4 DAYS — 3 NIGHTS  ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE!

Monday, August 7th – Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Early bird special: Save $239 by registering by October 15th: $1111.00 or $1350.00 after that date (includes tuition, meals, and accommodation)

Held on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada at Xenia Creative Development Centre — The most idyllic setting for a writer’s retreat. 38 acres of forests and valleys nestled between two pristine lakes brimming with wildlife.

IF YOU ARE BEING CALLED...

TO WRITE A BOOK, PLAY, BLOG, ONE-PERSON SHOW, ETC. THEN YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS this opportunity to begin or renew your commitment to your written works with Author, Playwright, International Speaker, Psychotherapist and Writing Coach, Junie Swadron.

This particular writer's bootcamp is being led by one of the kindest, most non-judgmental instructors you will ever want to meet. However, rumour has it she's intending to once again crack her whip (of feathers) to make sure you go home with a manuscript you are delighted with, proud of, and chomping at the bit to go the next steps—whether that's writing your latest chapters or knocking at your editor's and publisher's door! 

 

You do NOT need to begin as a seasoned writer

Junie teaches a process that engages you with your authentic writer's voice immediately that will, in turn, make sure that your book's a page-turner. You just need to know why you are passionate about what you want to write, allow the inner calling that led you to write it to envelop you, and let the writing do the writing. And Junie will get you there from the moment you say YES to this process, starting with a specially designed questionnaire that brings you fully into the heart of your work.

Maybe your book is still simply a concept, a seed incubating in your mind. It’s enough. We will build from there. No matter where you are on the continuum from having your work half finished or haven’t quite started yet—we begin where you are.  

"Junie made me believe I could write anything, and that made the world of difference. I now write with eager anticipation to see what flows out of my pen!"

—Pat Woodall

About Junie

Junie has coached thousands of students over her 22-year career as a writing coach to find their authentic voice. She has an innate ability to listen beyond the spoken word into the psyche of the budding author to bring out spaciousness so that the deeper truths reveal themselves beyond the internal sensor and onto the page.

IF YOU ARE SERIOUS about having your voice on the page become your voice in the world, whether it’s in the form of a book, a series of short stories, travel blog, memoir, play, or if you are an entrepreneur ready to bring even more credibility to your service with a published book, then don’t overthink it. There are only 12 spots available which will sell out very quickly! So sharpen your pencils and join other budding authors on an exciting journey to make your dream come true! 

Your muse will be waiting at the gate to welcome you!

 

What's next?

As soon as you register the games begin!

As stated above, you will receive my (Junie's speaking in her own voice now) in-depth questionnaire designed to bring you clarity about your subject so that you can begin the process immediately. You will become intimately involved before we even begin so by the time we gather as a group at Xenia, what has been gathering momentum in your journal and gestating in your psyche will be ready to be written with new inspiration and direction.

What you can expect

First of all, you can expect the most exquisite natural setting imaginable to write, relax, reflect, share and become receptive to what the magic of Xenia holds for you personally.  

Dotted between the trees are beautiful cottages designed for elegance and comfort, making your time seamless and luxurious. Everything that you will need as well as anything you could possibly wish for to get your writing project well on its way are here for you.

It is a time of no-time. You leave your watch at the door along with all other worldly responsibilities. Here you are nurtured in every sense of the word while you focus your attention to what you are birthing—Your Book!  

Included in the package are home-made delicious and nutritious meals cooked by Saria, who I affectionately call our 'den mother' because she simply loves to spoil the guests.

And then...

  • A meet & greet, along with a delicious welcoming dinner.
  • Our first meeting in the gathering place yurt to set your intentions, describe your works and where you are in the process. You will share your enthusiasm as well as your fears, concerns, perceived weaknesses, known strengths and what you need the most.
  • We will complete the evening with a guided meditation followed by a silent labyrinth walk to further awaken your imagination and bring you deeper into the heart of your intention.  
  • And then three more days of instruction, working on your writing, and relaxation with fellow authors: Meet, Write, Share, Discuss, Walk, Reflect, Silence, Share, Dance and Rejoice!

