from the page to the mat & back
the journey of writing a novel, poetry collection, Phd, Masters or book of essays can often be a lonely one. many hours are spent alone staring at a screen or poring over pages. a writer’s life is often solitary and yet when we are held in community –whether by one or 10 other writers– a well of energy, motivation and renewed inspiration opens up for us.
enter The Writing Room –a new in-person community for writers based in Cape Town. created and facilitated by Chantel’s Yoga Dojo & The Firefly Garden, we offer a monthly space for movement, meditation and extended writing time to work on your current project. supported. encouraged. held.
The Writing Room is specifically aimed at writers who are starting, or already working on a long-term writing project such as masters or Phd thesis, a novel; a non-fiction book; a collection of essays or short stories or poetry: or plays or screenplays. our intention is to create a supportive community that can walk alongside you in the journey of bringing your writing project to life.
IMAGE: CHANTEL ERFORT MANUEL
we are offering two chapters in 2026, themed Play and Dance. each comprises four Friday morning sessions, that offer a different path into writing: body, breath, heart and intuition. you are welcome to sign up for one, or both, chapters.
each session starts with a 45-minute yoga practice, followed by a guided meditation and short creative writing exercise after which you’ll spend time with your own writing project. a light vegetarian lunch will be served after each session.
in order to create a supportive and holding writing community, and ensure you get the most out of this experience, we ask that writers commit to all four sessions in a chapter. you are more than welcome to sign up for both chapters if the story grips you. in fact, we’d love to spend the whole year writing with you!
Chapter 1: PLAY
Fridays
● February 27: Body
● March 27: Breath
● April 24: Heart
● May 22: Intuition
*registration closes on Friday February 13
IMAGES: CHANTEL ERFORT MANUEL
Chapter 2: DANCE
Fridays
● August 28: Body
● September 25: Breath
● October 23: Heart
● November 20: Intuition
*registration closes on Friday August 7
price
the cost is R2000 per chapter, with two ways to pay:
🖋 pay monthly at R 500 / month
🖋 pay-in-full upfront, at R 2,000 for 1 chapter or R 4, 000 for both
*price includes a light vegetarian lunch after each session
IMAGE: CHANTEL ERFORT MANUEL
meet your facilitators
Chantel Erfort Nanuel is a journalist and creative writer who enjoys photography and creative experimentation. she is also a teacher of hatha yoga with a special interest in using yoga and breathwork as part of a holistic living practice to work through trauma, alleviate stress and live gently. she is also the founder of Chantel's Yoga Dojo, in Athlone, Cape Town.
Toni Giselle Stuart is a Sacred Storykeeper of the Womb: who works as a writer and poet. Her work has been performed and published locally & internationally. She is the founder of The Firefly Garden, where she teaches writing courses and workshops that help you reconnect with the power of your words through heart, body & land, so you can write the stories you were born to write.