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History, Mystery and Magic
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds
with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Sunday 21 June to Monday 28 June 2015
8 nights and 9 days (including 6-day writing program + 3 x half-day and 1 full-day tour)
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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History, Mystery
and Magic
Join author Kate Forsyth for a week in the
beautiful village of Broadway in the Cotswolds,
England. This writing retreat will inspire and
motivate you. If you’re writing fiction and want
to explore history and mythology, or instil a little
magic and wonder in your writing, then you’ll love
this unique experience.
Spend your mornings discovering the art and craft of writing novels
that draw upon all the magic and mystery of the past. Spend your
afternoons exploring one of Britain’s most beautiful (and literary)
landscapes. Explore Oxford, the “city of dreaming spires” and Stratfordupon-Avon. Visit the Bodleian Library, which featured in the famous
Harry Potter films.
Wander through some of England’s most beautiful gardens, and have
a restorative ale in the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien first
shared their enchanted worlds. Be inspired by the romantic setting of
castles and yew mazes, mysterious circles of standing stones, and
haunted manor halls.
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
A Literary Tour
You will be able to write in the solitude and
quiet of your own room, or you can potter
alone, or join the others in the group to
discover the most fascinating historical
and literary sites that Oxfordshire and the
Cotswolds have to offer.
Broadway – Jewel
of the Cotswolds
You will be staying in the village of Broadway, nestled beneath
the Worcestershire hills of the Cotswolds and one of England’s
most popular and diverse villages. Visitors are drawn to the
historical and natural beauty of this quintessential English
village.
It is a bright engaging place, steeped in history with origins
dating back to Roman times. In the 1600s the village’s worldrenowned Lygon Arms, which is still a famous hotel today,
was a major stop for the stage coaches that travelled between
Worcester and London.
Over centuries it has been a creative and artistic hub that
has attracted esteemed writers and artists. The beauty of the
village is growing with age. The artistic influence remains today
and Broadway is home to a variety of top class Cotswold
galleries providing a broad range of works of art.
There will be many opportunities to explore other parts of
the Cotswolds and surrounding area. Stratford-On-Avon,
Cheltenham Spa and Worcester are all within easy access.
Your Tour Director
and Writing Teacher
– Kate Forsyth
Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of
seven, and is now a bestselling, award-winning
author of 26 books, published in 15 countries.
Recently voted one of Australia’s Favourite 25 Novelists, Kate
Forsyth has been called ‘one of the finest writers of this generation’.
Her books entwine history, mystery, romance and magic into a
spellbinding whole.
The Wild Girl tells the story of star-crossed lovers Wilhelm Grimm
and Dortchen Wild, who told him many of the world’s most famous
fairy-tales. Bitter Greens was called ‘the best fairy-tale retelling since
Angela Carter’.
Kate’s books for children include The Gypsy Crown and The Puzzle
Ring, which was hailed as ‘a richly told tale of history, magic and
intrigue by a wonderful storyteller.’
Kate has spoken at conferences and festivals around the world,
including at Oxford University. She has run writing retreats in
Australia, Fiji and Greece, and taught writing from Scotland to
Singapore, Chicago to Chichester. Her website is kateforsyth.com.au
She teaches Creative Writing at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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The Writing Course
Stories set in the past can take your readers
into another world. But what tools and
techniques can you use to capture their
imagination?
Many writers have leapt into the bestseller lists with their crossgenre tales of history, mystery, romance and magic. These include
authors such as Philippa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon, Carlos Ruiz
Zafon, Joanne Harris and Kate Mosse.
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They write stories that stir the imagination, touch the heart, and
keep readers turning the page long into the night.
Each genre of fiction has its own conventions and characteristics,
which can sometimes seem like unbreakable rules. By combining
different elements of different genres, however, the writer can
create ground-breaking novels of great freshness and originality.
Whether you are writing a medieval supernatural thriller, or a time
travel romance, or exploring the cobwebby corners of forgotten
history and mythology … you’ll discover a whole new world of
writing in this course.