Schedule

Arrive Monday August 7th Take the 2:35 ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Bowen Island. Enjoy a 20 minute ferry ride to Snug Cove on Bowen Island. There will be cars waiting at Snug Cove to drive you to Xenia if you are walking onto the ferry. Once you’ve arrived at Xenia, you will be assigned your cottage. Then you can unpack, relax, walk the grounds, meet and greet others in the lounge, and we will have a sit-down dinner at 6:00 pm. Meals Monday we’ll gather for dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thursday we’ll have breakfast and lunch. Help yourself to tea or coffee and healthy snacks every day. Leave Thursday, August 10th on 4:15 pm ferry to Horseshoe Bay
It's an all-inclusive 4-day writer's bootcamp in an idyllic setting where everything is taken care of!
More about Xenia Creative Development Centre: www.xeniacentre.com What's included? Your tuition plus beautiful accommodation in a gorgeous setting, six delicious home-made and nutritious meals and healthy snacks, camaraderie with fellow authors, and a retreat in nature!  

Your investment

Early bird special: Save $239 by registering by October 15th: $1111.00 or $1350.00  after that date (includes tuition, meals, and accommodation)

Payment plan available: 3 installments of $499.00 by September 15, $306.00 by October 15 and $306.00 by November 9th.  If you are paying after October 15th (when the early bird expires), the price is $1350.00 with two installments of $805.00 at registration and $305.00 by November 9th So Don’t Miss the Early Bird Special.

>> Please send e-transfer payment(s) to: junieswadron@gmail.com

   

Feedback

  • One 1:1 session with Junie in The Oracle, an elegant cottage in the woods surrounded by trees and a babbling brook
  • Meet regularly with your assigned buddy

Specifics

  • My feedback is very specific and I will teach each participant what to look for as well.
  • Learn to listen deeply and with reverence to your own works and to the works of your fellow writers.
  • Clarity about what’s working well and what is not, what could use re-writing or simply tweaking regarding characters, continuity, redundancy, length etc.
  • Does the story move from A to Z, start to finish? Does the order need changing?  
  • Are all sections needed, useful, do they add to the story? Is there anything left out? Is each individual section clear?
  • How else can ideas be brought forth to be most effective? Stronger descriptions, dialogue, settings, emotions?
  • I will feel into your story and ask you to go deeper in some cases if you are skimming the surface and as a reader I would want to know more.  
  • Are the ideas, arguments or instructions presented clearly? Will the reader be able to follow them? Are they being expressed in a language readers can follow?
  • Consistency—is what you said in chapter 8 related to chapter 3, consistent with facts, content, etc?
  • Memoir—are you speaking in your true voice? Where might you be holding back? Are you writing chronologically, thematically or is it a collection of stories reflecting parts of your life?
  • We will help you work with your resistances and blocks to help you gain confidence so that you continue to access the parts of you that motivated you to write it in the first place.
  • I work intuitively, so there is no set ‘formula’ as to what to expect. However, what I do best is help people to uncover their true voice and express it in a way that leaves them feeling empowered by it.
  • I always suggest, especially with a memoir or personal story, that the first round of writing is for you, even if you have a specific audience in mind. This way, you will not be editing and judging what you are saying. You can feel safe to write the truth as you feel into it.

 

"Junie, it seems so simple and natural when you do it, but I don't know anyone who hears and says back so clearly when I read my writing or speak my truth. You are the mirror who shines a light in the darkness just when I've convinced myself to give up again. Thank you."

—Susan Beach

Furthermore...

Not only do I bring my expertise as a writer, author, playwright and writing coach for 22 years, I also bring 22 years as a psychotherapist and life coach. I address concerns and emotions that arise during the process of writing and sharing. It is not unusual, especially when writing personal life stories, that one feels vulnerable and exposed. Often it is a process of finding one’s voice for the first time. I honour your journey and hold a sacred space for the process to unfold in the most loving, compassionate and organic way - always at the pace that you wish to proceed. 

 

The joys of working in a group with other budding authors!

