing with tingling new life.
I am reborn, I am free, I am ready to swim. Ready to fly, Ready for life in all its frigid hot messy glory. Next wave. Let’s go again. Yeah. Knock me off my feet. It’s OK. I can swim. I can dive. I can fly. OK. Now I’m done. I’m good. I’m not good. I’m fucking cold. I’m really fucking cold. And I’m a fucking lunatic.
“Why are we here?” My aching fanny asks me. Fair question.
Because I want to write and not be too shit at it. And because I thought I needed some kind of permission from the big scary world to have a go at being the kind of writer I wanted to be. And I thought I did not have that permission. Those permission slips were handed out to the talented (mostly). Not to me. But one day last year I picked up Deveny’s Use Your Words and in it, she spoke directly to me.
I can’t remember it exactly but it was along the lines of – You don’t need permission.
Just write anyway. Will what you write be shit? Probably. And that’s OK. Just write.
It was like, well, diving into a freezing cold wave with no clothes on.
On shore, a dog walker seems unsurprised to see a bunch of women and men with their kits off rising from the waves with crazy grins. His stick-chasing ridgebacks are even less impressed.
I nod to the clouds that will move on in minutes and never form in exactly the same way again. I nod to the rocks who will also be changed, ever so slightly by the winds and water of the day. I lift my eyes, lashes sparkling with sea-water diamonds, to the mountains, carved with that Great Road. It will all change, yet it will all stay the same. This moment is gone now beneath the rasping of an old towel on my pointy goosebumps, but it will last in a way, maybe not forever, but for a while at least. Maybe in this testimonial? And in me. And what I write. This day and other days to come. Out of my cocoon. Sometimes back in it, if I’m being honest. But I’ll be writing.

So,
Go to Gunnas.
Go for the writing.
Go for the people.
Go for the food.
Go for the fire.
Go for Dev’s tits.
And go for that naked swim.

No permission required.

Marion Taffe

Don’t expect your average English Literacy class setup that you got in High School otherwise you will be disappointed. But you hated those classes, so you won’t be disappointed. There are no rules other than an expectation to write something, even if it is something that would have made your old teacher cringe. Go forth and do your belated turn to rebel!

M. Matthews

“From the moment I arrived for my first Gunnas Weekend I felt the warm, fuzzy, all encompassing welcome of Devs and her team – let alone the Gunnas fam bam. What a beautiful, nourishing and rejuvenating weekend. Not only did I leave with food for my belly (TOO MUCH) but felt nourished by ample food for my soul. Would recommend fo sho..”

Laura Luvara

I have attended a Gunnas Weekend Retreat twice now. There is something about gathering with like-minded souls in the middle of winter in a ruggedly beautiful location that is difficult to translate into words.

Participating in Dev’s writing blocks over the weekend provide me with an environment where I can purely focus on creativity and generating ideas. I have had opinion pieces published after attending both weekends. This is no coincidence as it provides me with the time, space and confidence to go forth and conquer.

The Saturday night entertainment and frolicking, as well as the guest speaker each year offer inspiration and confirmation that we are all in this together. I attend alone, and it is a great pleasure to do this. Dev’s approach that you can participate in everything or nothing suits me brilliantly; I am known to take random Nanna Naps or go for a walk. It is precisely this environment that helps me to write. I don’t like to force things nor do I want to be judged for what I have or haven’t done.

And as someone who rarely has a meal cooked for them, I thoroughly enjoy the glorious and nourishing food. I equally enjoy the antics of the Chef and kitchen crew, as well as my fellow Gunnas and their individual and collective exploits.

Aislinn Martin

 

BOOK A RETREAT 

Dev is a genius. She packaged up her writing advice with a gorgeous weekend, fabulous company, delicious food and views to die for. She made time for naps, and tea. And dancing. Lots of nobody-cares-what-you-look-like-dancing.

Then she got us to write, in the cracks of our time away. I was amazed how much got done in those cracks.

She shared so much wisdom, but the nugget that made it to a post-it above my desk was: Shut the fuck up and write.