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Here’s what
you’ll
learn
t The key conventions of the world’s most popular literary
genres (including historical fiction, crime and mystery,
romance, horror, fantasy and magic realism).
t What rules to keep and what rules can be broken.
t Storytelling patterns and structures.
t What kind of research you need to do to bring your story
to life.
t The importance of voice, and how to find it.
t Building characters that are vivid and vital.
t Creating a strong sense of time and place.
t Suspense and the art of surprise.
For six days, from 9am to 12noon, you will write, read, listen,
learn and discuss all aspects of creative writing, from first
discovering your story to finding a publisher.
This retreat is for writers at any stage of their careers, from
those who have always wanted to write but never found the
time, to those who are already deeply immersed in a creative
project and want to find the way to take it to the next level.
Daily Itinerary
Sunday 21 June 2015
Evening Kick-Off Event
Travel to Oxford (you can get a train or a bus from London)
and we will meet you at Oxford train station platform at
midday where your tour guide will be waiting for you and your
fellow travellers.
Commence tour of Oxford and enjoy a welcome meal together
and get to know each other.
Students settle into their own accommodation at the Lygon
Arms Hotel in Broadway. Enjoy the large village green
surrounded by stone and thatch cottages, pubs, shops, and
churches.
Your evening is free to relax.
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Monday 22 June 2015
9am–12noon: Discovering
Your Story
Students introduce themselves and talk about their writing. The
class will then discuss Discovering Your Story, from the first flash
of inspiration through to having a strong sense of your story’s
narrative shape and structure.
We will also examine the key conventions of the world’s most
popular literary genres (including historical fiction, crime and
mystery, romance, horror, fantasy and magic realism) and how we
can combine them in new ways to enliven our own writing.
We’ll talk about writing rules – what to keep and what to break
– and look at how some of the world’s bestselling authors have
combined old genres to make fresh new forms. There’ll be a short
break for morning tea.
Your afternoon is free to relax or go exploring.
7.30pm – Course commencement dinner at the Lygon
Arms Hotel
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Tuesday 23 June 2015
9am–12noon: Discovering Your Voice
The class will discuss The Writer’s Voice, and how the choices a writer
makes about such literary techniques as point of view, language,
sentence structures and so on, creates the voice of the story. We will
examine the work of writers such as Philippa Gregory, Carlos Ruiz
Zafon, Joanne Harris and Iain Pears to see the difference in their
voices.
We will also look at creating characters that are vivid and vital, with
their own individual voice. There’ll be a short break for morning tea.
Tour: The Cotsworlds
Dinner at the conclusion of the tour (wine included).
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Wednesday 24 June 2015
9am–12noon: The Importance of
Research
The more deeply you immerse yourself in the time and place
of your novel, the more vividly you’ll be able to bring it to life
on the page. But how do you go about it? What do you need
to know? Should you trust the internet? Do you need to go to
the place you are writing about? What about gaining access
to primary sources? And how much research is too much
research? We will be reading examples from authors who have
cleverly used historical detail to bring their work alive. There’ll
be a short break for morning tea.
Your afternoon is free to relax or go exploring.
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Thursday 25 June 2015
9am–12noon: A Place for Story
Geraldine Brooke’s Year of Wonders is set in the plague village of
Eyam in 1666. Cross Stitch, by Diana Gabaldon, moves between 18th
and 20th century Scotland. The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey, sets a
retelling of a Russian fairy tale in Alaska in the early 20th century. Kate
Mosse’s novels – set near Carcassone in the south of France – are
so enormously popular they have completely revitalised the tourism
industry there. The true star of The Shadow of the Wind is Barcelona.
All of these books use place and setting not just as a backdrop, but
as an essential element of the stories told. So how do you bring a
place and a time so vividly to life? What techniques can you employ
to recreate your own historical setting? There’ll be a short break for
morning tea.
Tour: Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s House. Stroll along
High Street, or walk along the River Avon. Visit Charlecote Park, an
Elizabethan mansion where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed and where
Shakespeare once poached a deer.