Each of you has a good sense of what it's like to want to write a book. The excitement, the anticipation, the work involved, the courage and the vulnerability to put your words, thoughts and reflections on the page with the intention of them being let go into the world. This is an exquisite turning point: bringing what has been an idea gestating inside of you into the light to be lovingly witnessed by others. Each of us is there to support one another every step of the way with reverent listening and respectful feedback. It is a joy and a privilege to be listening to another's work in progress, honouring the process and in turn, being the recipient, to experience how it feels to be fully seen and heard, acknowledged and respected. To know how it feels to have your work lovingly witnessed. To be part of a group of caring fellows who genuinely want you to succeed and who are championing you in every way is a true expression of the sacred.  
"When I began the group I was feeling stuck and uninspired. The author mentorship program provided the impetus to work on new material which created momentum (and progress). The support and feedback of the group was invaluable, making reflections available for writing still fresh on the page, applauding the successes and lovingly calling for more if the best was yet unwritten."

—Rob Mason

 

Bonus!

As a follow-up to the retreat, there will be an opportunity for you to continue moving forward with your fellow participants through regular live calls on Zoom as well as in a private Facebook group to share your writings, your stops and starts, your inspiration and encouragement. In this way you will continue to get support from myself and your peers, those who you have come to know intimately as budding authors walking alongside you. SPECIAL BONUS: As well, Angelyn Toth, the owner of Xenia and steward of the land, is partaking in this author mentorship program and will share passages of her book Radical Trust, which includes the miraculous story of how Xenia came into being.       

Still not convinced?

I know that putting your voice out into the world in the form of a published work is a big deal. It’s a reflection of you—your imagination, thoughts, opinions, and often your tender heart! If you are not used to being "out there" it can actually be terrifying.   

Maybe you are thinking: 

  • Who am I to say this? I’m not an authority  
  • It’s already been written
  • There are already enough books on the subject
  • I don’t want to hurt anyone
  • I’m afraid of peoples’ judgements
  • I don’t know how to write
  • I can’t spell
  • I’m too old to start now; it’s too late
  • It will take too long
  • It’s too difficult
  • Or some other judgement
You’re not alone! These common concerns will be dispelled right off the bat, I promise you!  

Uncovering the truest expression of yourself—my own publishing story

In spite of my resistance, writing a stage play to dispel myths and stigmas about mental illness was just one of those things I was called to do, and I eventually did it. Producing it and having it out there for people to watch was a different kettle of fish. I was terrified. Especially since I upped the ante. Not only was I writing a play about a certain genre, I was going all out! After the performance, in front of approximately 500 people at an international mental health convention in Vancouver, I delivered a speech that exposed my deep dark secret of having bi-polar illness. I was shaking. I thought it could bring about the end of my successful career as a psychotherapist in private practice and as mental health worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association. In spite of how scared I was, I knew it was the ONLY choice if I was going to be true to myself. I had run the gamut of hiding in shame. I was done. I was choosing to take back my life no matter what others might have thought, said, or done. It was the bravest act I had ever carried out and biggest gift I could have ever given to myself. I no longer have to pretend. I set myself free!  

“This play is a winner. June Swadron and her writing team and actors engage the audience immediately and throughout with what it’s like to have a mental illness in contemporary society. We feel the anguish and confusion, we witness the denial in co-workers and family, we experience the shame of the sufferer and the multiple losses and we learn painfully about the limitations of our treatments.Yet this production is not cynical or depressing. It is moving, inspiring and intensely evocative. A gift. A call-to-arms. A must-see for every Canadian citizen.” Dr. Michael Meyers, President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association As you can see publishing is a really big deal for me. My play was the first thing that went public and yes, it was scary. My book came next, and then with the next one I could hardly wait. I am currently writing my third. Going forward with our works of art catalyzes a life force energy that creates the momentum that begins to feel unstoppable. It lifts us in ways that are indescribable! And that's the shift that's possible for us all! When people asked on my first book, “Was it a labour of love?” I'd say, “Take out the word labour." It was pure love. Because that is what it can be like when you have a loving mentor and coach, holding your hand to the finishing line. And that is my promise to you.  