Thank you Dev. You reminded me how much writing is medicine for my soul.

Lara Mc L

Gunnas Retreat is transformative.
I experienced:

• A renewed love of writing
• A remembrance of self
• Catharsis
• Dancing
• An early morning nudie swim in freezing weather which is far better than it sounds and great for soothing oneself whilst screaming into the waves
• Tears
• Rollicking laughter
• A discovery of others
• Stretching
• Eating
• More eating
• Stars in a clear night sky
• The moon over the ocean
• A pivot, a change, a newness

Life would be better if you did it. Just saying.

Kyleigh

Catherine Deveny is the kind of woman I adore: provocative, knows her shit & what she has to offer the world. All that served with a dollop of empathy. Another convenient thing about her: you know your kind of people will also be attending her retreat. If someone doesn’t get working class sensibilities, the occasional c bomb and what it means to turn shit into fertilizer they wont come. So a retreat gifts you with a chance to write & a mob you can relate to – win win. I highly recommend it.

Amy Sue

Writing in a wooden chapel by the sea, dancing full of wine by a fire, laughing over dinner with a table full of people each cultivating their own little and big projects… it was all magic. Gunnas was the refresh and change of perspective I needed – I came away feeling reinvigorated about writing and life.

Thanks Dev, the weekend was like an ecouraging hug I didn’t know I needed.

Xx Shelley

I use reviews all the time – but I’m really slack at writing them and pressing submit.
But here are a few comments I had to share.
Everything you’re reading here is true – I can vouch for it. The food, the place, the views, the friends you’ll make and the inspiring writing blocks, so I’m not going to bang on about those.

Here’s what I wanted to know before I booked and a few things I found out

1. I can hardly call myself a writer – is it weird that I want to go to this – will I fit in?
   Everyone fits in, Dev makes sure of it. Plus, it’s not hard – the retreat is structured (or not) in a way that is easy and inclusive. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you call yourself on this weekend – there’s no judgement.
2. Will I be told what to do and how to do it?
   There are heaps of suggestions for participation, but the wonderful thing about this weekend is that there are no (real) rules. Feel free to do what you want and skip other bits. There are no ‘sharing and caring ‘experiences – although funnily enough, it’s exactly what you feel has happened as you drive out the gate to leave.
3. Is it worth it and what will I get?
   If you’re like me and are used to putting everything (and everyone) first before making the time to write or even just do stuff that you enjoy – then yes, this is a great place to start. The retreat’s like a launch pad – it doesn’t matter if you’re shit scared, so is everyone else, what’s important is that you launch.

Sandra Macriyiannis

Imagine you get to go on a school camp where everyone is friendly, the bullies are banned, the beds are comfortable, and the food is delicious and plentiful. Now imagine camp activities are limited to doing only what you love, and all other games are optional. Finally, throw in a John Hughes-inspired soundtrack and a celebrity guest appearance, and you’ve got yourself the school camp that 13-year-old you always dreamed about. But now you’re grown-up, and the camp is a writing retreat at a former monastery overlooking the wild beaches of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast and the food is lovingly prepared by a professional chef. The voluntary games are massages, early morning swims and 80s trivia, and the celebrity guest is an experienced journalist with a passion for 80s trivia. The Ferris Bueller soundtrack remains unchanged.

Tash

Looking for a place to clear your mind then fill it up? Looking for time to get off track or on track, to be told what you’ll be doing morning, noon and night, only to decide whether you want to or not. Looking to forget the time, looking to be looked after mind, body and stomach so all you have to think about is how to get brain words onto paper or screen? Well as luck and the universe would have it, Catherine Deveny has birthed an experience that does just that. To say all inclusive would be like calling the ocean, kinda big. This is a special thing, the ocean is one of your hosts and sits across your eyeline as a constant, watching over you and helping silence your busy mind. The other constant is food your other cohost and a healthy and indulgent one. The banter is thick, the listening and respect for space and privacy is too. As retreaters and cooks nap on couches in front of fires you will wonder how you came to be in such a unique place. You will leave liking yourself more, knowing yourself and a few other humans a little better. And not feeling forced to do anything, but wanting to do it. You will generate ideas, you will laugh and you will want to go back, to this place that held you still then shook you up. A paradoxical writing retreat that has been carefully, thoughtfully and loving offered for all to experience, no matter your flavour of human or writing experience. Please do it.

