Literature under the coconut palms

In hosting a writing course with glimpses of Pacific writing, Daku Resort in Fiji aims to offer guests a holiday with more than the usual kava at sunset experiences of Fiji. Lead by Andrea Stretton, well known Australian arts journalist, it runs for a week in October.

Daku Resort, Savusavu, Fiji (PRWEB) August 17, 2004 -- Writing in Paradise" is a course wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji which steps beyond the usual tropical holiday pastimes to offer guests a writing course and a glimpse of contemporary Pacific literature. Its run by Andrea Stretton, a leading literary journalist in Australia, best known for her 15 years of presenting arts shows on SBS and ABC TV. The course runs in October: there will be daily workshops and discussions with the aim of producing a short story by the end of the week.

Stretton is keen to open a small window on contemporary Pacific culture, which has a lot more to offer than the kava ceremonies at sunset -- all too often the only bit visitors ever see. Written literature is very young in the Pacific, although there is a rich oral tradition and an ancient 'literature of dance and crafts. With this in mind, during the course she will conduct a discussion with Fijian writer Larry Thomas. Thomas work includes plays and films: he is currently a senior lecturer at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. Stretton believes that a sense of place is vital to literature and writing, and will be exploring this concept in her talk with Thomas.

The course will run at Daku Resort in Savusavu, on Fijis northern island. Resort manager Robin Irwin is excited at the possibilities the idea offers. We have noticed that people increasingly want a holiday with something to do, and they also want to get some insight into the Fijian way of life. As well as the writing, were organising visits to local villages and were inviting some of our local figures in to meet the guests -- the Mayor will be coming in one evening, and a local writer from Savusavu on another. It will be a really different and enjoyable experience -- and theres still time for lying by the pool and reading a book."
Writing in Paradise is running at Daku Resort in Savusavu on Fijis northern island, Vanua Levu. The cost of the course including accommodation and air fares ex-Sydney is Aus$2,900 per writer, with discounts for non-writing partners. Different rates apply for people who wish to make their own travel arrangements. Dates: Saturday Oct 9 -- Sunday Oct 17. Course runs Oct 10 -- Oct 15.

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