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Travel, Food and Wine Writing Class in Provence

May 20 - 26 in Vaison La Romaine, France

THE COURSE - Provence conjures visions of sun, rows of vineyards, groves of cherry trees, fields of purple lavender--a dazzling feast for the senses. The French call it, Le Sud, a term that expresses its languor, warmth and rustic charm, the essence of joie de vivre.

The landscape has inspired great writers and artists over the centuries: Van Gogh painted his famous The Starry Night in Arles; Paul Cezanne brilliantly rendered the colors of the landscape in his L’Estaque; Marcel Pagnol wrote The Glory of my Father, a magical memoir of his youth in Provence; English expatriate Peter Mayle highlighted the humor of provincial life in A Year in Provence and many other books.

This 2012 Travel, Food and Wine writing class will allow you to experience the richness of Provence and write your version of it. We will visit the region’s best wineries and restaurants, tour its famous monuments, and learn the art and craft of putting all of these experiences down on the page. The class is an intensive seminar in Travel, Food and Wine writing and a fantastic experience to boot. See the testimonials below.

Travel writing, Food writing and Wine writing are some of the most appealing genres of nonfiction, calling on all of an author's skills—dramatic scenes, character sketches, concrete detail, point of view, scene by scene construction—to compose compelling, engaging travel narratives. This six-day intensive travel writing class will introduce you to essential techniques of travel, food and wine writing and give you expert, insider advice about how to submit and publish finished travel stories.

The six-day travel writing class will take place in Vaison la Romaine, France, one of the most beautiful medieval hill towns in Provence, and a center of the region's cultural and epicurian life since Roman times. The cost will be $2,600 per person, including accommodations and most meals. (Single supplement, $500 per person) Plane fare, transit to and from Vaison la Romaine and some meals extra. For more: http://www.thewritersworkshop.net/travel.htm.

ONLINE WRITING CLASSES

WRITING 101– Have you always wanted to write but haven’t known where to start? Have you written in the past but need a refresher on the nuts and bolts? If so, this is the course for you. It will help you communicate clearly and effectively, whether in email, reports, letters or essays. The short, targeted assignments include quick grammar exercises, keys to writing effective sentences and paragraphs, and longer assignments that illuminate the writing process, organization and composition. This class will help you to reach your potential as a writer—whether on the job or for personal growth—bringing style and confidence to your writing. Six assignments in all, including a persuasive essay and a personal essay. $500. Instructor: Jessica Murphy.

INTRODUCTION TO NONFICTION WRITING - Nonfiction writing is by far the most popular genre of contemporary literature, offering endless opportunities for craft, creativity and publication. This course introduces you to the fundamentals of nonfiction: developing and shaping story ideas, interviewing and research, strategies for opening and structuring nonfiction stories. Students research and write a 750-word profile, a 750-word personal essay and four other targeted assignments as they learn the fundamental skills of this invaluable craft. $500. Instructor: Jessica Murphy.

INTRODUCTION TO MAGAZINE WRITING - This course builds on the techniques of the previous class, and includes analyzing magazines, learning different story structures, unlocking the secret of making your words flow, polishing your prose and working with editors, and understanding the legal and ethical issues of magazine journalism. Five short- to medium-sized assignments and one longer (1,500 to 2,000 word story). $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE NONFICTION – "Just the facts" doesn’t have to be boring. Creative Nonfiction brings together the best of fiction and nonfiction writing. Through readings, written assignments and individual critiques, students will gain a practical grasp of dramatic scene, dialogue, character sketches and scene by scene construction. Class will discuss where to market work. Six assignments including a 1,500- to 2,500-word story and its revision.$500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll or Porter Fox.

ADVANCED CREATIVE NONFICTION – This course builds on the techniques of the previous class, adding in medias res openings, first and third person points of view, creation of suspense, and further suggestions for publication. Six assignments in all, including a 1,500- to 2,500-word story and its revision. $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll or Porter Fox.

