A mountain retreat offers what writers need most but rarely get: uninterrupted focus, a slower rhythm, and space to think clearly. You step away from traffic, social noise, and daily routines, and into nature, time, and story. Our June 5-9 Writers Retreat at Desa Seni invites you to do just that. Come with your ideas, […]
Karen Donald
How Balinese People Read a Dog’s Character
In Bali, dogs have long been understood through observation, measurement, and intuition.An old Balinese manuscript called Carcan Asu describes a way to read a dog’s personality using simple measurements and counting. The dog’s body is measured from nose to tail, then from nose to the point between its eyes.By dividing one length by the other and counting […]
Interactive Writing Helps Your Book Move Forward
Most writers have been taught to sit still at the desk, hands on the keyboard, stare at the screen until the words behave. At our retreats, we do it differently. We still write on the page, of course, but we also get the story out of your head and into the room.You draw it, you […]
Books Are Back and Bali’s Leading the Way
In Bali right now, something beautiful is happening. Go to any beach café, and you’ll see it. Young people, not just scrolling or snapping, but reading actual books. Paperbacks, hardcovers, novels flipped open under palm trees. It’s not just a local trend. In the UK, bookshops like Waterstones are experiencing a real resurgence, especially among […]
Why Your Book Will Break You Before It Heals You
Not every client finishes their book. Not because they’re lazy. Because it hurts. There’s a point—usually halfway through—when the story turns from something you’re “writing about” into something you’re living again. The details stop feeling safe. The voice cracks. The memories shift under pressure. And suddenly, the whole project feels too hard. This is not […]
The Importance of Book Cover Design: Make Yours Stand Out
When it comes to publishing a book, the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” doesn’t hold true.
How Many Formats Should You Publish Your Book In?
Creating a book in multiple formats is a smart strategy for authors in 2024. The most popular formats are paperback, hardback, e-book, and audiobook.
My Journey to Launching A Guide to Bali Dogs at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2024
As I sit here reflecting on my journey to publish A Guide to Bali Dogs: Understanding and Caring for This Unique Canine, I can’t help but feel both overwhelmed and incredibly grateful.