Recently concluded writing retreat in the picturesque town of Landour, nestled in the serene hills of India’s Uttarakhand state, witnessed the participation of aspiring writers and seasoned wordsmiths alike, drawn by the allure of Landour’s literary ambiance and the promise of honing their craft amidst the very landscapes that have sparked countless stories from the pen of Ruskin Bond himself.
The retreat was curated and organized by Deeba Salim Irfan, based in Dubai and founder of TheWriteScene.com. “Our retreats are unique experiences crafted to inspire and elevate the creative spirit,” remarked Deeba. “In Landour, where the air is literary inspiration abounds in every nook and corner. From our iconic poetry readings around the bonfire to intimate acoustic music sessions, each moment was designed to ignite the imagination and foster a deep connection to the written word.”
Participants were treated to a diverse range of activities aimed at nurturing both the artistic and practical aspects of writing. Specialized sessions led by industry experts, including Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher of Penguin Random House, provided invaluable insights into the publishing process, while workshops focused on refining writing techniques by authors Karan Madhok and Deeba Irfan offered invaluable guidance for aspiring authors.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to the retreat’s curator, Deeba Irfan, whose unwavering positivity and encouragement have fueled my creative spark. I look forward to more such retreats,” said Bijetri Roy, Ex-Corporate Lawyer turned writer. Other participants included Nicola, a former hotelier from Australia and a writer, Dr. Pallavi Dongare, a Pediatrician turned poet, Heena Gajjar, an Architect and a Children’s writer, and Saadia, a former Policy Expert with the US Consulate and a writer, who came all the way from Calcutta, among others.
The retreat, limited to just eight participants, sold out nearly a month in advance, underscoring the growing demand for immersive and personalized writing experiences. The overwhelming response has already prompted registrations for the upcoming October retreat, highlighting the enduring personal and professional appeal retreats curated by Deeba Irfan.
As Deeba looks ahead to future retreats, she said, “This is the second location in India where I have hosted my retreat. The first being at Dharamshala, Kangra Valley Writing Retreat, which also met with a positive response. Other than India, I host retreats in Dubai, Slovenia, and this year, working on an experience of Northern Lights.”