INTRODUCTION TO WRITING A NONFICTION BOOK – Have you always wanted to write a book? Do you have an important story to tell? If so, this is the course for you. Nonfiction books are the largest category of manuscripts published, making up 85 percent of all the books published in a given year. Of those, 75 percent are by first-time authors. Writing a nonfiction book is a good way to break into the publishing world. This course is designed to help you produce the finished first chapter of your nonfiction book, a concept statement, an annotated table of contents and marketing report. Six assignments in all. $500. Instructor: Jessica Murphy.

ADVANCED NONFICTION BOOK: WRITING, EDITING AND PUBLISHING - This course continues the writing and refining of your manuscript with the goal of producing a finished book proposal. In addition, the course addresses writing query letters, market research, contacting publishers, seeking out literary agents, organizing publicity--all of the skills needed to obtain a contract and complete a manuscript for a first book. Six assignments in all. $500. Instructor: Jessica Murphy.

INDIVIDUAL TUTORIAL – In this class we’ll work together to set up an individualized curriculum. After consulting with you, I’ll put together a package of assignments and readings to fulfill your particular goals as a writer. The assignments might range from short 100-word story ideas, to 250- to 500-word scenes to a 2,500 story or a 3,500-word book chapter. Six assignments in all. $600. All instructors.

NOVEL WRITING TUTORIAL - Whether you're just embarking on the great adventure of writing a novel or are midway through the journey, this tutorial will help you find your way to completing the book. Assignments include a book idea, a 250- to 500-word scene, a character sketch, a first chapter, an outline, and a revision. Course may be repeated, adding further assignments as students progress through the writing and completing an entire manuscript. Text: The Weekend Novelist by Robert Ray. $500. Instructor: Jana Harris.

INTRODUCTION TO TRAVEL WRITING - The romance of travel writing is easy to understand. Who wouldn’t like to go on an all-expense paid trip to a Hawaiian resort? How about traveling the Whiskey Trail through the American South, visiting the best micro distilleries? Or what about a food and wine tour of Argentina? These are all trips I have turned down recently, mostly from lack of time. Would you like to go in my place? Sign up for the class you’ll learn the techniques of travel writing which can lead to getting invited on these trips. Travel writing is one of the most exciting genres of nonfiction, calling on all of an author's skills—dramatic scenes, character sketches, concrete detail, point of view, scene by scene construction. Through readings, written assignments and individual critiques, students will gain a practical grasp of these techniques. Class will discuss where to market work. Text: The Travel Writer's Handbook. Six assignments including a 1,500- to 2,500-word travel story and its revision. $500. Instructor: Nicholas O'Connell.

INTRODUCTION TO NATURE WRITING - Nature writing is one of the most appealing genres of nonfiction, providing an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Learn techniques such as concrete detail, dramatic scene, characterization, point of view, and a dash of humor to vividly describe your experiences of wild nature. This online nature and adventure writing class provides an extensive introduction to the art and craft of the genre. This course will offer an opportunity to learn the secrets of writing nature narratives, including shaping story ideas, keeping a nature journal, structuring stories and essays, and where to send them for publication. Text: Writing about Nature by John Murray. Six assignments include a story idea, character sketch, dramatic scene, 1,500- to 2,500-word story and its revision, and a cover letter. $500. Instructor: Nicholas O’Connell.

INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING - This introductory online fiction writing class teaches the process of writing from the ground up. Specifically targeted early writing assignments and readings help you get started with your writing. Later assignments provide you with the fundamental tools of narrative writing, including plotting, character development, and point-of-view. In the course of this fiction writing class, you’ll complete a story sketch, a story beginning, a plot chart, and a polished draft of a short story. Text: Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway. $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll.

INTERMEDIATE FICTION WRITING - This online course builds on the skills learned in the introductory class, combining readings and writing exercises to help you master the key elements introduced during the first course. Readings and critiques will allow you to gain greater control of your short stories. In this fiction writing class, you will continue to produce new work, develop editing skills and explore the subtler shades of the fiction writing craft such as scene and sequel, fictional time, narrative distance and plotting. Text: Points of Views. $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll.