Lunch included.
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Friday 26 June 2015
9am–12noon: Narrative Building
Blocks
This workshop looks in depth at the key narrative building
blocks: openings and endings, scene structure and
development, plots and sub-plots, conflict and resolution. We
shall also examine such literary devices as unreliable narrators,
foreshadowing, flashbacks, red herrings and cliffhangers, with
reference to the books on the recommended reading list.
Your afternoon is free to relax or go exploring.
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Saturday 27 June 2015
9am–12noon: Dangerous Writing
Good writing is dangerous writing. It is not afraid to surprise and
shock, to unsettle and make uneasy, to seduce and subvert. Yet
many people find it hard to write scenes of sex and violence, or to kill
off favourite characters, or to touch on matters that might upset or
repulse. How far can you go in your own writing? Are there any topics
that remain taboo? Should you be worried about what your friends
and family may think? Is it forgiveable to draw upon true life stories,
whether your own or other people’s? We discuss the dangers and
pleasures of dangerous writing.
Afternoon tour: Stonehenge
Light meal provided on return.
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Sunday 28 June 2015
9am–12noon: Afterword – The
Writer’s Life
Writing a novel is only part of a writer’s life. Writers must also
learn to rewrite and edit, to proofread, to work with editors and
publishers and publicists, to promote, to teach, and to manage
social media and marketing. At the same time, writers must try
to find a balance between work, art and life.
Writing can become an all-consuming obsession, ruinous to
one’s health and relationships. However, if managed well, it
can become a source of enormous creative fulfilment and
a lucrative career choice. How can you avoid the first and
achieve the second? This session will also leave plenty of time
for lots of questions!
Your afternoon is free to relax or go exploring.
6pm–late: Farewell Dinner at Buckland Manor
Monday 29 June 2015
9.30am: Depart for Oxford
train station
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Rave reviews about Kate
Forsyth’s teaching at the
Australian Writers’ Centre
“I absolutely loved Kate’s style of teaching- so easy to
follow and extremely informative! I also appreciated how
encouraging she was. Thank you!”
- Kelly Laurantus
“Kate is an accomplished author whose books I really
enjoy, so it was great just to hear her share her
considerable knowledge on writing in a very matter-of-fact
and engaging way.
“I’ve learned a ton about the craft of storytelling,
including many things I did not know before, and intend
to apply as much of it as I can when I re-write the first
draft of my novel.”
- Vincent Truitner
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
“Kate was an excellent presenter.
She was extremely giving of her time
and knowledge and her feedback on
our writing helped to highlight both
the strengths and weaknesses of our
work. I really enjoyed Kate’s depth of
knowledge, the easy, laid-back feel to
the sessions and the ability to learn
and put those lessons into practice.”
- Michael Cullen
“Kate was wonderful. Willing to
answer all questions and eager to
help us all individually. She was very
inspirational!”
- Anita McArthur
“Kate was a great and encouraging
teacher, and squeezed a huge amount
of really practical and useful
information into each class.”
- Nimmity Zappert
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Additional information
How do I enrol?
If you would like to secure your place, please complete
the attached booking form and payment details for your
deposit and return this to the Australian Writers’ Centre
either by:
t FAX: on (02) 8572 5345
t EMAIL: a scan to [email protected]
t POST: Australian Writers’ Centre, Suite 3
(Ground floor), 55 Lavender Street, Milsons
Point NSW 2061
t For more information: (02) 9929 0088
t writerscentre.com.au
Our Travel Partners
Bookshop Travel is a boutique tour company in
Sydney, specialising in customised tours for special
interest groups and developing cultural experiences
in interesting places with excellent people. Most have
travelled before. All are enthusiastic about extending
their horizons, all are interesting and interested in their
surroundings and in each other, and all are passionate
about literature and writing.
