Catherine Geurds: A chance to let the muse speak to you

Don’t forget to spend some time reflecting on where you are and why you are there.

Catherine Geurds

KSP Fellow, 2026

Pictured Above: Catherine Geurds

Catherine Geurds

Flash Fellow, 2026

Picture this. You have been awarded a fellowship. Your writing endeavours have been recognised and after months of waiting, you are finally at the KSP Writers’ Centre ready to be a full-time writer (at least for the time you are here).

You have probably come in with a plan about how you're going to spend your time. Then you may panic when you realise that for the first time in your life you have uninterrupted writing time, you’re by yourself, and you now must execute your plan. It is wonderful. It is also scary. What do you do now?

My two big goals were working on fresh words for a new project and completing a final draft of a manuscript ready for submission. I know myself well enough to know that when I start getting distracted it's time to swap projects so that I can make the most of my writing time even if it’s spread across multiple pieces. However, I also had some recorded courses and writing podcasts that had been on my to-do list for ages. They provided a break from my own work, an inspiration buzz, and the feeling of achievement from crossing things off my learning list. Plus, it meant that even my non-writing time, was time spent working on my career goals.

I also made use of creativity, planning and accountability tools. Before my fellowship started, I had developed a plan for the week, then I wrote a daily task list on the whiteboard that was very helpfully placed in my cabin. I downloaded a pomodoro app which gave me segmented blocks of time, and white noise in the background. This is a tip I’ve been meaning to try for ages, and it will now become a regular thing. I also found swapping spots, even just for an hour gave me a creativity boost, especially mid-stay. Plus, the main house is beautiful and a good excuse to say hello to the lovely staff. There are also gorgeous places to write outside, including power points and tables on the veranda at the main house.

All the best plans in the world won’t stop the unexpected distractions though. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Real things will happen to real people while you’re living with your imaginary friends, and it is ok to still care about that. If you can’t concentrate, use the plot twist for something else. I ended up writing three pieces of flash fiction, because I needed something short to throw myself into as a distraction from external events. Or go outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. I’ve heard rumours that fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are good for you. I suspect it may be true. Read outside for a bit in the evening. You might get to see quendas!

Part of staying at the KSP, especially as a fellow, is the actual fellowship. Go join one of the writers’ groups. The people are lovely. And if you haven’t used your vocal cords for a few days, it may be a good idea to remember how to talk. I’m now planning to come back up to join the Friday group next time I get the chance.

Finally, don’t forget to spend some time reflecting on where you are and why you are there. A beautiful historical location. The luxury of your own space and time to create. The privilege of becoming part of the KSP legacy. The honour of having been awarded a fellowship. Make the most of this wonderful opportunity, and don’t forget to enjoy the experience.

Catherine’s Top Ten Tips for staying at Katharine’s Place:

1. Have a variety of snacks, proper food and drinks. There are lots of places you can go nearby if you need a creativity break, but you don’t want to have to leave because you’ve forgotten something. There is a fridge, freezer, toaster, microwave, kettle and jaffle maker in the cabin, so you really are self-contained.

2. Stay hydrated! Bring a couple of water bottles to rotate through the fridge.

3. You don’t need an extra towel (they give you two!) or a reading rug or an extension cord and power board. You do need a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on for quick trips outside (but make sure they have enough grip for dirt paths and a few steps), and you might want to pack a sleeping mask if you’re sensitive to light.

4. The retreat guide, welcome pack and KSP website are gold. If you can’t work out how to do something, check there. The light above the desk is not broken, and if you read the notes helpfully posted in the cabin you will realise this straight away. However, the staff at KSP are amazing people so if you do have questions make sure you ask them in person or via email. You should also go and say hello to them.

5. Spend some time writing up at the main house. Explore the history. Read the visitors’ books. You are now part of the centre’s creative journey; be inspired by the other people who have been here before you.

6. Go join in with one of the writing groups. It is a chance to meet other writers, and you may find it gives you a productivity boost.

7. Know how you work and create goals for the entire stay and for each day. Celebrate your successes, but be kind to yourself if your stretch goals aren’t quite met. This is also a chance to let the muse speak to you (especially with the amazing view) so embrace that too.

8. Use some creativity, planning and accountability tools. The whiteboard, a pomodoro app, rewards, having writing friends check in on you, posting on social media (with pictures that will make everyone jealous) or whatever works for you.

9. Go outside and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. Get some pictures with stunning backgrounds. Read outside in the evening. Watch for birds, bunnies and quendas.

10. Don’t forget to spend some time just enjoying being here. The beauty. The luxury of your own space and time to create. The privilege of writing somewhere where so many other talented authors have also been inspired. The honour of having been awarded a fellowship. Make the most of this wonderful opportunity, and this includes taking time to focus on the experience.

Teen mother turned lawyer, Catherine Geurds is an investigator by day, a writer by night, and a chaotic mess 24/7. She grew up on a sheep station, has an honours degree in history, and celebrated turning forty with the birth of her first grandchild. Catherine writes about friends, families, flirtations and what-the-f moments. Surviving on coffee and distraction, Catherine lives in Perth with her rapidly growing family and ever-expanding book collection.