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Description of the 2003 Workshops
March 15, 2003 Le Courtil, Rolle, Switzerland ________
Three workshops: TELL YOUR STORY Storytelling is the world`s second oldest pastime. In this workshop, aimed at writers of both fiction and non-fiction, we look at the elements that go into creating page-turning stories. With lots of in-class exercises (and homework), we`ll look at the writer`s voice, conflict, heroes and villains (and their stakes), POV, and dialogue. By the end of the workshop you`ll have written a story or article that will have the reader begging to know "what happens next?"
Do you want to communicate more effectively with a general audience? Perhaps you`re adrift in jargon and your reports put people to sleep? Maybe you have a technical or bureaucratic issue that needs to come alive? Use storytelling techniques to write a more interesting report, produce better briefings, and make more imaginative presentations. After we look at your specific communications needs, we`ll learn how to tell the human story and how to shift from "cold" to "hot." We`ll explore the "Nancy Reagan principle" that drives all drama, learn to switch from a "me" to a "you" message, and play with that most elusive of writing talents - creating intimacy with our reader. We`ll use videos, music, cartoons, group feedback, and lots of hands-on exercises. ALMOST FAMOUS A master class for non-fiction writers who want a last reality check of their articles or personal essays before sending them out for publication. Gain incisive and helpful advice from a popular, well-published international writing coach. Prerequisite: Circulate an almost-finished article or personal essay (max 2,500 words) to each of the other participants before the first class. Email dmark@outreach.hawaii.edu by 6/2/03 for details re: circulating your writing prior to class. Workshops will be held at University of Hawaii, Manoa Campus and
downtown Honolulu
ALMOST FAMOUS A residential chateau writing retreat. September 12-14, 2003, Friday evening - Sunday evening Attendance limited to 15 writers Chateau de Lucens
______ You're almost famous. You've written a travel article about the hidden beaches of Molokai, or a personal essay on how you got divorced and became a sadhu during your vacation in Nepal or a short story about a sensitive gangster that your sister thinks should be made into a major motion picture starring Brad Pitt. But you need a skilled coach to make constructive criticisms, to give you some professional tips and encouragement. Here's your chance to get constructive advice on your novel, short story, article or personal essay. Almost Famous brings together for the first time two of the world's leading writing coaches -- Paul Spencer Sochaczewski and Gary Goshgarian. In the weekend retreat we'll explore the basics of all good storytelling - plot, character, theme, setting, point of view, dialogue. We'll combine group lectures and discussions in the tapestry-rich Salle de Justice, zen-music-speedwriting exercises, the chance to get one-on-one coaching from Gary or Paul, and plenty of insights, laughs and good company. Our goal is that by the end of the weekend some of you will have taken your writing closer to a finished manuscript, and everyone will leave with an understanding of how to reach your specific writing goals. The workshop is most appropriate for active (but not necessarily published) writers who want to take jump-start their writing careers. Participants will be asked to submit a work in progress (maximum 2,000 words) at least three weeks before the workshop. And if you need more incentive, imagine that you might be visited by a supportive castle ghost who can relate his tale involving a sexy bishop, a jealous husband and the risks of too-fastidious personal grooming. _______ The coaches Gary Goshgarian is an award winning teacher of creative writing and popular culture at Northeastern University in Boston - his courses include science fiction, horror fiction and detective fiction. Gary has edited three college writing textbooks. He has written five novels, and two of them -- Elixir and Gray Matter, written under the pen name Gary Braver (see Amazon.com for reviews), have been optioned for film by director Ridley Scott. Noted mystery writer Robert B. Parker has said that Goshgarian's writing: "Packs the emotional wallop and tension of a Stephen King novel with the cutting-edge science and engrossing pace of Robin Cook or Michael Crichton. Riveting from page one!"
______ Chateau de Lucens One of the chateau's previous owners, Adrian Conan Doyle (son of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) wrote, "The first sight of the Chateau de Lucens is a moment to remember. Majestically dominating the hill [it brings to mind] the most fantastic childish dreams of an imaginary feudal castle." The chateau is filled with antiques and historic paintings, with a dungeon and mysterious towers. As soon as you cross the drawbridge you'll realize why the 13th century chateau is such a magical place to improve your writing. We may take our lunch in the shaded courtyard, you might like to curl up with your manuscript in one of the intimate gardens or in the inspiring belvedere. You'll stay in the antique-filled chateau guest house - each room has a private bathroom and its own charm. Contact: Julia de Biere. Castle Workshops. <info@castleworkshops.com>
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