Writing Day in the Gardens

Craving dedicated time to write?

Join us for a full day for us and our writing in Melbourne's east.

Sometimes the hardest part of writing isn't the work itself - it's carving out the time and space to do it. Our Writing Days are mini writing retreats designed to give you exactly that: a full day in a quiet, beautiful space where you can immerse yourself completely in your creative work.

Write in the company of other writers, all focused on their own projects. There's something special about the energy of a room full of people following their creative threads - it's both inspiring and grounding, offering gentle accountability without pressure.

Throughout the day, you'll be nourished with a light lunch, snacks, and tea. If you'd like anything special or proper coffee, we suggest stopping by one of the many nearby cafés on the way (or you're welcome to pop out during the day).

We'll offer an optional, casual workshopping/open mic session for those who'd like to engage, but the day is truly yours! Follow your own creative process, whether that means diving deep into a novel, crafting poetry, developing essays, reading, researching, or exploring something entirely new.

All levels of writing experience are welcome. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to find your voice, you belong here.

Schedule:

10am: Welcome circle - introductions and settling in

10.30am - 1pm: Writing time

1pm: Lunch break (optional - feel free to take a proper break or grab something and keep writing)

1.30pm - 3pm: Writing time

3pm: Optional open mic/workshopping session (or simply continue writing!)

4.45pm: Closing circle

5pm: Head to the Budgie Bar (optional, 5min walk) for cocktails, food, debriefing, chats, and celebrating what we've written and the day we've gifted ourselves

What to Bring:

• Your laptop, notebook, or whatever you write with

• Headphones (if they help you get into your own zone)

• Any special snacks, drinks, or lunch items you'd like beyond what's provided

• Work in progress, research materials, or whatever your project needs

• An open heart and your creative spirit

What's Included:

• Full day in a dedicated writing space

• Light lunch, snacks, tea & drinks

• Access to kitchenette (fridge, ability to heat food)

• Optional workshop or open mic session

• The company of fellow writers

• Outdoor area for sitting on picnic rugs (weather permitting)

The Venue

Central Ringwood Community Centre is a welcoming community space with everything we need for a focused, comfortable writing day. You'll have access to tables and chairs in a comfortable indoor space. We recommend bringing headphones if they help you get into your own zone.

The venue includes toilets, a kitchenette, and (our favourite) an outdoor garden area perfect for taking a break on the grass or writing/reading in the sunshine.

Please note there are 8 steps to get to our writing room; this space is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Getting There:

Central Ringwood Community Centre is approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne's CBD by car (free parking available), or 1 hour by train (15min walk from Ringwood East station).

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About your Host

AMY HAN is a writer based in Melbourne. She writes mostly young adult fiction, creative non-fiction, and her daily morning pages. She founded Words of a Feather, a creative writing studio for young* writers of all ages, in 2011. She has been focused on supporting, teaching, and providing exciting opportunities for emerging writers ever since. Read more here