ADVANCED FICTION WRITING - This online course helps you draft and revise your fiction, sharpens your expertise as a reader, writer, and editor, and encourages you to find your own approach to the art of fiction writing. You will strengthen your skills in working with narrative voice, dialogue, fictional use of time, and other advanced tricks of the fiction writing trade. Finally, you’ll research publishing markets and learn how to prepare your manuscript for publication. Text: Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway. $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll.

INTRODUCTION TO POETRY WRITING – Poetry, it has been said, is a telephone line to the unconscious. In poetry we learn to make wild, unorthodox associations leading to the discovery of new connections.  This poetry writing class will allow you to explore the delights of poetic form and language while learning the basics of the craft. Six assignments, including a free verse poem, dramatic monologue, nursery rhyme, and sonnet. Text: The Discovery of Poetry, by Frances Mayes. $500. Instructor: Jana Harris.

WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS – Do you have a son or daughter who loves to write but lacks quality instruction and individual attention? Does your child need help writing essays for school or college applications or simply for self-expression? If yes, consider signing up for this course, which provides expert, encouraging instruction in the art of persuasive writing. Short, targeted assignments include quick grammar exercises and keys to writing effective sentences and paragraphs. Longer assignments are focused on the argumentative basics that students will need to succeed in college: creating a strong thesis, learning to how to incorporate evidence, and establishing authority on the page through sharp organization and a proper appeal to emotions. All in all, this class will help your child reach his or her potential—whether in school or for personal growth. Six assignments in all, including a persuasive essay and a personal essay. $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll or Jessica Murphy.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS - From Harry Potter to Shakespeare to The Da Vinci Code, creative writing is one of the most satisfying and timeless of art forms, teaching us universal truths about ourselves and our relationship to the world. In this course, you’ll learn the building blocks of fiction and poetry. We’ll cover the component parts of poetry by studying and writing sonnets and then delve into fiction with readings and exercises to help you establish character, setting, and structure, culminating in a 1,000-word story. All in all, there are six assignments. By the end of the course you will possess the basics needed to create work that excites, moves, and transports readers. Text: Fiction Writer’s Workshop, by Josip Novakovich. Cost: $500. Instructor: Scott Driscoll or Jessica Murphy.

 

What Former Students Say

GUESS WHAT!!!! Equus has accepted my article! OK, so they are only paying me $50, but I really don't care about that. Thank you so much for helping me, Nick. I have really enjoyed and benefited tremendously from working through the writing process with you in this course. Your comments and assignments kept me inspired and enabled me to write an article I had been thinking about for a long time. I don't think that I could have done this without you. This is amazing! Just wanted to share the news!

 - Katharine Maccornack, Ph.D., is a writer from Summit, New Jersey.

Sometimes the most influential people have no idea of the impact they have on others. I just wanted you to know what a tremendous difference you have made to my writing life and to share the great news that an essay of mine will be published in a Seal Press anthology, Ask Me About My Divorce: Women Open Up About Moving On, that is scheduled for release in May 2009. Your kindness, your style, your generous sharing of your craft, your respect for everyone... it all had a deep impact on me and gave me the courage to write from my heart.

- Susan Carol Stein is a freelance writer from Seattle.

I really appreciate all of your great feedback in the online writing class, particularly the fact that you went through my writing very carefully. Although I learned a lot in the Writers Digest Fiction course it was mostly through my efforts - instructor feedback was usually limited to two or three sentences of general comments that were not particularly helpful.  I will stick with you, Jessica Murphy and Scott Driscoll in the future.
 
- Bob Sproule is a freelance writer from Klamath Falls, Oregon.

I wanted to write and share with you how much your non-fiction creative writing class meant to me. With zero professional writing background, I absorbed as much as I could from your class. Here’s just a smattering of what I learned:the huge importance of an engaging opening; the use of verbs to create action and move the reader along; create tension in the reader and set them up for the solution; use action-oriented scenes. And much more.