Fiona-Mary

I almost didn’t book in and you know why? Not because I was worried about bad food, weather or company, but rather worried that I was a bit up myself to think of myself as a ‘writer’. And this is after writing 2 books! (thanks to Gunnas writing courses) It just seemed a bit, well, indulgent. But I’m so glad I did. My big aha moment was that we are ALL creative – whether we’re writing government policy, academic essays or putting together a project plan. And to have two uninterrupted (well the interruptions were welcome in the form of ridiculously delicious food) days of writing was just bliss. The exercises were thought provoking and inspired a ton of ideas, not to mention helped me finish an immediate project.

It also reminded me that although two days away with amazing people is great, there are so many opportunities to write, and to ‘write in the gaps’. Since the retreat, I have written every day, and am well on my way to my next book. I can’t recommend this retreat highly enough. It’s a must for anyone who has a story to tell. Which is to say, everyone!

Love your work Catherine

Emma

Write, eat and meet great people in a gorgeous location. That’s Gunnas. I went in with no expectations, without even turning my mind to what to expect. I came out well fed, unshackled and with a certain amount of restored faith. The food was incredible. I had forgotten about creative writing, but there I was doing it. I didn’t think I was an excuse-maker, but when I checked my last project, I hadn’t written creatively in five years. And I found myself restored by a seaside setting and almost every conversation I had with the other new Gunnas there. Don’t overthink whether to go to Gunnas. It’ll remove blocks you didn’t even know you had.

 Suzanne Vale

I loved writing as a kid. I remember my Year 2 teacher getting cross at me because I nagged her all day to let us do creative writing. I loved reading and stories; I carried a notebook with me everywhere so that I could write whenever I got  bored. Fast forward thirty or so years and it’s been almost impossible for me to find time to write. I try to make my work emails as flamboyant as possible to satiate the need to write. Suffice to say, not cutting it.

I first heard Catherine Deveny speak at an event called Like a Boss, a conference organised by Lucy (Perry) Bloom. I heard lots of people speak that day, but Dev impressed me with her humour, originality and fearless honesty. I started following Dev on Facebook and really enjoyed the diversity of material she shared.

When I first saw Gunna’s One Day Masterclasses popping up on my feed, I thought it would be a great day. I don’t write for work, I wasn’t writing for fun anymore – but I still loved writing. Although I didn’t need a push to finish a book, start a screenplay or publish a blog, I knew I’d come away with something. Then I saw the retreat pop up in my feed. I didn’t hesitate, I booked a room for myself right away.

I asked my sister to come with me but she has very young kids and couldn’t spare the time.  I’m actually so glad I went on my own because it meant I could give time and attention to the new people I met on the retreat. I’ve developed a couple of really beautiful connections as a result. I had the pleasure of talking about writing, social justice, class, marriage, privelege, work and life with a creative and intelligent group of likeminded people.

There were lots of things I loved about the weekend.  Lets put them in order of importance, shall we?

1. FOOD – I love to eat and hate being hungry. The food was nutritious, plentiful, made with love and served with flair.
2. MY ROOM / COMFORT – I also hate being cold, tired or uncomfortable. My bed was super comfy and the room was cosy. Exactly as advertised. I also loved that I could dress down, down, down. Like, one step above PJ’s. I didn’t wear a bra or take my ugg boots off all weekend and no one cared.
3. LOCATION – I was on the winter retreat and the weather was absolutely foul outside. It was perfect writing weather – roaring seas, howling winds. And did we give a fuck? No, we did not, because we were in the warm and cosy chapel, or snug by the fire in the dining room. There were rainbows EVERYWHERE. Seacroft is magical.
4. QUALITY OF WRITING SESSIONS – I found so much value in the prompts we used in the sessions. They helped me think and focus, and enabled me to tap into my creative brain. The way Dev opened the first session on the Friday night really helped me see the value of just sitting there and writing, without being hyper aware of the quality of the work in that moment. Just write. Also, I loved that we didn’t were not pressured to share our work. Anti-feedback!
5. FLEXIBILITY – I loved that we didn’t have to attend every writing session (or any of them)  if we didn’t want to.
6. GUEST STARS – Nelly Freaking Thomas – she was rad and I loved her.
7. CO-STARS – I’m not saying anything about the boys in the kitchen, you’ll have to go and see for yourself.

