TESTIMONIALS
Editing in Paradise Bali 2010
“Shelley’s and Selena’s skills and knowledge of editing are well matched by their passion for writing and story-telling, plus their ability to work with and understand people. No-one could spend time with either of them without learning an enormous amount about the craft of writing.”
David Macfarlane, Australia
“I am so glad I made the decision to come. It was brilliantly organised. The partnership of Shelley and Selena worked in a dynamic way to give so much more than I would have expected to get from one week’s workshop. We worked hard, and I personally think I achieved much with the help of this enthusiastic and encouraging team.”
Christine Eyres, Australia
Byron Bay ‘mini retreat’, March 2010
“Shelley and Selena were utterly professional in their judgements of our work and so structured in their advice. Such a likeable duo… To have so much encouragement from them both has put wind in my sails. Now I really feel I can make it to the end.”
Mark Lang, Byron Bay
“Together S&S make a good team, respectful of each other’s point of view, with differences that enrich the teamship. Their individual skills combine to add value to their package. The fact that they had actually read all the scripts gave them star status with the group.”
Denise Greenaway, Byron Bay
Editing in Paradise Bali 2009
“Shelley and Selena are experienced, resourceful and respecting teachers who know how to elicit the best in a writer as they flood you with insight. They truly deserve Outstanding Mentor Awards… During our Editing in Paradise days in Bali, they’ve brought my writing to a new level. Since working with them, I hear their voices and feedback as I write, and feel that the tools they have given me will stay with me as I shoot for the stars – publishing a best-selling novel!”
Shay Osman, Australia
“It is rare to come home and describe a short trip to friends as “life-changing”, but that’s exactly what I did when I returned from Bali. Quite simply, Shelley and Selena set me free. In one hot, intensive week, I discovered what my real writing strengths and weaknesses were - things clicked into place, and I worked harder and with more focus than I have in a very long time. Shelley and Selena, who I’d happily be stranded on a desert island with, gave me the confidence I’d previously lacked to commit myself to a novel and to a writing life. They took great care of the group and the retreat itself was indeed a paradise. It was hard to leave when I’d spent each day showering under the palms of a banana tree and eating delicious food every night amongst lantern-dressed palm trees with the sea gently lapping at the shore as we all laughed and shared stories long into the night. And yet, I was actually excited about going home, because I now had a plan and I couldn’t wait to get on with it. Inspiring.”
Stephanie Goldberg, UK
“If you can get a cranky resister like me to do that bloody time line then I think you can make peace in the Middle East! I’m on chapter eight and see it should be chapter nine (too much crammed into one chapter). It is sooooo interesting to watch this process work in my body and mind […] As you can see I’m into it! And another book […] is waiting for my attention. I am happy in a way that is hard to describe. I like spending time with my characters. Nothing beats a good writing session. Thank you Selena and Shelley both for opening the gate and pushing me through.”
Uma Anyar, Indonesia
Editing in Paradise Bali 2010
“Shelley’s and Selena’s skills and knowledge of editing are well matched by their passion for writing and story-telling, plus their ability to work with and understand people. No-one could spend time with either of them without learning an enormous amount about the craft of writing.”
David Macfarlane, Australia
“I am so glad I made the decision to come. It was brilliantly organised. The partnership of Shelley and Selena worked in a dynamic way to give so much more than I would have expected to get from one week’s workshop. We worked hard, and I personally think I achieved much with the help of this enthusiastic and encouraging team.”
Christine Eyres, Australia
Byron Bay ‘mini retreat’, March 2010
“Shelley and Selena were utterly professional in their judgements of our work and so structured in their advice. Such a likeable duo… To have so much encouragement from them both has put wind in my sails. Now I really feel I can make it to the end.”
Mark Lang, Byron Bay
“Together S&S make a good team, respectful of each other’s point of view, with differences that enrich the teamship. Their individual skills combine to add value to their package. The fact that they had actually read all the scripts gave them star status with the group.”
Denise Greenaway, Byron Bay
Editing in Paradise Bali 2009
“Shelley and Selena are experienced, resourceful and respecting teachers who know how to elicit the best in a writer as they flood you with insight. They truly deserve Outstanding Mentor Awards… During our Editing in Paradise days in Bali, they’ve brought my writing to a new level. Since working with them, I hear their voices and feedback as I write, and feel that the tools they have given me will stay with me as I shoot for the stars – publishing a best-selling novel!”
Shay Osman, Australia
“It is rare to come home and describe a short trip to friends as “life-changing”, but that’s exactly what I did when I returned from Bali. Quite simply, Shelley and Selena set me free. In one hot, intensive week, I discovered what my real writing strengths and weaknesses were - things clicked into place, and I worked harder and with more focus than I have in a very long time. Shelley and Selena, who I’d happily be stranded on a desert island with, gave me the confidence I’d previously lacked to commit myself to a novel and to a writing life. They took great care of the group and the retreat itself was indeed a paradise. It was hard to leave when I’d spent each day showering under the palms of a banana tree and eating delicious food every night amongst lantern-dressed palm trees with the sea gently lapping at the shore as we all laughed and shared stories long into the night. And yet, I was actually excited about going home, because I now had a plan and I couldn’t wait to get on with it. Inspiring.”
Stephanie Goldberg, UK
“If you can get a cranky resister like me to do that bloody time line then I think you can make peace in the Middle East! I’m on chapter eight and see it should be chapter nine (too much crammed into one chapter). It is sooooo interesting to watch this process work in my body and mind […] As you can see I’m into it! And another book […] is waiting for my attention. I am happy in a way that is hard to describe. I like spending time with my characters. Nothing beats a good writing session. Thank you Selena and Shelley both for opening the gate and pushing me through.”
Uma Anyar, Indonesia
Drunk on Writing
Shelley and Selena are forever thinking about writing ... and figure they’re not the only ones. To follow Ray Bradbury’s lead and ‘stay drunk on writing’, check in with this page now and then as we’ll be adding links and thoughts from the famous and not-so-famous in the writing community. For now, here are a few links to pages we like. Enjoy...
Shelley and Selena are forever thinking about writing ... and figure they’re not the only ones. To follow Ray Bradbury’s lead and ‘stay drunk on writing’, check in with this page now and then as we’ll be adding links and thoughts from the famous and not-so-famous in the writing community. For now, here are a few links to pages we like. Enjoy...
- Our dear friend Spike (the Meanjin blog)
- How to Shuck an Oyster (Charlotte Wood)
- Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
- Lisa Heidke
- Writers Rock (Elizabeth Lyon)
- The Smell of Books (Joel Blacklock)
- Barbara Nussbaum