"I have been involved... for a few years. Sue is always accommodating and supportive with the way the sessions are structured and conducted. There is a perfect balance of socialising and productivity and the needs of the attendees are at the forefront of the sessions. I have personally been needing shorter pomodoro sessions (10 minutes working, 5 minutes break) and once I discussed this with Sue, she was very accommodating and helpful."

"I... would like to thank you again for giving us such an experience working on our own stuff and being with others in a lovely community." 

"I feel privileged to be able to listen to your stories and that of others." 

Things that worked for me included "...learning to do pomodoro. Learning to use mindful creative activity to support mental break time. It was great that I could remove myself when I needed to and have a sleep."

"It felt wonderful to be supported and part of a community that genuinely includes and cares for you."

"I could cover a lot of readings and started writing." 

Highlights of the retreat included "Getting to experience writing techniques in real time/tangible ways. The snacks! Option to work anywhere - in comfort. Meeting new and lovely people."

"The people... were a wonderful mix of thoughtful, supportive, friendly, hardworking people and from them I gained such helpful insights for my own writing process but also got an invaluable mental and emotional boost. Thank you."

"I'm thinking about nurturing the hobby of drawing to have a more balanced life as I tend to work a lot. Will definitely join you in the future if time allows."

"I felt supported... and got to see that little setbacks are so common in the PhD writing process. I’m not alone! I was able to work on smaller chunks of writing and thinking and have come away from the experience feeling proud of what was accomplished in my time."

I liked "having different options of where to sit and write - desk/ table/ couch/ other house/ cafe. Others respecting the quiet times. The schedule being open to working very late/very early. The food and drink options were amazing."