What's your story?

Do you want to tell it as a memoir, play, fiction, stand-up comedy, serious of poems, creative non-fiction, a musical?  Perhaps you simply want to start a blog about something you are animated about. Are you an entrepreneur offering a service that helps others? Having a published book and sharing your story of why you became passionate about it in the first place, gives hope to others who are going through something similar. This will give you greater credibility as an expert in your field. Maybe you want to write your life story for your children and grandchildren and don't want to actually publish it, that's great. This workshop applies to you too!

 

This I know for sure

I love my work because I get to hear the enthusiasm and joy that comes from people who were willing to take off their cloaks of fear and declared:  
  •   “I can do this!”
  •   “I AM a writer!”
  •   "I love what I have written.”
  •   "I can’t believe that just came out of my pen.”
  •   “I had no idea what I was going to write.”
  •   “I feel so much better.”
  •   “I have so much more clarity.”
  •   “I have a direction.”
  •   "I did it! I wrote my book!"
Mostly, I hear “Thank you!”    

My motto

It is because of the feedback I have been given over the years, along with what I have observed, that I have come up with this true statement which has become my motto:
Your soul meets you on the page and something shifts. You strengthen. You begin to stand taller. And soon you begin to notice that your voice on the page has become your voice in the world.
Ready to Take the Leap and write your book? Join us at Xenia on Beautiful Bowen Island, Monday, August 7th  – Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Schedule

Arrive Monday August 7th Take the 2:35 ferry from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Bowen Island. Enjoy a 20 minute ferry ride to Snug Cove on Bowen Island. There will be cars waiting at Snug Cove to drive you to Xenia if you are walking onto the ferry. Once you’ve arrived at Xenia, you will be assigned your cabin. Then you can unpack, relax, walk the grounds, meet and greet others in the lounge, and we will have a sit-down dinner at 6:00 pm. Meals Monday we’ll gather for dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thursday we’ll have breakfast and lunch. Help yourself to tea or coffee and healthy snacks every day. Leave Thursday, August 10th on 4:15 pm ferry to Horseshoe Bay
It's an all-inclusive 4-day writer's bootcamp in an idyllic setting where everything is taken care of!
More about Xenia Creative Development Centre: www.xeniacentre.com What's included? Your tuition plus beautiful accommodation in a gorgeous setting, six delicious home-made and nutritious meals and healthy snacks, camaraderie with fellow authors, and a retreat in nature!  

Your investment

Early bird special: Save $239 by registering by October 15th: $1111.00 or $1350.00  after that date (includes tuition, meals, and accommodation)

Payment plan available: 3 installments of $499.00 by September 15, $306.00 by October 15 and $306.00 by November 9th.  If you are paying after October 15th (when the early bird expires), the price is $1350.00 with two installments of $805.00 at registration and $305.00 by November 9th So Don’t Miss the Early Bird Special.

>> Please send e-transfer payment(s) to: junieswadron@gmail.com

   

Further testimonials for Junie's Work

"My manuscript, Julia's Secret, had been stuck in a drawer for a couple of years at that time. I received amazing support and guidance from Junie and from the group. Junie is a wonderful facilitator—honest and heartfelt. The sessions were full of fun and extremely encouraging. Julia's Secret is now finished and just waiting for the illustrations! My blog is out there too. The Author Support Group was a brilliant kick starter. I recommend it 100%—with all my heart."

~ Anne Sture

"I participated in a writer's support group with Junie this past winter (2012) and as I reflect back it still strikes me how much of a healing process it was. I thought I was joining a writing group which would give me some more writing tools to add to my belt, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I got much much more than that! This 8-week course was a catalyst for my leap of health that I find myself now. I can now stand lounging in this stronger place, enjoying the serenity that comes after releasing more of the layers of pain, after finding my way to healthier routines and habits. Junie’s programme helped me to see that indeed I have writing skills and gifts and it motivated me to pick up the pen and move on some projects that have been lying dormant for years. I am so grateful that Junie is honouring her gifts and sharing this with the world. The people that she attracts to the group are just as powerful, compassionate and inspiring as she is! Like attracts like. I feel honoured that I was in the same circle with such talented and creative people. Thanks Junie!