So – if you are reading this wondering if you should do the retreat, book it. Do it. Get the best room you can afford – I loved being in on my own (but I have kids and never have time out, so the dorm might be your thing). Make sure you bring plenty of wine if that’s your thing – you will not want to leave once you’ve settled in for the weekend. You just won’t – everything you need is there.  Don’t worry if, like me, you are not sure you a writer, or a good enough writer – do not let that stop you. I have walked away with work that I am interested in developing – several pieces in fact, that I have continued to work on since getting home. I managed to get a hell of a lot of shit out of my head and heart, and onto the page. As a result, I feel really rejuvenated and inspired.

Coming back to work was a fucking BITCH though – make sure you book an extra day of leave after the retreat so you can reintegrate yourself back into real life s l o w l y….

 Stacey Webley 

I didn’t know what to expect when I booked in and paid for a June weekend of writing on the Great Ocean Road clear back in September.  Gunna’s masterclasses have consistently given me creative enemas but all I really knew when I booked was that Catherine Deveny puts 100% into every event she does and she pulls together awesome people.

The weekend was made up of equal parts great conversations, guided writing blocks, delicious food, and fun. I didn’t know what I wanted to write when I came into the weekend, and that’s been good because I was pretty open to rolling with the guided writing blocks.  Certainly some of the folks here this weekend came with their own projects in mind – and this retreat is constructed in such a way that they absolutely have had the space to work. Outside of the writing blocks, the whole group comes together for breakfast and morning tea and lunch and afternoon tea and dinner. The conversations around the tables and on the couches and out on the (enclosed) porch area were all funny and honest and inspiring. The writing blocks were all carefully constructed to take us on an internal journey through the weekend, with various styles of writing prompts.

Watching the weather forecasts in the week leading up to the weekend it was looking dire – and let me tell you, Mother Nature did not disappoint.  It rained in sheets, gale force winds, hail, sunshine patches, more rain in sheets – and of course, lots of rainbows.  There were lots of discussions from folks about how the weather influenced the weekend’s vibe – particularly interesting to hear from folks who where here in March as a comparison.  Most people spent more time indoors for obvious reasons this June, and so maybe we got to know each other better and faster for that reason.  In March it sounded like people wandered around the property more and spent more time at the beach.

The property itself has clear views to the ocean, and the sound of waves was calming and present all weekend.  There are various modes of accommodation – from single rooms, to small shared rooms, to dorm-ish rooms, to king suites.  The facilities are all lovely and individual, with cosy beds and bedding and lovely thoughtful touches throughout.  The common room has the most delightful wood burning stove, a real focal point for our June retreat group.  The chapel area was a big beautiful space where we could watch the ocean roiling and see the weather and the hills behind us.

Besides all of the writing and eating and talking, there was a banging excellent 80s Music Trivia Night.  I can’t think of the last time I laughed and sang and danced so much.

Did I mention the food? Ash Taylor pulled together a comfort food bonanza with Reuben and Anthony cooking and cleaning and keeping everyone well cared for. Everything was delicious, and no one went hungry.  Everyone’s dietary needs were amply catered for with a minimum of fuss.  I cannot speak more highly of the culinary experience.

If you want a kick up the bum and a brilliant time – book in.  You won’t regret it.