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Here’s what to expect after you
send in your booking
t You send your booking form to the Australian
Writers’ Centre, which will acknowledge receipt of
your booking.
t Carol Crennan from Bookshop Travel will confirm
with you via phone/email that your booking has
been successful. Carol is the person responsible for
organising your transfers from Oxford train station
to your accommodation, and your accommodation
bookings.
t When you are in at the Lygon Arms Hotel, enquiries
should be made to your tour manager who will
welcome you soon after your arrival. Enquires
not related to the tour should be referred to the
concierge. Questions about the tours should go to
the tour guide.
How do I contact Bookshop Travel?
t
t
t
t
Phone: (02) 9922 2260 or 0419 489 141
Fax: (02) 9327 7967
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Carol Crennan, Managing
Director, Suite 3, 39 Bay Street, Double Bay,
NSW, 2028
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Additional Information
Costs
Single
AUD $8,747
Twin share is available only for friends who
book together. POA
What is included in the cost:
t
t
t
t
Accommodation for 8 nights.
19 hours of tuition in History, Mystery and Magic with Kate Forsyth.
All breakfasts, all morning teas, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
Services of a tour manager to accompany you on 4 literary and historial cultural experiences
who is a qualified a “Blue Badge”.
t Cultural tours: 3 half day, 1 full day cultural and historial relevant experiences.
t Transfers to and from Oxford train station to your accommodation in Broadway.
What is not included in the cost:
t Airfares from Australia (or your point of departure) to England. You need to book your own
flights.
t Travel insurance. You must obtain your own travel insurance. This is compulsory.
t Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
t Personal expenses such as laundry, mobile phone and other incidentals.
A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
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Additional Information
Cancellation policy and travel insurance
t If you need to cancel your booking all effort will be made to
find a new participant to take your place. If a new participant
can be found $300 will be forfeited from your refund as an
administration fee.
t If your place cannot be filled your booking will remain and no
refund will be given if less than 90 days until tour commencement. If you cancel more than 90 days prior to the start of the
tour you will be eligible for a refund of 70% of the tour cost.
t Travel Insurance at the time of booking is compulsory. All
requests for cancellation of your booking and refund of funds
must be made in writing to the Australian Writers’ Centre, who
will pass your request on to Bookshop Travel.
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A Writing Retreat & Literary Tour in Oxford & the Cotswolds with Kate Forsyth, the Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel
Travel Agents License No. 2TA5895
Expiry date:
Date of issue:
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Ensure spelling is correct as per passports and please provide a copy of all passports with this booking form. If you
do not have a current passport please submit the form and provide the passport details as soon as possible.
One form is to be completed per person.
Your tour booking is not confirmed until a deposit is paid. If you have additional accommodation requirements we are
happy to advise you on who to enquire with but we do not make bookings outside of the tour dates.
The Australian Writers’ Centre will record your booking and send it to Bookshop Travel who will arrange your payment
and send you a tax receipt/invoice. All payments are being processed through Bookshop Travel.
FAX: on (02) 8572 5345
EMAIL: a scan to [email protected]
POST: Australian Writers’ Centre, Suite 3, 55 Lavender Street, Milsons Point NSW 2061
Please read the below information carefully and complete the form accurately.
Return to the Australian Writers’ Centre either by:
Writing in Oxford 2015 - Booking form
ACCOUNT: 252318
REF: Oxford 2015
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Total:
Signature:
Travel Agents License No. 2TA5895
Credit card payments can be made by BPay. When you name the account to be paid from select your credit card. Visa
card and Mastercard are welcome. American Express is not accepted.
Biller Code: 204438 Reference: 1323
Bpay to “Bookshop Travel”
BSB: 032195
Bank deposit to “Bookshop Travel”
Cheque Payable to “Bookshop Travel”
Payment option:
2015. From 1 April 2015 payment will be required in full.
For own room: Deposit $3,498.80; Second payment $2,624.10; Third payment $2,624.10.
Second payment is due before 1 February 2015. Final payment is due before 31 March 2015.
40% deposit at the time of booking with 2 subsequent payments with final payment due by 31 March
Full payment.
