INK & INSPIRATION
Writing & Editing Retreat Bali
31 May - 6 June 2026
Journey to Bali for a unique writing retreat where your soul and creativity intertwine — awaken your story, refine your truth, and craft the inspired masterpiece that’s been waiting to emerge.
Spend transformative days in Bali focused on your special writing project.
In this immersive writing and editing retreat in Bali, you will be guided and tutored by Paula Johnson, self-published author and writing mentor, and editing superstar Helen Thornton-Gussy of Edit Co., to ensure you learn, have fun, connect, and most of all, make progress on your writing and editing journey!
This retreat welcomes writers of memoir, transformational non-fiction, and fiction.
Have you ever been told you should write a book? Do you KNOW you want to write a memoir or transformational non-fiction to inspire others? Or even legacy stories to share with future generations? Maybe you have a novel burning deep inside? Or, maybe you're well underway with your manuscript and feel daunted by the next stage?
We've got you covered!
In this immersive retreat in Bali, Paula and Helen will guide you on your journey to getting your stories down on paper (or into your laptop), and onto the next important phase - self-editing! Because in order to publish a book that's worthy of the time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears you're putting into it, you also need the skills to refine it before you start employing professionals to take it to the next level, or finesse it for a great family read!
Join us in Bali with no distractions from family or other obligations. Just you, your laptop, and the company of committed fellow writers by your side.
You will learn:
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The importance of foundations and intentions
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Setting up your writing practice (if you haven't started yet)
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Finding your Voice – being authentic
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Descriptive writing
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Writing dialogue
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The different types of Editing
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How to polish your manuscript BEFORE employing a professional editor
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Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing (if you're sending it out into the world)
This writing and editing retreat is designed for writers who are ready to make real progress in a peaceful, inspiring setting.
QUICK LINKS:
NOTE: This retreat is for those wanting to learn the art of writing and editing their own work. It is NOT for those who want to use AI to do so.
"Learning to edit yourself makes you a better writer."
— Paula Johnson
An intimate gathering designed for meaningful connection and quality time. ONLY 3 SPACES LEFT!
Where is the Retreat Being Held?
Our immersive retreat is being held at the stunning Aquaria Boutique Hotel & Eco Resort in Candi Dasa (pronounced Chandi Dasa), Bali.
EVERYTHING is catered for. Here's what's INCLUDED:
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your pick-up from Denpasar airport or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier
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6 nights boutique accommodation (single room)
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3 quality organic main meals per day * (set menu), filtered drinking water in rooms and at mealtimes, complimentary tea/coffee in room
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5 days of knowledge, guidance and tuition from Paula and Helen
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Resource workbook
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Guided sightseeing tour
"Read obsessively. Write furiously. Edit carefully."
— Sissy Gavrilaki
"Morning and afternoon sessions were full of Paula’s unique, real-life experience with writing and self-publishing her book. The group feedback always added new learnings and inspiration.
Paula has real authentic experience, having made mistakes and shared with us ways to short cut those and having knowledge on all areas of writing a book, from wo to go.
From a beginner writer, with many self-doubts about the writing process, I was so happy with my small successes and felt I made a great start and have the confidence to continue."
CHRISTINE - 2025 Ink & Inspiration Writing Retreat Participant
Writing & Editing Retreat Costs and Terms
6 NIGHTS, 5 DAYS, INCLUSIVE OF:
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Pick-up from Denpasar airport (or other accommodation if you're flying into Bali earlier)
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6 nights boutique accommodation (single room)
-
3 quality organic main meals per day* (set menu)
-
5 days of knowledge, guidance, and tuition from Paula and Helen
-
Resource workbook
-
Guided sightseeing tour
EXCLUDES
* drinks other than mentioned above and any other snacks you order outside of main meals
* dinner out one night
* costs involved with local tour (entrance fees, lunch)
* spa treatments
Daily SET BREAKFAST
Daily LIGHT LUNCH (except day tour)*
Daily GROUP DINNER (except one meal out)*
Filtered drinking water in rooms and at mealtimes Complimentary tea/coffee in room
All this for just NZD$1750 inclusive!
NOTE: Rooms will be allocated on a first in first served basis. There are two rooms that have shared balcony space so these will be allocated last.
Booking Details
PAYMENT:
Payment of your deposit indicates your understanding and agreement of our Terms & Conditions.
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A $150 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required on booking (to secure your place)
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A 2nd $200 deposit is required by 15 October 2025 ** (to cover deposit to Aquaria to secure rooms)
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A 3rd deposit of $300 by 20 December 2025 ** (to cover 2nd deposit to Aquaria)
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Balance payable by 15 April 2026 (payment plans can be arranged)
**These 2 deposits may be transferred to a booking at Aquaria for another time if you cancel before 1 February 2026. There is NO REFUND after 1 February 2026.
EXCLUSIONS: Airfares, travel insurance, passport and visa fees, excess luggage charges, airport taxes, taxi’s (unless otherwise stated), tips to local guides, porters and accommodation staff, 2 x meals, drinks (unless otherwise stated), laundry, medical expenses, and any items of a personal nature are not included in your retreat price.
Please read our Retreat Terms & Conditions. Note: You will be asked to sign these Terms & Conditions upon payment of your second deposit.
Meet Your Facilitators
Paula Johnson
We all have a story to tell...
Paula Johnson
Self--Published Author & Writing Retreat Facilitator
Paula began her official writing journey as a blogger in 2011 while documenting her life-changing 5-month experience volunteer teaching underprivileged children in Bali.
Having written chapters in two collaborative books, and now an author in her own right with the self-publication of her first memoir, Silent Warrior – Transformation, she has gathered a wealth of experience as to what works, what doesn't, and what the pitfalls are to look out for.
Having previously hosted writing retreats in New Zealand and Bali, she's excited to bring this collaboration with Helen to a wider audience.
Helen Thornton-Gussy
Professional Editor
Helen Thornton-Gussy has been editor and owner of Edit Co. for the past eight years, providing editing services such as developmental (structural) editing, line editing, copy editing and proofreading. She works in both US and UK English and loves a good Oxford comma.
In adult commercial fiction, the genre’s she edits are crime, thriller, mystery, epic fantasy/fantasy, and women’s fiction. She loves a good thriller or epic fantasy and considers herself fortunate to have been able to work with Grim Oak Press (based in Washington State) who produce limited edition copies for fantasy authors such as Robin Hobb, Terry Brooks, Raymond E. Feist and many more.
Feedback From 2025
It was so interesting learning Paula’s journey and how she got her story on paper and out into the world! Paula was open and vulnerable in her sharing’s, especially her lessons.
The whole process was easeful, from putting down my deposit to leaving the retreat! It made it relaxing and enjoyable knowing everything was taken care of.
Go into it with an open heart and mind and no expectations. Let the magic unravel!
Jennifer
Paula did a great job. Impeccable organisation, location and setting was really conducive to writing - relaxing, serene, and beautiful.
Quite profound moments through the retreat, as Paula and the other participants were all uniquely inspiring. Being around other writers creates a special environment.
Come with an intention, goal, and relax into it. Allow the environment to bring out what’s in you.
Luke
The experience I had, has far exceeded my expectations in every way.
Paula’s level of expertise in story writing and the process of self-publishing creates a lovely balance along with her encouragement and connectedness with the participants.
I highly recommend Paula’s fulfilling retreat of learning. You’ll get far more than you thought you ever would.