Catherine Lockstone 

 

Dear Saint Catherine.  Thanks to you and your amazing team, the Gunnas weekend was one of the most magical and fun weekends of my life!  In the era of Trump, Weinstein and all the other forms of structural violence, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated as we endure this thing called ‘adulthoold’.  But then what happens is Catherine curates her own version of the Chelsea Hotel and voila, magical things happen.  Anyone who wants to hang out with a group of wonderful people being allowed to explore their version of creative writing will not only leave feeling energised, they will find themselves resisting the urge to sign up for all the rest of them and force themselves to book only 12 months in advance to avoid stalker status.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Dr Eleanor Evans (GP)

 

I’ve been roused, shaken, woken and rewired. Thank you Catherine for believing in all of us, and for giving me the kick in the arse i needed. I FINALLY feel like i have writing back, like it belongs to me again. I cried, laughed, listened, learned, fronted up and wrote my fucking guts out. For 10 years I’ve been writing for other people, but I’m ‘gunna’ be writing for me now. Thank you for your big, beautiful no-bullshit heart Catherine Deveny. You should be the patron saint for writers – you’re the champion we all need.

Love to you and thank you a million billion times for everything you gave us and did for us this weekend. I will never forget these past three days

Mel

 

Thank you thank you thank you, Dev. The weekend exceeded every possible expectation I could have had. I felt so nourished on all levels, and part of something very special. I hope our paths cross again, and I can’t wait to share my milestones in writing.

Jess

 

READ A REVIEW OF THE RETREAT HERE

Thank you Catherine for an absolutely fabulous weekend. Sensational food, great people and a beautiful setting. So much fun. So much writing.You have an awesome support team and you were so generous with your time, making sure we always had everything we needed. I have been nurtured and

Susan Goedecke

I attended the Gunnas Weekend Writing Retreat at Seacroft on what I think was the coldest and wettest weekend of the winter but truly, the words I’d associate with the experience are fire and warmth. The moment I arrived, Dev greeted me with a warm hug and a “Welcome Corinne!” and after showing me the beautiful room Seacroft had provided, led me to the dining area for mulled wine and cheese with the rest of the group. I felt comfortable immediately. Ash and the wonderful team in the kitchen keep my belly warm and my body nourished with delicious hearty meals. Joey warmed my tired muscles and mind with yoga and meditation. And Dev, the generous, experienced, hilarious, honest, big-hearted woman that she is, was the fire. She lit sparks under all of us and was relentless in her creativity, encouragement and wisdom. My group of Gunnas were a wonderful mix or beginners, professionals, academics and randoms but Dev has put together a program that honestly is accessible to anyone who wants to write at any stage of their writing life. I left my weekend feeling inspired and renewed but more importantly, I felt like I could do it. And I have been writing everyday since!

 Corinne Beinart 

Thank you, Dev, for an inspiring, pull-ya-finger-out weekend. Venue and vista magnifique, food glorious, knowledge and wisdom imparted: priceless. And the fun? Second to none! What a great bunch of peeps, too (the whole damn lot).

Fiona Trembath Grimes

Hey Dev,

I’m one of the randoms who had no clue as to why I booked this retreat as I’m no ‘writer’. I’ve always loved to write and it wasn’t until this weekend – and your words – that I made the connection that I can write for the simple joy of it being a purely private experience. I’m a person who NEEDS solitude, and lots of it, and the last few months I’ve had not nearly enough. The format of the weekend allowed me to interact and withdraw as I wanted and I got the recalibration that I needed. Even though I attended each of the writing sessions, I wasn’t obligated, and having that choice was a relief. Thanks for teaching me that I can write about any topic (Lance Armstrong only having one testicle) or object (a glass heart), and write really fucking badly, yet still achieve so much pleasure!

Thanks so much for the simplicity of your message.

Jody Guerow

 

 

Attending the Gunnas Writer’s Retreat was one of the best things I’ve done in a very long time. As a journalist, I have always written, but I wanted to re-visit some of the creative writing I lived for as a teenager.A serious health scare gave me the kick up the arse I needed to put these things into perspective and to write the stuff I really wanted to write. Everything from the location to the food, the people and — to quote The Castle: “the serenity” — made for the perfect retreat. Dev is the highlight. Her wit, wisdom, frankness and warmth is what all Australian writers need a healthily dose of.

