WordFam Retreat 2023
![A table on a balcony looking out over trees and a beach. The view extends to where the sea meets the sky](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0231.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
In August 2023, we held our first WordFam Retreat! A group of us headed off to beautiful Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to spend a weekend enjoying chill island vibes, cool winter temperatures, sandy beaches, great company, and writing times.
We had a conference room to ourselves for focussed writing time, and a nearby beach for those who wanted to spend some time writing outside. World and story building tools were on hand for those who were looking for inspiration. We also had a quiet writing space for those who wanted fewer distractions.
At the start of the weekend, everyone set a goal for what they wanted to achieve over the Retreat. Any kind of goal worked, whether it was a word count, a completed piece, pages edited, or creating a plan for a story. I’m excited to report that everyone hit their goals! Fantastic work by all.
We’re so delighted with how everything went. We got to catch up with some far-flung WordFam members in person, play card games, and spin stories together. I was sorry when the weekend was over and it was time to hop on the ferry to head home.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the weekend happen, and to everyone who came along and took part. You all make it special. It was wonderful and I hope we can do it again sometime!
Write on, beautiful WordFam!
![A view through trees to a sandy beach and the sea beyond](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0219.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A view over a balcony railing to trees, a beach, and sunset skies](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0220.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A conference room with three table groupings set up. There are writers sitting at the tables, busily working away!](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0230.jpeg?resize=678%2C509&ssl=1)
![A camping chair and an umbrella sitting on a sandy beach](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0238.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A crow standing alone on a sandy beach](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0240.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A curlew looking around an island restaurant, with a couple of glasses in the foreground](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0223.jpeg?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![An open box containing stacks of cards, each a different colour. The box is sitting on a table.](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0037.jpeg?resize=678%2C509&ssl=1)
![Cards arranged in groups and stacked so that specific text is visible](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0036.jpeg?resize=678%2C509&ssl=1)
![Cards arranged in groups and stacked so that specific text is visible](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0038.jpeg?resize=678%2C509&ssl=1)
![A purple tote bag with the WordFam name, logo and URL on it in white](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0186.png?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A spiral-bound notebook with the WordFam logo, name, and the words 'Retreat 2023'](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0159.png?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![A small yellow rubber duckie](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0156.png?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)
![The spine of a spiral-bound notebook](https://i0.wp.com/www.word-family.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_0162.png?resize=678%2C904&ssl=1)