Home
Marlene Schiwy has been facilitating workshops and retreats for women internationally for almost four decades. She brings a blend of Jungian training and academic foundation to all her creative endeavours.
Her first title, Voice of Her Own (Touchstone, 1996) offers advice on keeping a journal, including choosing a blank book, keeping the journal private and deciding when to reread old journals.
From earliest childhood Marlene Schiwy was enthralled by colourful gypsies that filled her imagination and fantasy. As a young woman she created skirts with laces, embroideries, and beadwork that expressed the mystery of those gypsies and wondered why they kept appearing in her dreams. Gypsy Fugue (Caitlin, 2018) invites readers on a journey with the author as she travels to Rajasthan, the original home of the Roma. In France, she joins thousands of Gypsies in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer during the annual Roma gathering to honour their patron Saint Sara. She embarks on her own Camino pilgrimage in Spain, birthplace of flamenco and deep song, then faces her mother's shocking, wrongful death just days after her return. The music of Bach, the psychology of Jung, folktales, poetry and alchemy keep Schiwy company as she meanders through a gypsy territory rich in colour, music and dance. Running through the book is the scarlet thread of Marlene's gypsy dreams.
In The Art of Creating Workshops for Women (New Society, 2026) Schiwy considers the many aspects of crafting one-of-a-kind, immersive workshops and retreats including:
-Designing a rich and compelling offering.
-Practical considerations such as marketing, logistics, costing and preparation.
-Grounding, nurturing, teaching, deep listening and dealing with challenging situations and participants.
-Reflection, celebration, following up and looking ahead.
It is the first book of its kind for those called to lead meaningful gatherings. Beginning presenters will discover everything they need to embark on their vocation, while experienced facilitators will find fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. Participants will be intrigued by this behind-the-scenes look at what goes into successful workshops.
Schiwy lives in Vancouver.
BOOKS
A Voice of Her Own (Touchstone, 1996)
Simple days: a journal on what really matters (Notre Dame, Sorin Books, 2002)
Gypsy Fugue: An Archetypal Memoir (Caitlin, 2018)
The Art of Creating Workshops for Women: A Guide to Facilitating Soulful Spaces, Events, and Retreats (New Society, 2026) $34.99 9781774060254
[BCBW 2026]
Her first title, Voice of Her Own (Touchstone, 1996) offers advice on keeping a journal, including choosing a blank book, keeping the journal private and deciding when to reread old journals.
From earliest childhood Marlene Schiwy was enthralled by colourful gypsies that filled her imagination and fantasy. As a young woman she created skirts with laces, embroideries, and beadwork that expressed the mystery of those gypsies and wondered why they kept appearing in her dreams. Gypsy Fugue (Caitlin, 2018) invites readers on a journey with the author as she travels to Rajasthan, the original home of the Roma. In France, she joins thousands of Gypsies in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer during the annual Roma gathering to honour their patron Saint Sara. She embarks on her own Camino pilgrimage in Spain, birthplace of flamenco and deep song, then faces her mother's shocking, wrongful death just days after her return. The music of Bach, the psychology of Jung, folktales, poetry and alchemy keep Schiwy company as she meanders through a gypsy territory rich in colour, music and dance. Running through the book is the scarlet thread of Marlene's gypsy dreams.
In The Art of Creating Workshops for Women (New Society, 2026) Schiwy considers the many aspects of crafting one-of-a-kind, immersive workshops and retreats including:
-Designing a rich and compelling offering.
-Practical considerations such as marketing, logistics, costing and preparation.
-Grounding, nurturing, teaching, deep listening and dealing with challenging situations and participants.
-Reflection, celebration, following up and looking ahead.
It is the first book of its kind for those called to lead meaningful gatherings. Beginning presenters will discover everything they need to embark on their vocation, while experienced facilitators will find fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose. Participants will be intrigued by this behind-the-scenes look at what goes into successful workshops.
Schiwy lives in Vancouver.
BOOKS
A Voice of Her Own (Touchstone, 1996)
Simple days: a journal on what really matters (Notre Dame, Sorin Books, 2002)
Gypsy Fugue: An Archetypal Memoir (Caitlin, 2018)
The Art of Creating Workshops for Women: A Guide to Facilitating Soulful Spaces, Events, and Retreats (New Society, 2026) $34.99 9781774060254
[BCBW 2026]
