A writing retreat is an opportunity for creative focus. It is an experience that allows an intense period of time to progress a writing project, and at the same time learn about yourself as a writer.

In June 2021, I was the grateful recipient of a month’s accommodation at The Old School, Mount Wilson, high in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Living in the teacher’s cottage, I began researching and writing the story of the first teacher at the little bush school, Lucy Winchcombe. This draft historical novel, set on the mountain in 1891, features characters based on real people and places of the time.

A young teacher sent to begin work in a remote hamlet, sandwiched between the wealthy property owners and their working-class employees, Lucy struggled to find her place in the small rural community.

While her story is still simmering on the stove, I’m pleased to publish the poems written during my month as Writer in Residence at The Old School. The poems were written as warm-up exercises, as daily entries in my writer’s notebook, and also to companion myself during the quiet winter days.

I hope you will enjoy sharing my experiences in Precipice.

“ . . . the immensity of the open space, the depth of the canyon, the light and air all around—unlike the sea, nothing to provide buoyancy, just a void into which a body might fall and never be found.”

Experience the unique atmosphere and creative solitude of Julie Thorndyke’s month-long winter writing residency at Mount Wilson, through this collection of reflective and personal poetry responding to the climate, landscape and history of a remote mountain hamlet.

Julie Thorndyke writes poetry and fiction for children and adults. Editor of Eucalypt: a tanka journal since 2017, Julie’s books include Mrs Rickaby’s Lullaby (adult novel), Divertimento (short stories) and children’s picture books Waiting for the Night, Watching through the Day, and Alice’s Shoe.