If you've never been to
Provence, you are going to love this. St. Rémy is a romantic medieval village at the foot of the Alpilles range. It's best known for being the last home of
Vincent Van Gogh. His famous painting, "
The Starry Night" is an image of St. Remy under a night sky. It's also the location of the spectacular
Roman ruins of Glanum from the time of Augustus Caesar. It has crumbling medieval walls, fabulous restaurants, charming narrow streets with great opportunities for shopping or just hanging out at the cafe.
It's also centrally located for taking day trips to other Provencal locations such as:
Aix en Provence,
Arles,
Nîmes,
Avignon,
Les Baux, the
Côte du Rhône Wine region, and the
Luberon. The countryside is spectacular. October is the best month to be in Provence. The crowds have left and the weather is wonderful.
We will be staying and working at the
Hotel du Soleil and Spa, a charming 3 star boutique hotel, short walk from the center of town that has a pool, a lovely terrace, and wi-fi . They will be serving continental breakfast daily.
The Workshop
We will have morning sessions daily from 10 to 1:00 devoted to the study of advanced fiction concepts and in-class writing exercises. Afternoons are for writing, exploring Provence, eating steak frites, and meeting with Andy and Susan. Each evening from 5 to 7:30 is dedicated to a feedback session during which writers will share their work. Susan encourages writers to raise the bar on their own writing by studying and applying narrative skills such as:
- How to create a literary-as opposed to simply commercial-narrative by developing two interdependent plots, external and internal.
- How to create a charismatic point of view character whose complexity and quest keeps readers turning the page.
- How to build a dramatic scene in logical steps and layers using literary criteria.
- How to access an accessible narrative voice-witty, metaphysically perceptive, trustworthy, self-examining, verbally original, honest, and fearless.
- How to craft relevant and engaging three-part dialogue which forwards both external and internal plots and illustrates the theme
- How to create magical imagery which brings the reader-and writer-inside a setting.
- How to unify a writing project with narrative threads and a recurring leitmotif.
- How to access the most meaningful, complex, and original themes beating at the heart of your project.
I will be attending all the workshops and providing the perspective of the agent and the book publisher. I will evaluate and consult with you individually about your concept, structure, style, and marketability from the point of view of a publishing insider. I will talk about how publishing really works; the elements of the book contract, what are the trends in fiction and non-fiction, what genres are hot and what genres are not, what are the differences and similarities in the various book imprints, how is the new world of Internet bookselling affecting the way readers buy books. I will discuss how to build a writer's platform and how to market a book after publication. I will advise you on how to get your novel ready for submission and how to research finding the agent who is right for you. I will also do a mini workshop on writing effective query letters and will edit and evaluate your draft queries.
For 30 years Susan has been conducting sold-out workshops and helping bring over a dozen books into print as a personal editor and book doctor. A James Joyce scholar with a PhD in Modernist literature, Susan Brown introduces writers to the secrets of the literary masters from James Joyce to Toni Morrison. As a genetic scholar (studying the processes by which a book evolves from concept to page proof), Susan has intimate knowledge of the best techniques of the world's most admired writers. Also a lover of escape genre fiction and trash lit, Brown teaches writers to merge the secrets of bestsellers to the methods of the masters-without sacrificing quality.
First and foremost a teacher, Dr. Brown's goal is to empower writers with the skills and confidence to work independently. All of her clients and students are quick to note her warmth, honesty, and sense of humor as well as her talents as a writing coach and teacher.
Price, Registration, and Details
Price. The price is $2350 per participant. It includes 8 nights stay shared occupancy. $2700 for a single room and $3050 for a shared room with a spouse or other non-participant. Breakfast is included and a dinner at a restaurant the last night. Air and ground transportation are not included.
Deposit and Payment. In order to reserve your place, we require a $400 deposit due with registration. T his is non-refundable unless the workshop is cancelled for any reason. The balance of the payment is due by June 30. If we do not have a minimum of 12 registered participants by June 30, we will refund your payments at that time.
Payments can be by Paypal (preferred) or personal check. If you are paying with Paypal, log into our email: [email protected].
The workshop will have a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 participants.
Participants should plan to arrive at the hotel by the evening of October 19 and depart on the morning of October 27. If you desire to extend your stay, contact our travel agent: Sylvia Jacuinde at [email protected].
For more information or to register. Call or email me at 510-238-8965 or [email protected].
Tags: andy ross, provence, saint remy, Susan brown, writing intensive, writing workshop
