By Isabella Akiteng

In the year 2017, I enrolled in Harvest Institute which is a yearlong rigorous leadership training. To be able to graduate from this institute, one must fulfill several requirements which included writing and publishing a book. In the beginning, it seemed easy probably because it has not dawned on me how hectic it was until I started. I started about four books in a period of a month and did not go past chapter two of them. Then I shelved the book idea and enjoyed my life a little bit. In the year 2017, I enrolled in Harvest Institute which is a yearlong rigorous leadership training. To be able to graduate from this institute, one must fulfill several requirements which included writing and publishing a book. In the beginning, it seemed easy probably because it has not dawned on me how hectic it was until I started. I started about four books in a period of a month and did not go past chapter two of them. Then I shelved the book idea and enjoyed my life a little bit.

During this unserious writing journey, I was interested in attending the SuccessSpark Brand Writing Retreat and I jumped at the idea because finally, I would have a professional look at my book which at that time due to pressure of the Institute had grown a little. I was not sure what to expect but knew that Jackee Batanda the facilitator was a no-nonsense person so first things first, I needed to be on time for departure.

We departed from the Speke Resort Munyonyo Marina and most of the people were late, but we left. It was a group of seven people and the boat ride 30 minutes. The beauty that welcomes us is indescribable. The Lagoon Resort is beautiful. The staff is amazing and the dogs very friendly. We started off the sessions and it is when it dawned on me that I had no idea what I was doing despite thinking I was a writer. Most of the sessions were very interactive and thought-provoking. I am forever grateful for the assignments because they made me better. From this retreat, I learned to pay attention to detail and as well as be more compelling as a storyteller.

I especially loved the one-on-one sessions. They helped me deal with my reservations as a writer and answer questions I would never have asked because I would not have known better. I developed the confidence to write more and appreciated writers better. I got to listen to people’s stories and appreciate their work better. I listened to views on herbal medicine from a trained pharmacist who wishes to write on how both herbal and clinical medicine complement each other. I learned how to fund my dream from my friend who was writing a book on the topic.

The evening mealtimes were the best. We always took concoctions of various things and always demanded big cups from the hotel. We also discussed eating for our blood groups and learned our intolerances and cravings better.

I would encourage anyone wishing to grow their writing to be part of the next SuccessSpark Brand training. What I learned is better experienced than narrated and worth every moment.