 Jane Lindhe

I have just returned from the Gunna’s writing retreat and I’ve not stopped smiling, singing, pining for my new friends or pissing others off by saying ‘you have GOT to do this!’

It was the first time in, probably years, that I decided to spend time on myself. I knew I’d done the right thing the moment I left Melbourne, music blaring and not a single person -partner, child or colleague – within cooee to demand anything of me.

As I arrived at Seacroft I saw Dev, standing in the blustery cold weather, welcoming every new Gunna with a genuine warmth and affection that 100 percent solidified my decision to attend.

Then I met everyone else. I couldn’t have ever hoped for a livelier bunch of like-minded souls. As Dev accurately said – there’s nothing more powerful than a shared purpose and that’s what our weekend was built on. Each new Gunna I spoke to had a kindness, an interest, and a passion that enveloped me, and all of us, in a cocoon of support and encouragement.

I’m still smiling as I write this. The people, the place (fireplace, warm lighting, comfy couches and huge windows), the food (holy shit! The food!), the writing (so much creativity pouring out of us) and the dancing (80s mania) – proved to be a transformative combination.

I feel a shift in my being. A shift for the better in every way. I will return to Gunna’s Writing Retreat every single year because I want more of this. I want to feel this invigorated and rejuvenated as often as possible because nothing has brought me this much personal, creative joy in a long time.

Thank you Dev. You’ll truly never know how much I needed this and how grateful I am for your being. Thank you to the amazing chef and party fiend Ash. Thank you to guru of all things calming, stretchy and musical Joey. And thank you to the inspiring Nelly Thomas.

My cup, and my notebook, runneth over.

 Kristine Kennedyxx

I know you… Somewhere deep between your guts and your kidneys, you’ve got something you need to say. You can feel it. But because your life’s an homage to meeting everyone else’s needs, there just hasn’t been The. Right. Moment.
Well, you’re in luck! Dev’s found the perfect place – squeezed between the sea and a storm – for you to sit your busy ass down, pour yourself a cup of tea/whisky/wine, and get your Gunna on. She’s lit the fucking fire. What are you waiting for?

 Sonya Semmens

Dev, I can’t thank you enough for this weekend. I have taken so much away and meet some incredible people. I can’t wait to get writing and push on. See you at a Gunnas soon!

Donita Richards

The top 5 things I enjoyed about the Gunnas Retreat Weekend:

Licence to explore:

Dev gave us the freedom to work on whatever projects we’d brought with us or participate in the writing sessions, responding to prompts, at whatever level we wanted to, with the caveat that it’s worth persisting particularly at that time when it gets difficult or the words seem to have dried up. For me, that’s when some of the best ideas came.

The Location:

The retreat itself is parked on the side of a hill, overlooking the sea, which made for stunning scenery almost everywhere you looked, great walks, and the ability to take in stunning views while taking breaks from writing, or going for the morning dip with Dev and others, and/or doing the morning yoga to an audience of cows and birds.

The food:

Every couple of hours there was an array of gorgeous fresh food, prepared by the master of joyous quips and delightful dance moves, Ash Taylor, and the lovely food crew. A reluctant celiac, I walked away with a full belly, sated tastebuds and a range of new food ideas (Ash I’d love the chocolate mousse recipe!).

The accommodation:

The rooms were cosy – beds with great mattresses, shared showers and toilets were clean and fresh. The shared dining hall and sunroom were abuzz with conversations over meals but also provided a quiet place to watch the sunrise or write or just rest and reflect outside of meal times. And the beautifully renovated chapel provided a great space again to see the views of the hills and the beach, as well as drop into the writing, and discussions around it.

The people:

Just like her day Gunnas, this retreat was filled with people from all over (Vic, Tas, WA, SA, NSW), and from all levels of experience in a range of genres of writing and living. I think the power of it was the shared reason to be on the retreat – to write, and to move deeper into the practice of writing and to bring whatever life experiences to that. As a result, the conversations were brilliant, varied and rich in experiences, ideas, busting blocks, and relating any how-tos, and whys. Laughter, spontaneous dancing, amidst beautiful food, wine, people, it was just like a Gunnas, only with sleepovers, and swims, yoga, meditation and an 80s music quiz and disco.

