3rd instalment of Virtual Writers’ Retreat set for June

The Virtual Writers’ Retreat was launched during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the third instalment is slated for June 11-13, 2021.
The three-day event will cover the Create Compelling Stories curriculum that has been broken into a number of interactive sessions for the participants to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

In the past two instalments of the event, persons from French Guiana, The Bahamas, the USA, Cameroon, Nigeria and Guyana participated. The participants were surprised that they came with the intention to work on one book and left with inspiration for as many as four.
“The sessions were informative, educational, entertaining as well as spiritually-uplifting. During the sessions, I was able to unlock doors I didn’t know existed; as talent and ability became known, I was in awe. I had no idea that in that short space of time…I could have conceptualised a book, but I did more than one. I thank God for lighting my path, for starting a new chapter and my first book, “A Compilation of Daily Reminders”. That memorable weekend now forms part of history that I will always cherish,” Reverend Wendy Hermonstine related.
She is now working on her second book.
Alesia Amanda from French Guiana and Iko-ojo Theophilus Umoru, an Attorney from Nigeria, also published books on Amazon after the retreat.
“The event was also able to inspire and empower individuals to write compelling stories to impact the world and that is a blessing,” Sonia Noel, who is one of the facilitators, related.
The other facilitators were holistic and integrative psychotherapist, training and development consultant, social innovator, and best-selling author Claudia Vidal and art/fashion director, stylist, conceptualist, production designer, image/event manager, magazine editor, screenwriter for television and theatrical presentations Richard Young.
Another participant, Alia Dean who is an entrepreneur in the Bahamas and who contributed to the 365 Invaluable Life Experiences, is working on publishing her first book and shared her experience at the retreat.
“It was the mesh between the personalities of our support team and coaching techniques that brought out the best in all of us the following day. I felt as though something unlocked in me; it came so quickly; it came so naturally. I started this journey by saying I would like to leave with an unforgettable experience that I will always want to talk about and that I did. Today, I stand before you, well-equipped and ready to make my music. I stand aware of my contribution to the solution in a world that is much within my reach than has ever been before. The Virtual Writers Retreat not only harnessed my innermost voice, but expanded my mindset that tapped into my ability to now write compelling authentic stories.”
Very soon, several Guyanese including Pamela Dillon, Dr Raquel Thomas Caesar, Beverley Benn, Latoya Barton, Marisa Bonnie Morgan, Lillian Thomas, Latoya Barton and many more will become first-time authors before the end of the year.
Part proceeds from the last retreat provided some items for personal care hampers for women in various parts of Guyana.
Noel, who is working on her 11th and 12th book, encourages people to write their stories because every story matters.
Her books are on Amazon and at Austin’s Book Store. “I have come a far way from my first book, “Living with Intention”. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, because I am a testimony that it is possible,” Noel related.
Noel also collaborated with Vidal and founded the CCS Writers’ Collab Subscription Club for people who desire to write their books sometime in the future.
This is a members-only subscription service for anyone interested in crafting their story in a safe, slow-paced, conscious-driven environment.
In this space, you can acquire skills for strong writing, compelling presentations, and creative thinking. Persons who are interested in joining the retreat or club can send an email to [email protected] or call 609-6778.