Odyssey School

8 Days / 7 Nights

This perfect combination of an intensive laboratory atmosphere in a relaxed tropical setting enables writers to find the kind of focus, energy and inspiration they cannot achieve when working alone or fitting writing around a busy life. Workshops take place every morning and participants are expected to use some of their time in the afternoon to complete specific writing goals. At the workshop meetings, essential elements of writers craft are revised and you have a chance to read, critique and receive feedback on any aspect of your writing or writing process.

In the afternoons while exploring the island you can find answers to all your writing questions. In an island rainforest, on a deserted beach, snorkelling the reef in clear blue lagoon waters, you will learn new techniques for treasuring every writing moment.

The course runs for 6 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time. Throughout this week you have the opportunity to be a serious writer and show yourself and others just what you are capable of. The lab concludes with celebration drinks and readings.

The course takes pace in Daku Resort in Savusavu on Fiji's northern island of Vanua Levu, a scenic 55 minute plane trip from Nadi. Known as Fiji's Hidden Paradise, Savusavu is well off the beaten track for tourists, and retains its charm and friendly atmosphere. Savusavu Bay is well known to yacht sailors who prize its protected deep-water harbour. The resort is a mile outside the town.

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided
• Services of a course leader and teacher
• Course fees
• Lectures, excursions as indicated

Program Excludes

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji
• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Art materials
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals taken in transit at the airport

Course Tutor

Teacher Jan Cornall is a highly experienced teacher who has run many successful workshops around Australia. She has mentored several successful authors and has also introduced beginners to the joy of finding their voice.

Jan is a writer, performer and facilitator known for motivating writers to complete their writing projects. Jan teaches creativity and writing workshops in Australia and the Asia Pacific and has written over 10 plays, a feature film, 3 CD's of songs and most recently a novel, Take Me To Paradise. (Saritaksu)

Participants in Jan's workshops include published, unpublished and many who go on to publish. First time author Marguerite Van Geldermalsen, Married to A Bedouin,(Virago),received invaluable help from Jan's workshops. Margo Lanagan, award winning fantasy writer wrote her new novel - Tender Morsels,
(Allen and Unwin, launching this year) while attending Jan's Draft Buster weekends in 2007.

Accommodation
Accommodation is at Daku Resort in Savusavu in traditional bure-style cottages set in tropical gardens with a view of the bay. It is a comfortable friendly resort ideally suited to small group study courses. Each room has a private bathroom, ceiling fans, coffee and tea making facilities and a deck. Meals are taken in a large central bure to a set menu. We serve tropical breakfasts, a light lunch and a sit down dinner.