Doing something like this really emboldens you to be more creative in life, in living, and to remember, it is joyful as well as hard slog. And whatever other people think of your work is none of your business. Thanks to the team who made it happen:

Dev, you goddess of pull your bloody finger out and amazing coordination,

The sound man, in many ways, Anthony,

Reuben, Anthony and Ash – the food was delicious, amazing and so fresh,

and for the merch, Jen Clark n Dev – really lovely take-homes.

 Caitlin McGrath 

BOOK NOW OR SOOK LATER WHEN IT’S SOLD OUT

Could there be a greater champion for writers and Gunna- be writers to stop their procrasta- whatevering and get CRACKING? I highly doubt it. Beyond Catherine Deveny’s wild flamboyance and wit is a deeply generous heart. A woman who genuinely wants to help people realise their yearnings: to not die with the music inside and have a bloody good laugh along the way. The inaugural Gunnas Retreat at Seacroft was a ridiculous lot of fun and I haven’t laughed so much since I can’t remember when. Don’t think twice- dive in! I swear you won’t regret it.

 Alicia King 

 

So it’s nearly mid winter. My cousin has decided that June’s a great time for me to fly down from Queensland and spend the weekend in Apollo Bay. It’s pissing down and she finds this route which makes me wonder if actually she’s a serial killer and our bodies might never be found. I feel slightly guilty that I offered a ride to someone I didn’t know and hope her kids won’t miss her too much. Finally we get there. I can see and hear the ocean which improves my mood greatly. As does Dev, running out like she had a death wish and waving me cavalierly towards the grass to park. I think, hmm, wonder if I am going to get in trouble for parking on this nice grass. Maybe that means I should trust more. Who knows. I dump my gear on the top bunk. I love top bunks! I head down to the beautifully lit common room. A fire is burning and it’s so lovely and warm. I forgive my cousin. After all, if she was going to murder me she didn’t need to make it so complicated and could have done it earlier. I sink into the warmth, crack out the vino and have a chat with some fucking cool people. I wonder if I should, in fact, move back to Melbourne. People are way cooler and seem more interesting. Maybe that’s because in Queensland you don’t need awesome indoor culture and conversation, you can actually leave the house most nights without freezing. I’m smashed when I get back to my bunk and remember I sprained my ankle earlier in the week so maybe climbing drunk in the dark up a ladder quietly wasn’t the smartest plan. I make it and cheer silently. The next morning is surprisingly practical and fun, with just enough unfun to remind you you aren’t here to fuck about. Unless you want to fuck about, in which case that’s fine and no worries go to the fire and start drinking from 8am. I love a flexible approach. Dev is her usual no nonsense hilarity. It’s all delivered with her trademark wit but it’s easy to forget this woman has raised three children writing and speaking professionally. I’ve been laughing at the notebook which says pull your finger out and excuses are bullshit but the reality is that it is the creed that she lives by and she’s more than qualified to be sharing her wisdom. And wisdom it is. Catherine as a human is by turns witty, generous, warm, connected and kind. All with the disciplinary skills of a drill sergeant. She genuinely pours her love into these workshops and there’s a connected feeling to them which starts with a random face in your car window which makes you shit yourself in the rainy dark night and ends with a sad goodbye and a hangover several days later. It’s a chance to make friends, hear interesting stories, cry, laugh, dance, sing and and use writing as a catharsis. It’s transformative and if you’ve been feeling you might die with the light in you it might just save you from a life well lived but unremembered. You’ll have to remember your own fucking self and this will give you the tools and the motivation to do so. I did get asked to move my car off the lawn. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted that woman.