Payment type:
Please tick one only.
Own room - $8,747
Payment Type – (Prices in AUD):
Please tick one only.
You can pay in full or in instalments. A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on the tour. The balance
of your payment is to be made by Tuesday 31 March 2015.
Any places available after Wedesday 1 April 2015 will be advertised and payment in full will be required at the time of booking.
PAYMENT TERMS
Writing in Oxford 2015 - Booking form
Evening contact number:
Daytime contact number:
Policy number: __________________________
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Signature: _______________________________________________
Travel Agents License No. 2TA5895
Date: _____________________________
Declaration
I have read the booking form details and agree that the information I have provided is correct and I agree to the terms
and conditions. (The terms and conditions are herewith)
I also confirm that the benefits of travel insurance cover have been satisfactorily explained to me.
I do not yet know my travel insurance details, but I will advise as soon as they are finalised.
Insurance company: ________________________________
Please complete your travel insurance details confirming you have adequate travel insurance cover.
Travel insurance is compulsory.
I acknowledge that I have been advised that travel insurance is necessary to cover such things as overseas medical and
dental expenses, unforeseen cancellations due to death or illness, loss of cash, travel documents or passports, loss of
luggage, emergency travel expenses, rental vehicle excess and cancellation fees.
Pre existing medical conditions:
(for insurance purposes only)
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(Allergies or dietary requirements)
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Writing in Oxford 2015 - Booking form
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Travel Agents License No. 2TA5895
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of third party providers over whom we have no direct control. Under circumstances where liability cannot be excluded,
such liability is limited to the value of the purchased travel arrangements. We do not accept any liability in contract, tort or
otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused
directly or indirectly by force or any other event which is beyond our control which is not preventable by reasonable diligence
on our part.
Agency: Bookshop Travel is a tour company and the travel supplier. We work in cooperation together to bring a unique travel
experience. Bookshop Travel will assist you in all possible areas should there be dissatisfaction with any service provided.
Fees & Charges: Credit card charges may apply.
Taxes: Certain taxes are mandatory in various countries. There may also be an additional local tax charged at some airports.
All taxes are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you visit the website of the Department of Foreign
Affairs for all up to date information. www.smartraveller.gov.au
Health: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations and to
ensure that you carry all necessary vaccination documentation. Bookshop Travel expects that you have achieved a good level
of fitness prior to departure that enables you to comfortably walk up stairs and to walk reasonable distances with vigour.
Passports & Visas: It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet
the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as
a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. All travelers
must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
If you need information regarding visa and other travel document requirements for your trip please let us know. We can obtain
such information from an external visa advisory service provider on your behalf. We do not warrant the accuracy of such
information and accept no liability for any loss or damage, which you may suffer in reliance on it. We can obtain visas for you
if you wish and fees may apply for this service.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for all overseas
travel and is compulsory to participate in a Bookshop Travel tour. We will be pleased to provide information to you about
comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel Documents: Travel documents are subject to certain conditions and/or restrictions including being non-refundable,
non-date-changeable and subject to cancellation and/or amendment fees. All travel documents are non transferable. All
airline tickets must be issued in the identical name of the passport holder, as airlines are at liberty to deny carriage if the name
varies and the booking may be cancelled. Any relating fees will be at the traveler’s own expense.
Deposit & Final Payment: To confirm your reservation you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit. The amount of
the deposit is 30% of the total tour price. Your deposit forms part of your final payment which must be received by us before
documents are issued. Final payment is required 90 days prior to the departure date.
Amendment/Cancellation Fees: Amended or cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100%
of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Bookshop Travel reserves the right to charge
cancellation fees over and above those charged by wholesalers, tour operators, airlines, cruise companies, etc. Fees will also
apply where a booking is changed or tickets are reissued.
Prices: All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice.
Bookings: The Australian Writers’ Centre and Bookshop Travel reserve the right to refuse any booking at their sole
discretion. No reason will be given for such refusal.
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully.
Terms and conditions