Join author, columnist and Amherst Writers and Artists workshop leader Cary Tennis for an inspiring week at idyllic Clos Mirabel in the French Pyrenees.
About this course:
In this workshop we will write together using the Amherst Writers and Artists method as described in the groundbreaking book by Pat Schneider, Writing Alone and With Others. Writing creatively means opening one’s ears and one’s heart to internal voices and sometimes painful memories. It can be a minefield one treads with dread. But it doesn’t have to be. Writing together in real time and reading that work aloud to a supportive audience, as we do in the AWA method, builds confidence that what is within us is neither scary nor humiliating. It is in fact the human condition.
I have led workshops in this method since 2007, first in my home in San Francisco, then in creative getaways around the world and also online. This method can change your life. It has definitely changed mine. I now write with greater ease and confidence and work to transmit this joy to others. Leading these workshops has enabled me to do a little good in the world. So I do it happily, with a light heart. I hope you will join us.
What to expect
● What you can expect is aesthetic beauty, supportive people, fantastic food, and intense concentration on your literary vision, craft and practice.
● Expect your mornings and afternoons to be spent in workshops in a beautiful space, exploring and strengthening your personal writing practice.
● Expect to be supported and encouraged no matter where you are in your journey as a writer.
● Expect guidance when asked for, but recognition of your autonomy.
● Expect that we share this belief: Our writing matters. By being here, we honor our writing. By being here, we enjoy natural beauty, great food, and beautiful architecture. But all toward a shared purpose: to strengthen our writing practice.
● Expect me to support you in your writing and to protect and encourage your writing in any way I can—by running the workshops in a responsible, ethical way, by offering professional advice on craft, vision and practice, by sharing my own difficulties and triumphs, and by guaranteeing that all voices are heard and all participants are treated with dignity.
Creative Writing Retreat – Programme Outline
Please note that the schedule that follows is tentative; the curriculum for this class is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs and wishes of the participants.
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner, with discussion of goals for the week to come
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Amherst method introduction and writing session (w/15-minute break)
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings; free time to write individually
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Finishing School method introduction
11.00 – 11.15 Fifteen-minute break
11.15 – 1.00 Amherst method writing session
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings and/or group writing session
6.00 – Tasting of local wines, followed by 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Amherst method writing session
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.00 Group writing session
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Free time to explore Pau or beyond. The Clos Mirabel team is available to provide
suggestions and organize transport.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 Finishing school session
11.00 – 1.00 Amherst method writing session
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel & Finding Your Readers Talk
2.30 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings and/or group writing session
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.30 Publishing options talk and discussion
11.30 – 1.00 Amherst method writing session
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Scheduled one-on-one meetings and/or group writing session
6.00 – Reading Night: share your work over aperitifs and 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Checkout 11am)
Non-writing guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Creative Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