- Steve Roberts is the author of Wine Trails of the Northwest.

I'm pleased to let you know that my first published article will appear in Edible Seattle! I wrote about the American Traditions Picnic hosted by Slow Food Seattle and Chefs Collaborative. The editor and I are working on the finishing touches. I even get 20 cents a word! How thrilling. She has been so supportive. She assured me that she loves working with new writers. I put to use all of the techniques you imparted to us in class. The class was well worth the time and effort (which really didn't feel like work at all). I still refer to my notes and the readings. Thank you so much for being instrumental in making my launch.

- Ellen Bhang is a freelance writer from Seattle.

Thanks to what I learned from you and Scott Driscoll, I was lucky enough to become an intern at Seattle Magazine, then a freelance writer, and now I'm the Research Editor for Seattle Magazine, Seattle Business Monthly, and Northwest Home & Garden. I really appreciated your feedback and suggestions. This is a long overdue thank you.

- Sheila Mickool is the Research Editor for Tiger Oak Publications.

About six years ago I took your Creative Nonfiction course on-line.  I enjoyed it immensely and think I even learned something.  Fast forward to October, 2006. The editorial board of the University of South Carolina Press met this afternoon.  My proposal for a book called Longitude by Wire: Finding North America was on the agenda.  At a little after two this afternoon I received this e-mail from the editor: “Project approved for publication. Congratulations.” Who would ever have thought I would get this far?  Just amazing!

- Richard Stachurski is a freelance writer from Bellevue, Washington.

If it weren’t for Nick O’Connell, I would not be a soon-to-be-published author.  Nick’s classes helped me find my unique writing voice, and his enthusiastic and insightful critiques inspired me to expand a short story idea into a book. I highly recommend Nick’s classes to anyone who has any interest in writing. You’ll not only be given structure and advice, you’ll also learn how to get your work published!

- Elisabeth Squires is the author of the bOObs: A Guide to Your Girls, published by Seal Press.

Just last week I received call from an editor at Tate Publishing who told me that a book I've written about caring for my mother has been accepted for publication. What a surprise! One of the reasons I took your course was to gain more skills to complete this book, so my dream has finally come true.

- Jennifer Sokol is the author of Six Years of Grace: Caregiving Episodes With My Mother.

I took Nick O’Connell’s class “Stalking the Nonfiction Narrative” when I was stuck on the first draft of my book. He helped me break through barriers, giving me the techniques to create a solid structure for my book. Then he worked with me as a writing coach and gave insightful feedback that enabled me to craft my story into a publishable manuscript. Throughout the whole process, he encouraged and advised me on all aspects of the writing and publishing. Nick was a huge part of my recent book sale, and I would recommend him to any writer–-whether you just want to improve your technique or to publish professionally.

- Rebecca Agiewich's novel, The Break-up Babe, was recently published by Random House.

Nick, thanks so much for all your guidance and help: the classes, the feedback, and the positive attitude towards criticism all contributed to my successful book proposal. The structure of the class plus your positive spin on incorporating suggestions really altered my attitude. Given my lifetime history of a critical mother, that was some change!

- Patty Cogen's book, Parenting Internationally Adopted Children, was published by Harvard Common Press.

Prior to taking Nick’s class, I had faced a deluge of rejections—79 alone, just for my book. He had to convince me that the essay I was writing for his class was appropriate for the “Lives” column of the Sunday Magazine section of The New York Times and encouraged me to submit it. “Too Close for Comfort” was accepted the day the editor received it and was published two weeks later. Is there a better endorsement for Nick’s teaching talents? I almost forgot--his obvious joy in craft and wonderful sense of humor.

- Debra Borchert is a freelance writer based in Seattle Washington.

Nick is one of the most approachable and helpful writing teachers I’ve ever met. He’s not just a good teacher, but a veteran writer himself, who knows all of the ins and outs of the business. I’d recommend his classes not only to the beginner, but also to established writers who are looking to improve and broaden their skill set.