~ Kelly Terbasket

"The Author Support group provided me with the encouragement and support to find my voice on paper and believe in it! Junie is a compassionate, skilled, intuitive and gentle facilitator... Amazing! Thank you!"

~ Pauline Karch

"My Victoria Bench by Bench writings started before the book was even considered. Junie Swadron’s workshops nudged me back into a habit of writing. June’s special talent for facilitating writing groups pulled the words out of me. I started writing, not only for myself, but to share with others."

~ Rebecca Kennel

"The Author Support Group has been a very nurturing environment to hatch my fledgling play and gradually take the steps to learn to fly. A great environment to meet others of like mind.

~ Amy Robertson

 "I loved being in the safe container of the Author Support Group. The words of encouragement and wisdom from June and my sister writers were like powerful medicine, inspiring me to write and then write some more. I look forward to continuing and meeting more writers in the September group."

~ Monica Kingsbury

"I recently completed Junie Swadron’s Author Support Group. I can’t say enough about the support and helpful suggestions I received from Junie and class participants. I have taken many writing courses throughout my life. Whilst I agree it’s important to reflect on the opinions of others, including the experts, some of those classes felt too critical for me to express and write freely. Not so in Junie’s class. I was finally able to complete a short story I had been working on for some time, which I have submitted for publishing, and to begin to share what I’ve learned about my spiritual journey in living my life with a physical disability. Junie creates a safe, kind, respectful, and sacred space that encourages writers to express their voices and to hone their skills to better capture the readers without compromising their truth. If you long to find your voice, tell your story, or complete a story you’ve begun, this may be the course for you. Biggest thanks to Junie and class participants for your sensitive, compassionate, generous support and helpful feedback." 

~ Cathy Denison

“I am extremely privileged to have the opportunity of working with Junie as my writing coach as a prelude to the launch of a book or books in progress. I have personally experienced her magnificent facilitation and Junie’s gentle, yet powerful leadership skills propel all into a sacred space of acknowledgement, acceptance, safety and unleashed creativity. Junie’s processes guided by integrity, authenticity and absolute kindness create an atmosphere for raucous fun as well as ‘sacred reverence’. One of the most important gifts that I've received from Junie is learning to honour the sacred process of connecting with and expressing my own unique voice. All of my sessions with Junie were over the phone because we are thousands of miles away from one another. As you can see, it was as intimate as if we were sipping tea together."

~ Jeraldine Estin

"As a writer working on my first book, I found June's suggestions invaluable. Writing can be lonely work; her approach encouraged a strong bonding and mutual support among the group members. Especially helpful were tips on how to still the negative inner critic and how to break through writer's block. I highly recommend The Author Support Group."

~ Ella Brown

"Your love, friendship, advice and support encouraged me to finally birth this work of fiction, so long in gestation."

~ Julia Joldersma

"I have just completed a ten-session writing course with Junie as I begin on my journey as a writer. Junie is amazing. She met me in every single session exactly where I was and was able to then guide me—without fail—to a place of reignited faith in the process, in myself and in myself as a writer with something extraordinary to share. She was inspirational, encouraging, and an exceptional listener. She remembered my story from session to session and gently reminded me why I want to write, what is aching to burst through. Junie is truly a gem as she comes from depth of experiential experience that she shares from so generously. I am discerning in who I choose to work with and Junie came through as one who is utterly authentic, deep in her awareness of what realms we traverse as human beings on Earth at this time, and so very genuine is her heartfelt support. She KNOWS what it is to write from the heart and to trust in our truth as we come deeply into our VOICE. I joyfully consider her a friend and would enthusiastically recommend to anyone considering working with her to do it. You will be enriched by her. Although we have never met in person, I can't imagine our sessions being any more personal and intimate than if we were face to face."

~ G.L. Eugene, OR

Eventbrite - Author Mentorship Retreat — A book-writing bootcamp

<!--

-->