The Quiet Return FAQ

FAQ

1. Is This Retreat For Me? 

It is if you have experienced a trauma that you would like to address through writing.
It is if you would like someone to guide you to use different types of writing to spin your story in different ways. 

The intention is not to diminish or minimise what you have lived through, but to facilitate you to take ownership of it, and decide how you are going to narrate that story.

 
It is not for you if you are deep in crisis. There is an element of healing in this retreat, but the focus is not on the provision of therapy. 

2. Must I Attend Every Workshop?

Of course not! You are the boss of you, and - while you are welcome to every workshop - you get to decide if you would prefer not to come to one.
You don't even have to attend all of a workshop if you suddenly feel that you would like to move away from the group and write on your own. Of if you feel that you would like time away from the group. There are plenty of nooks in the hotel for solitary writing. There are plenty more in the city outside the hotel's front door. 

3. What if I suddenly get overwhelmed? 

It happens - sometimes even when we don't expect it. There is no shame in expressing an emotion, no matter what that emotion is. 
If you would like to remove yourself from the group while you practice self-care, or regulate your emotions, then please do. If you would like to be left alone, you will be. If you would prefer to talk to someone about what has come up for you, that can be easily facilitated immediately. 

4. I Have No Real Writing Experience. Will This Retreat Be Too Advanced For Me? 

No.
The idea of this retreat is for you to try out different ways of expressing what's inside you. The workshops will introduce you to various writing genres, and encourage you to explore them - using the "rules" of each to wrap  your words around the things you want to say.
We will also use a variety of other creative devices to prompt the flow of your words. 

5. What Will The Weather Be Like?

Olhão in November will be "cardigan weather"; about 20° during the day, dipping to 12° in the evenings. There is a small chance of rain. 

6. What If I Have More Questions? 

If you have more questions, please feel free to contact me - remember there is no such thing as a daft question!