What People Say About Magical Journeys
"The 'magic' in Magical Journeys means more than writing retreats to exotic locations. For any new writer it means being embraced by a skilfully-led creative process. It means safe and caring exposure to in-depth writing and new friendships. It means enjoyable exploration of cultural experiences researched by the gifted tutor, Claire Steele. It means being together in laughter. Each day of writing becomes a creative revelation. Truly a magical experience." Claudia Blackwood
Morocco: "Happiness is a writing holiday with Claire! Claire’s retreats work for anyone,
complete beginners to accomplished writers, she is a ‘magician’ at her craft of
drawing out story. In unique settings that are her second home, there is an easy
friendliness, a sharing, a sense of freedom and real holiday." Debbie Mitchell: Health Auditor
A relaxed and thoroughly memorable week in the company of the nicest and
most generous bunch of writers you could wish to meet. Judy Perry: Writer
"Claire's knack of sourcing extraordinary 'one-off' hotels,
combined with her undoubted ability to draw the personal voice
out of each of us make her magical holidays a must." Lesley Coates Jones: Artist
Turkey: "Spices, minarets and silk carpets inspired our writing under the guiding hand of our
wonderful teacher, Claire. Yet again she managed to take us all on a magical journey
from which we were reluctant to return" Helen Hogan: Academic
"I went to sleep laughing." Heidi Edmundson: A&E Consultant
“Our trip to Turkey was sensational and how we laughed. We didn't have to worry
about a thing except to be at the appointed place in time to write. And write we did
...We came home with reams and reams of inspired writing... truly a remarkable
writing holiday.” Cath Rathbone: Children's Author and Inspirational Speaker
“It is a taste of renewal in a creative and nurturing atmosphere, where
fun and laughter surrounds the whole group”. Valerie Rule: retired Social Worker
"A magic carpet of a retreat to place of peace and stimulation, a city of
inculcating contrasts, amongst the atmosphere of ancient and
modern, and with a group of ‘write-minded’ souls." Gabrielle Goldsmith: IT Consultant
India: " It was an adventure of the mind and soul and words flew through the Indian air with abandon forming themselves into wild and wonderful stories." Mojo
"It is really, really clever! I loved it. It has been so great to have to focus. An awesome retreat, magical, richly textured, amazing" Lynn Hillston Writer
"This has opened up so many new ways of writing for me, it's been an astonishing and life-changing trip." Jackie Brett
Roulotte Retreat: "A slice of heaven! I feel truly blessed and very honoured to have been a part of this week." Holly Khan
"A masterclass in imagination, some really startling writing, fantastic!" Claudia Blackwood: retired Drama Teacher
"This has been so rewarding. The week has taught me to just go for it. It has been unique, special and inspiring, a really lovely experience to treasure for years to come." Charlotte Russell: Student
"I attended Magical Journeys' retreat in Melrose, Scotland, in 2013. Claire is an inspiring tutor who can coax an astonishing level of creativity out of anyone who works with her in a brief space of time. Her retreats are set in beautiful surroundings with plenty of creature comforts and the chance to relax. You come away feeling revitalised, with a store of new ideas on how to write, and help others to write."
Ben Hargreaves: Journalist