- Cory Graff’s book Strike and Return: American Airpower and the Fight for Iwo Jima was published by Specialty Press.

Before taking Nick O'Connell's Creative Nonfiction course, I sent stories off to editors with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I was nervous that I would be found out. The truth was I was winging it. I didn't know how to write a nut graph or a compelling lead. From scenic leads to nut graphs and character development, I learned techniques that made my stories stand out. That's how I landed my job as Associate Editor at San Francisco Downtown Magazine, only six months after taking Nick's course. I was up against Brown and Oxford graduates--one of whom was on staff at Time Out magazine--but I was offered the job because my stories had strong themes, clear structures and, most importantly, kept the reader reading. Nick's course gave me the confidence and, most importantly, the techniques I needed to bring my stories to life.

- Vanessa Sharp is Associate Editor of San Francisco Downtown Magazine.   

I have learned how to write under your guidance. A plain sentence I speak with tears in my eyes. I'm so grateful to learn! In fact when I compare the progress I'm making as a writer with that of friends in elite MFA programs on the east coast, I think I have learned much more. I really do, and they are paying $20,000 plus travel for their degrees. The students work with many brilliant, famous writers who are neither brilliant or memorable teachers. I see my friends struggle with the basic scaffolding of story construction even though their language is often poetic and beautiful. No one is talking to them about how to tell a story. The long and the short of it is that I am immeasurably grateful that I found your program.

- Jo Ellen Warner is a freelance writer from Seattle, Washington.  

The essay I wrote with your help is in this week's issue of Newsweek. It is quite exciting - thanks for your help and encouragement. There is very little change from the original, so we must have done good!

- John Hare's personal essay "Tough Enough to Give up Snuff" appeared in Newsweek. He lives in Yuba City, California.   

I have taken Professor O'Connell's Creative Nonfiction class via email from France. The study of writing techniques, related readings and feedback from the assignments is very effective. In fact, I have already been hired to write articles regularly for The Riviera Times!

- Mary C. Mascarella is a freelance writer based in Nice, France.  

Nick O'Connell's teaching was of great help in improving my writing and editing skills. The personal essay I did for the class on my whitewater rapids trip was published in Newsweek's "My Turn" column. He helped me clarify my language and eliminate excess verbiage. He also showed me how to craft a compelling lead paragraph, one that transports the reader into the landscape of the story from the first word.

- Judy Gelber is a freelance writer from Boca Raton, Florida.   

Nick’s great sense of humor, his keen eye for clean, compelling prose, and his years of practical writing experience make learning productive and entertaining. Nick successfully guided me through my first job as a newspaper reporter and has provided advice and mentoring since. He’s a great teacher for the beginning writer and a superb coach for the experienced professional.

- Deirdre Allen Timmons is a Seattle-based contributor to Underwire, Seattle Homes and Lifestyles and many other places. She’s currently working on her second screenplay.  

Nick's classes have been critical for me to get started as a professional writer. He teaches an excellent mix of craft and marketing--both of which are essential for successful writing. He taught me how to write a gripping lead, set the scene, and finish in a way that brings the piece full circle. On the marketing side, Nick willingly shares his own strategies for breaking into publications. I found his tips about querying editors, as well as his market insights, invaluable and have used them successfully in publishing my first essay--a story about my first car. I'm grateful for his encouragement of my career in writing. In the fall, I will study Creative Nonfiction at the University of Idaho's MFA program. I'll also be TA'ing and hope to model my teaching style on his!

- Jeff Jones is a freelance writer based in Moscow, Idaho.

Nick O'Connell's class really opened up my eyes to using fictional techniques (dialogue, telling detail, characterization) in my nonfiction writing. Writing assignments I produced for Creative Nonfiction were later incorporated into Inside the Pike Place Market (1999). I highly recommend Nick's classes to other writers looking for direction and inspiration.

- Braiden Rex-Johnson is a food, wine and travel writer and author of the best-selling Pike Place Market Cookbook (2003).