Peppermint Grove Retreat June 2025

The inaugural Peppermint Grove Retreat ended on 14 June with a celebratory afternoon tea and a relaxed presentation from the writers, Renee Treml, Maria Alessandrino, Renae Hayward and Louisa Mitchell. From Louisa’s Acknowledgement of Country to the presentation of my beautiful flowers from the writers, it was a heartwarming afternoon with 27 people in attendance.
Here are some comments from the writers about their experiences:

I wrote the dialogue for an upper Middle Grade /early Young Adult graphic novel and made revisions to the entire story. I started with a fully plotted storyline and detailed scene synopses. I also spent some time thinking about picture books. We had excellent workspaces and a variety of places to choose from. So many great books around for inspiration too. I loved getting to know my house-mates. The house itself is immaculate and comfortable, in a great location. Every meal was a fun social event and we all assisted with the planning, prepping, cooking and cleaning. I loved that we attended a few literary events and had a few evenings out. No one minded if we went for a walk or a coffee or had to run to a drs appointment or visit family. No feeling of being judged or watched, just supported and encouraged.
Renee Treml

My time at the retreat gave me the opportunity to review the first draft of my Middle Grade fantasy novel, The Rock Children. The time here has given me the space I needed to develop the story and has also given me inspiration for other projects. Coming together as a group at lunch and dinner helped me take a break from writing and stopped me getting too lost in my own thoughts. It was also great to learn from the other creatives, hear about their projects and discuss difficulties etc. It also gave us a chance to unwind and recharge for the next day. I also enjoyed our literary outings, getting the opportunity to mix with the broader community and gain inspiration from various places. Thank you, Gail for such a wonderful couple of weeks. It has been such a privilege to do a writing residency in your beautiful home and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity.
Maria Alessandrino

During the retreat I redrafted a Junior Fiction novel based on WA Wildlife consultation and recent feedback from an agent (at Kid Lit Vic conference), submitted a query letter to a publisher for an early childhood picture book, spent time thinking and taking notes on possible future projects, including a possible short story collection in collaboration with WA Wildlife and promoted my work, the retreat and CBCA via 4 Instagram posts. Literally everything about this retreat was amazing. I loved being able to go for walks along the river. I loved having my own space for both day and night time (and have these be different spaces!). Being located so centrally was great for being able to duck home to visit my family, attend events like the Fogarty Awards, and visit WA Wildlife. Roderick House is truly beautiful and it is such a gift to have Gail share it with WA children’s book creators.
Renae Hayward (Week One)

This was my first writing retreat ever and it was a real privilege to be given the time and space to work on my first children’s picture book, Gently, Gently. I also started writing down ideas for other future children’s books that were inspired by my time here. Being with other writers, particularly with different backgrounds/strengths and at different writing levels, enabled everyone to learn something different from each other – I particularly benefitted from having an experienced children’s author in the house who generously gave me feedback.  Being allowed the time and space to write was incredibly motivating and inspiring, with a nice mix of socialising with everyone for lunch and dinner to talk through ideas. Playing a game after dinner was a lovely way to end the day with a laugh.
Louisa Mitchell (Week Two)

Sincere thanks to CBCA WA for their contribution of funds in getting this exciting new initiative in support of WA creators of Children’s and Young Adult Literature up and running.
Gail Spiers