Writing Asian Stories for the World with Xu Xi

Write the story only you can tell. Xu Xi, an acclaimed Hong Kong writer and transnational author, teaches you how to craft Asian narratives that resonate universally. From Monday, 19 October through Tuesday, 20 October, you will discover the essential techniques for finding and refining your voice. This is a retreat in authentic storytelling.

Xu Xi is a preeminent Hong Kong female writer and celebrated voice in diaspora literature. A transnational author, she excavates the complexities of Asian identity through creative nonfiction and fiction. Her work traces characters caught between worlds, exploring belonging, displacement, and cultural reinvention with remarkable depth.

Presented in partnership with Mongrel International Inc., this two-day intensive brings you together with fellow writers through structured critique, in-class exercises, and revision sessions. Arrive vulnerable and intellectually sharp, prepared to evolve. Submit your final piece and receive direct feedback from Xu Xi, securing the wisdom you need to own your voice and advance your art.

Xu Xi 許素細 is a leading Hong Kong English writer and author of seventeen books, including five novels, ten prose collections, one memoir, and a textbook. She has edited four anthologies. Notable works include That Man in Our Lives (2016), This Fish Is Fowl: Essays of Being (2019), The Art and Craft of Asian Stories (2021), and Horizon: Hong Kong Selected Stories (2026). A transnational who has lived in New York, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, she divides her time between New York State and the rest of the world.

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Before Sunday, 11 October: Pre-retreat Writing Assignment

For the course, you will be asked to submit two short creative prose pieces and one short essay, each with a maximum of 300–350 words. You may write less, but please don't exceed the maximum. The creative pieces may be either fiction or creative nonfiction. All submissions must arrive by no later than Sunday, 11 October 2026. You will receive assignment details as soon as you sign up for the retreat with your payment receipt.

Monday, 19 October: Finding Your Narrative

You will receive a reading document by Thursday, 15 October that is a compilation of excerpts from participants' assignments #1 & 2 for workshopping. Please read this before you come to this session.

9:30–9:45 Introductions and discussion of retreat expectations
9:45–11:00 Guided discussion of the #1 writing assignments
11:00–11:45 One Generative in-class writing exercise (craft / technique / genre)
11:45–12:00 Discussion and Q&A
12:00–14:00 Lunch Break
14:00–14:45 Guided discussion of the #2 writing assignment
14:45–16:00 Two generative in-class writing exercises (revision)
15:45–16:30 A reading assignment for the next day will be provided

Tuesday, 20 October: Craft and Revision

9:30–11:15 am Reading exercise
11:15–12:00 One generative in-class writing exercise: elephants
12:00–14:00 Lunch Break
14:00–14:45 Guided discussion of the #3 writing assignment
14:45–3:45 Two generative in-class writing exercises (key craft revision / genre)
16:00–16:15 A final take-home writing assignment and schedule private conference
16:15–16:30 Q&A

By Monday, 26 October: Take-Home Assignment (Optional)

As the final step of the retreat, your writing assignment of up to 2,500 words will be submitted to Xu Xi for personalised written feedback by no later than Monday, 26 October.

Inclusions and Prices

The retreat package Includes:

2026 Writing Retreat

Book Your Spot

/01

A two-day writing intensive with acclaimed author Xu Xi

/02

Pre-retreat reading document with participant excerpts

/03

Guided discussions of writing assignments

/04

Generative in-class writing exercises

/05

Final take-home writing assignment with optional written feedback

/06

Curated lunches, morning and afternoon tea from Casa Luna kitchen

Indonesian
Early Bird Pricing

Price

AUD 280

USD 195

IDR 3,500,000

Indonesian
Regular Pricing

Price

AUD 400

USD 280

IDR 5,000,000

International
Early Bird Pricing

Price

AUD 400

USD 280

IDR 5,000,000

International
Regular Pricing

Price

AUD 600

USD 420

IDR 7,500,000

Before You Book

Early Bird Price: Available only for full payment made by 31 August 2026. After this date, the regular price applies.
Travel & Accommodation: These are the responsibility of participants and are not included in the retreat fee. For details, please download the info kit below.
Festival Access: A 4-Day Festival Pass is not included in the retreat price.
Reservations: Confirmed only once payment has been received.
Payment Methods: Payments can be made via the booking platform or by bank transfer, in AUD, USD, or IDR.

For information on reservations, payment, and cancellation policies, please refer to the info kit below.

Where the Retreat Takes Place

Casa Luna, Bar Luna, Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud

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Download Materials

Retreat Info Kit (PDF)

Bank Transfer Details (PDF)

Book Now

You can secure your spot using the direct booking link below. Alternatively, if you prefer to pay by bank transfer, the details are provided below. Payments can be made in AUD, IDR, or USD.

Click the box with the currency to switch between AUD, IDR, and USD.

AUD

USD

IDR

AUD 280

AUD 400

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