Hong Kong author leads writing retreat on private Indonesian island
This is not a holiday, warns Xu Xi of five-day visit to island in Riau archipelago with just 15 vacation villas, writes Jenni Marsh
As cures for writer's block go, this is a good one.
In July, Authors At Large - a network for fiction and non-fiction writers - will host its inaugural writing retreat, on the private Indonesian island of Telunas.
About 18 writers will assemble for five days of literary discussion, manuscript workshops and, of course, writing. While mornings will be left free for the writers to relax and pen their masterpieces, bringing family members or other loved ones along is strictly forbidden.
"This is not a holiday," says Hong Kong-born Xu Xi, author of - a Man Asian Literary Prize finalist. She co-founded Authors At Large this year with writer Robin Hemley, who has won three Pushcart prizes.
Interested parties must submit a manuscript of 5,000 words; Hemley and Xu will then invite the writers they feel would combine to create the most inspiring, meaningful trip.