Scarlet Morei 

 

Dev’s weekend writing retreat was full-tilt for good fun, delicious food, new friendships and a bit of frolicking. I found myself writing well beyond my limits and loved the no bullshit tips and practices for busting through procrastination and other vices. But the real value for me was truly felt at home. I’ve done workshops or retreats like this and left them full of good intentions that I’ve forgotten the minute I am back in the real world. Not so with this writing shot in the arm. I have been unstoppable in my writing practice, excited to get to the page and totally owning my voice. This is a retreat that sticks by you, just like Dev does.

I got so much out of this retreat that I’ve already booked it again for 2019. It’s going to be my annual gift-to-self to get on with it.

So this morning I have NOT proscasti-cleaned! I’ve got 1200 words down and a new workshop published on my website. I have however rewarded myself with a quick vacuum as I needed to be able to make my way to the coffee machine through all the dog hair on the floor.

I am buzzing with the good juice of a great weekend. Thank you Dev. You are extremely generous and you get it. For that I am immensely grateful and Gunnas is forever more my safe happy place! (with a cracking 80s soundtrack, and Ash’s abs, and brilliant women and men, and your frocks, which are all fucking lovely by the way.)

 Lindy Schneider

Sincere thanks to Dev and her support team for a truly wonderful weekend! I now have fresh inspiration for my story and was able to finish a big chunk of new writing. Thanks also to the lovely, friendly people who I met. There were some fabulous conversations and I wish you all the best with your writing!

 Mark Perry

 

I just had to write and let you know how much I enjoyed the March Writers Retreat at Apollo Bay. I have been to one of your terrific Gunnas day long workshops before so I thought I knew what to expect but it exceeded expectations in so many ways. The location is so good, beautiful views, clean air and beaches, who could ask for more. The accommodation was clean, comfortable, and quirky and the food was amazing and plentiful. The program was really well paced. It was organised, you worked us hard but gave us plenty of time to discuss the process and gather our thoughts. The exercises were engaging and the tips were practical and useful. What made it gold standard in my mind was the brilliant concept of a workshop over multiple days. Living with a bunch of other creatives is really inspiring and provides an extended period of time to practice what is preached (lol). In short I thought it was amazing value for money and such fun!!!!

I can’t remember such a fun time with a group of complete strangers.
Amazing vision, drive and follow through Dev and all your team. Words are really not enough. It was great to drive to work this morning, smiling, feeling inspired, invigorated and a little bit smug.

 Adrienne Hearn 

 

Went on my first ever writing retreat this weekend and had a blast. Amongst the amazing food, morning swims, gazing at the ocean, full moon dancing, and fascinating conversations I wrote 7 research blog posts (with references!) and a grant proposal. Can’t believe I was so productive AND had a tonne of fun at the same time.

Kate Murray

 

Go on,,,,

 

As a professional retreat-goer, I can highly recommend Dev’s Gunnas Retreats because:

-Dev puts CREATIVITY first with a no bullshit approach to life

-The Gunnas crowd are diverse and open minded

-The food is delicious

-The views are amazing

-The air is fresh

-There is yoga, mindfulness and retreaty stuff

-There is a wood fire + a disco

-There are no rules and no regimes

-You can put time back into your creative projects, WRITE, and have fun.

You will walk away feeling like a winner.

Joey Remenyi

 

Gunna’s retreat was a cleansing movement. Dev embraced us with her rad earrings and kick ass attitude and recklessly took down all our excuses so that we could Just. Write. We were given a great big nurture and became connected with our people and with ourselves.

Over, under, through. Obstacles baby, find a way.

Thank you for making my inner being a beloved beast to be known, celebrated and released Dev. I always want to be in this community. You’ve empowered us.

I am a self saucing pudding.
And I will not be toned down.

Ps. Those sushi bowls changed my life

Homeowner Hilary

I came to Catherine Deveny’s retreat as an authentic “gunna”, putting off my writing passion for over 30 years. A dear friend suggested the “gunna retreat”, and I haven’t looked back. Dev weaves her magic, and I haven’t stopped since getting home.

But the Gunna’s retreat is so much more than the writing, which we did a lot of during the weekend.  I had so much fun, met inspiring, supportive people, who continue to encourage me my journey to write.

Warmest

 Dr. Anne Stevenson