What is it that makes good writing stand out? The tone of good writing usually sounds like a person speaking in their natural voice. It sounds like someone you might know, speaking to you about something they love.

Good writing requires you to tread a careful line between empassioned seriousness and wild abandon. It’s a difficult skill to master, and needs to be learnt in a nurturing environment. A writing retreat in a beautiful and peaceful location can be the perfect place.

Often when you write, what matters most is how you do the telling. The voice you use is probably the most important thing in a short story, poem or novel. Think of ‘voice’ as something that sits above the narrative; something magical that springs from the writer’s words. Of course the plot, the setting and the rest all count, but it’s the telling that makes the greatest impression on the reader. Think of when you attempt to tell a friend about a good book. It’s often that extra ’something’ that you have difficulty conveying once you’ve described the story. That’s the voice.

Acclaimed Australian author David Malouf says that we continuing reading books we love not simply to find out what happens next, but because we are so captivated by the writer’s voice that we can’t bear to break the spell. I think this is very true.

So, writing well is to write as if you are talking – the you that springs from deep inside. Your writing should be your own style that comes from within. But, despite how natural that might sound, finding your own voice isn’t easy. What can you do to help bring your authentic voice to the paper? This is where techniqe becomes important. Rhythm and cadence, sentence structure and the other basics of writing are usually what you will spend a lot of your time on at a writing retreat.

“Writing,” said John Updike, “is only reading turned inside out.” You learn most of what you need to know about how to write like no one but yourself by reading well. So you may often find yourself reading, as well as writing, in a masterclass.

And, you’ll probably find yourself dreaming at a writing retreat. “Writing is dreaming with a pen in its hand,” a quote from a writer and poet from Australia. So, when you go to your first writing retreat, make sure you take a pen and do some dreaming. Let the peace and quiet of the retreat take you to your dreaming place and find yourself way down deep. The writing will rise to the surface and your dreams will reach the paper.

Looking to find a writing retreat somewhere different? There are many workshops running through the year at Paradise Courses. You’re sure to find something you love.