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Writer's picturePaula Johnson

Writing a Book

We all carry stories within us. Writing a book or a legacy piece is an incredibly powerful experience. Even if it’s just for yourself, the act of telling your story can bring about profound healing. When I wrote and self-published my memoir, Silent Warrior – Transformation, it wasn’t just about sharing my journey with the world; it was a deeply transformative experience that helped me see my past through new eyes, bringing closure and healing to moments I once found painful.


Paula Johnson in Thailand

Publishing is just one path. Even if you don’t choose to go down that road, writing about your life is a priceless gift to yourself and a legacy for your family and future generations. Think about it—do you know the full story of your grandparents’ lives? The challenges they faced, the jobs they worked, the dreams they had? I wish I did, but those stories are lost to time because they were never shared.


Don't think your life story is important enough?


Does 'Who do I think I am? I'm not a writer!' go around and around in your head?


These are very common thoughts and feelings for 1st time writers who DO have a story to share but don't know how or where to start.


How do I know? Because I used to be one!!!! For a very L O N G time.


So, how did I overcome these self-depreciating thoughts? By DOING. By doing, you GROW into your writer-self. You see, we don't just one day wake up and magically turn into a writer/author. We BECOME one over time...by actually writing. And writing some more. And learning to craft words into readable stories that entertain and connect with the reader.


It took me many years to get to the point where I was proud of what I'd crafted. And that point came when I self-published Silent Warrior - Transformation.


I worked on that book for over 11 years, learning, crafting, crying tears of frustration and overwhelm. But the end result is something I'm immensely PROUD of. Yes it was bloody hard work. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done. But it's also one of the most REWARDING things I've ever done. And the cherry on top is the rave reviews I get from people who have read it. The hard work was so, so worth it.


YOU too, can do this. And it starts with writing a 'shitty 1st draft'. Because, ALL 1st drafts are shitty. They are just words and thoughts. They are the 1st step. The crafting of your story comes afterwards through editing. But if you don't take that 1st step, how are you ever going to get the end result...?


If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing your life on the page, now is your chance to get started - on a Writing Retreat. That's what happened to me.

Ink & Inspiration Writing Retreat Bali 2025

So, welcome to INK & INSPIRATION. A Unique Writing Retreat where the journey to your memoir masterpiece begins...May 13-19 2025. Full details can be found here.


From the moment you land at Denpasar airport, everything will be taken care of. You only need to show up with your pen, paper, or laptop, and let yourself be guided and nurtured as you start to craft your story.


In this immersive 6-night, 5-day retreat in Candi Dasa, Bali, you will learn, have fun, connect, and most of all, make progress on your writing project.


Having hosted writing retreats in New Zealand and Bali, the emphasis is on WRITING. YOUR writing. Yes, we will have some warm-up exercises to get you in the flow, and other guidance along the way, but this is your dedicated time to work on your project. This sets you up for success when you get back home, coming away with the tools and commitment to continue, so that your book dream has more chance of becoming a reality!


This retreat IS GOING AHEAD, with a maximum of 8 attendees. Spoiler alert - don't miss the EARLY BIRD discount (closes 16 October 2024)...


If you've got any questions at all, please reach out.


I did it, so can you...



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