The experience of participating in a Research Writing Retreat

Author: Maggie Buxton, PhD Candidate

The tide is coming in rippling across the sand in hazy shades of white, blue and grey. I am writing this on the last morning of the Postgraduate Writing Retreat and, as I look out of the window I am feeling both lucky and satisfied. When I arrived a few days ago I was worried that I was going to be over facilitated: weighed down by awkward group sharings and multi-coloured post-it notes.  Actually the level of interaction with the facilitators was just right and the expertise they shared was incredibly useful.

After looking through the optional sessions available on the retreat,  I ended up attending a publishing, and an editing workshop. Both sessions were targeted at exactly the right level and I came away with page loads of practical hints and tips. Not something that often happens with me – tired old cynical workshop junkie that I am. The rest of the time was spent eating and socialising at meal times, or writing.

Occasionally, when I succumbed to writers block I took myself off to the beach and reflected on my work as I walked serenely along the beach.  Ok that isn’t quite true. I must say that unfortunately each time I ventured to the beach I did feel a little like the protagonist in The Truman Show. I would venture out to an empty looking beach only to find the kids from the large camp next door suddenly descend on me with large inflatable and/or plastic water objects. Another time I was immediately was surrounded by a large walking group of three-wheel pram pushing mums (and many of their babies seemed not so fond of the outing).  But I did achieve some quiet walks that helped break up the monotony of writing.

I managed to achieve my writing goals for the week, and had some incredibly insightful conversations with fellow participants during social times. In fact, the wide range of expertise the group was inspiring and probably the great strength of the retreat. The opening round, where everybody talked about their methodologies, illustrated for me the diversity of research approaches, and projects, taking place at AUT. Sharing implicit information (i.e. gossiping) about work, culture etc in the different faculties was eye-opening and kind of useful to make you feel you weren’t the only person having certain experiences. When you are an isolated postgrad research student buried in paranoid fantasies of failure a bit of old fashioned horror story sharing is actually quite therapeutic.

The atmosphere of Vaughn Park is interesting. As an Anglican Retreat centre it definitely has a spiritual vibe, but I think much of this is created by the stunning location. I would say it feels peaceful in a inspiring, rather than an oppressive way. The facilities are great with comfy beds, lovely food and lots of social spaces to hang out in with others if you wish. I would come here on my own to work if it was possible. If you get the chance to do this retreat I strongly recommend you apply – it is a real privilege to attend.