The Story Alchemist –
A Creativity Retreat
for Writers
In Partnership with Writers at the Woolshed.
13 - 15 April 2026
Indulge your writing self by joining Dr Betty O’Neill for this specially designed workshop –
The Story Alchemist – A Creativity Retreat for Writers. Held in the beautiful Southern Highlands, just one hour from Wollongong, a 90-minute drive from Sydney or two hours from Canberra.
The Story Alchemist – A Creativity Retreat for Writers will be held from
13-15 April 2026 at Dormie House, 38 Arthur Street, Moss Vale.
This very special retreat was designed by Dr Betty O'Neill following her Writing Family Stories masterclass at the Writers at the Woolshed 2025 Winter Writing Retreat.
Workshop Day 2 |
Expanding the Creative Mind – Risk & Imagination
Today is a day to experiment with a range of creative tools and processes as we mine the unexpected, dip into our innate creative well and explore writing elements that will fascinate and engage ourselves and our readers. It’s a day to be bold and adventurous as we mix strategies and intuition to shape our stories and characters and find the details that make them vivid and alive on the page.
Workshop Day 3 |
Integrating the Creative Mind – Vision & Flow
On our final day, we’ll embody the alchemist, turning our ideas and discoveries into story gold as we play with structure and style, experimenting with various storytelling frameworks. We’ll conclude by using design thinking to determine what will sustain our creative flow and vision for ourselves as writers and leave with a toolkit of creative processes to draw on whenever inspiration runs dry.
Program
At 3:00pm Sunday afternoon, you will check-in to accommodation at Dormie House. You will then have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the surroundings before meeting in the Fireside Lounge with other writers at 5:00pm for Welcome Drinks and a 6:00pm dinner.
Each morning from 9:00am to 12:30pm, Monday through Wednesday, you will spend three hours in a creativity workshop facilitated by Dr Betty O’Neill. Participants in the Retreat are limited to twelve (12) writers.
Afternoons are free for you to write, rest or enjoy all the Highlands has to offer – art galleries, wineries, shopping, national parks, walking trails, the golf courses and The Bookshop Bowral is not to be missed.
At 5:00pm each evening you participants will gather for a ‘Writers’ Playground’ followed by dinner at 6:30pm. At 7:30pm you’re invited to join a Reflection Circle to look back on the day – the highlights, the learnings, the challenges plus participate in journalling on all that your creative mind revealed that day. Evening activities will end at 8:30pm but you are welcome to stay up chatting with your fellow writers.
On Thursday morning, you vacate your room by 10:00am, say farewell to old friends and new, then make your way home feeling rested, filled with new ideas and enthused to continue with your writing project.
Accomodation
Dormie House, is a 1930’s Heritage Listed Guest House adjoining and owned by Moss Vale Golf Course. Dormie House accommodation has recently been restored and is now a popular venue for locals and visitors alike. Dormie House is located within easy walking distance of Moss Vale township, or a short taxi-ride from Moss Vale railway station.
Guest rooms all have an ensuite (shower, no bath) and many offer stunning views of the golf course. Access to the rooms is by stairs (no lift). All rooms are heated, and windows may be opened. Due to the nature of many guest house buildings in the 1930s, the ground floor accommodation is quite small while upstairs rooms are more generous however there are ample areas within the guest house to enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, and sit to work.
Linen, bath-towels, soap and hairdryers are provided. Please bring your own toiletries. Your room contains tea/coffee making facilities, a mini-fridge and television. There is an on-site bar where drinks and additional snacks may be ordered at your expense.
Accessibility
On-site parking is available near the entrance to Dormie House. Accommodation is available on both the ground and first floor accessible by stairs – there is no lift. Unfortunately, there is no designated accessible accommodation and service animals cannot be accommodated.
