From 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, we sat around long tables on the sunny veranda of Amy Cottage, reading from our works-in-progress or showing illustrations, and listening to feedback from a group of talented and knowledgeable peers.
The retreat was to be self-catered, with communal meals every night, but our amazing host, Llyr Otto, surprised us by delivering fresh-baked loaves of bread to our cottages. Prior to the retreat Llyr gave us the opportunity to order bespoke pizzas (with gluten-free options) for Saturday night, so those of us who wanted pizzas were able to buy them and contribute them to the evening meal. Llyr also provided us with the largest and most luscious cheesecake imaginable as a bonus.
On Sunday evening, at the end of our critique session, we had a happy hour, courtesy of SCBWI TAS, followed by a bounty of leftovers for dinner.
Llyr then provided us with some hilarious sit-down comedy when judging entries in the inaugural Waddamana Bulwer-Lytton Competition for the worst opening to a children’s book. Congratulations to Reena for winning, to those who received Dishonourable Mentions, and to the remaining creatives whose entries were judged too good to win.
All in all, we had an electrifying time.
Anne Morgan