Most workshops teach craft - this one ignites imagination. Over three inspiring days in a peaceful residential setting, facilitated by Dr Betty O’Neill you'll enter a creative playground to unlock bold ideas, vivid stories, and new ways of thinking. Guided by the four quadrants of creative intelligence - imagination, intuition, insight, and inspiration - you'll dabble with playful, research-based practices from neuroscience, psychology, and the arts as your innate creativity meets storytelling magic. With time to write, reflect, and connect, you'll leave with fresh tools, confidence, and renewed creative energy for your storytelling.
Workshop Day 1 |
Opening the Creative Mind – Awareness & Curiosity
On this first day we’ll delve into our writing brains and mindsets, exploring the barriers that hold us back from reaching our creative potential as writers. We’ll harness design thinking and neuroscience techniques to breakthrough the barriers, spark curiosity and learn ways of thinking in flexible, original and divergent ways.
Book Shop
The Bookshop Bowral is located at 309 Bong Bong Street, Bowral. It is a haven for book lovers and a ‘must stop’ when in the Highlands but be sure to allow yourself plenty of browsing time!
Check In / Check Out
Rooms will be available for check-in from 3:00pm on Sunday 12 April and must be vacated by 10:00am on Thursday 16 April. When vacating, guest bedrooms must be left in a suitably tidy state and as requested on the ‘Room Information’ sheet in your room. Ensure you return your key to Reception prior to departure.
More Information -
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Ample free out-door parking is available a short walk from the main entrance. You may offload your luggage near Reception then park your vehicle in the main carpark. There is no designated disabled parking.
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There are no on-site laundry facilities however laundry can be done at Spin-Zone Laundromat, 312-316 Argyle Street, Moss Vale.
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Meals are provided. Please provide details of any dietary requirements when booking. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in The Dining Room at times indicated in your program.
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Should you need to see a doctor or obtain medical advice, Mittagong Health Care Centre is located at 58 Bowral Road, Mittagong – phone: 02 4872 3933 or Bowral and District Hospital, located at 97-103 Bowral Street, Bowral – phone: 02 4861 0200. Several pharmacies are located within Moss Vale township.
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While this is a writing retreat, we will be sharing the building with other patrons, house-guests and golfers. During workshops, please ensure mobile phones are turned off or to silent, and that phone conversations in your room do not intrude upon those accommodated nearby.
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All breakages and loss of property must be reported to the organiser or Reception. If the damage was the fault of the guest, you will be required to pay the cost of replacement/repair. All lost property will be held for 14 days. Please contact Reception within this period to arrange for the return of any item left behind.
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Emergency Procedure Notices are posted throughout Dormie House facilities. You are asked to familiarise yourself with the arrangements in case of emergency. As all rooms are fitted with smoke alarms, guests may not use candles or incense in any of the buildings. Smoking and vaping must take place outside Dormie House.
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Dormie House is a non-smoking/non-vaping property. Should you wish to smoke or vape, please leave the building to do so.
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Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
Please direct any questions to writers@writersatthewoolshed.com.au, or during the Retreat just ask Lynne.
In line with Writers at the Woolshed promise to deliver small, quality events, participants are restricted to 12. ‘Day only' places are also available – please contact Lynne Ainsworth by email if you wish to be considered for one of these places.
The full program and further details of the Retreat follow. Please ensure you read these carefully.
To book, please complete the attached booking form plus signed acceptance and return to writers@writersatthewoolshed.com.au.
Bank details for payment of your deposit, plus cancellation terms and conditions, are included on the booking form.
A deposit is payable at the time of booking with the final payment due on 31 March 2026. However, given that many people are under economic stress at this time, Lynne is happy to discuss more flexible payment terms if required.
Places in the Retreat are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with priority given to those who submitted an expression
of interest.
We look forward to receiving your booking form. Should you have any questions, please email Lynne at writers@writersatthewoolshed.com.au or call her on 0408 244 016.
Exploring
The Southern Highlands has something to offer everyone whether you are keen to shop, visit wineries, play golf, explore national parks, check out the local bookstores, or explore the many art galleries on offer.
A welcome pack will be provided in your room with outlining key attractions of the Southern Highlands however we recommend you do some research prior to arriving. Destination Southern Highlands is a great place to start exploring.