The Writer's Workshop: Seattle writing classes, travel writing classes, travel writing courses and online travel writing courses

TRAVEL, FOOD & WINE WRITING CLASSES

TRAVEL WRITING IN TUSCANY

May 15 - May 21, 2011, in Montalcino, Italy

THE COURSE - 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.

In addition to learning these skills, you’ll dine at outstanding restaurants, visit some of the world’s best wineries, and explore fascinating historic sights. You’ll enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours unavailable to the general public. Best of all, you’ll receive up-to-date story ideas from local industry experts that you can turn into finished travel, food and wine stories by the end of the course and submit to newspapers and magazines for publication.

The green geometric patterns of the Tuscan landscape soothe the soul.

The six-day travel writing class will take place in Montalcino, one of the most beautiful medieval hill towns in Italy, and the epicenter of the nation's new wine and food scene. The cost will be $2600 per person, including accommodations and most meals, or $2,200 per person if you sign up before Jan. 1. (Single supplement, $450 per person) Plane fare, transit to and from Montalcino and some meals extra (see itinerary below).

To enroll, please send me a non-refundable deposit of $800 to 201 Newell St., Seattle, WA 98109. Enrollment is limited to 10. For more information, contact me at nick@thewritersworkshop.net or 206-284-7121. The balance for the class will be due April 1st.

Online Travel Writing Classes

INTRODUCTION TO TRAVEL WRITING CLASS - 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 travel writing 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 in the travel writing course will gain a practical grasp of these techniques. Class will discuss where to market work. Six assignments including a 1,500- to 2,500-word travel story and its revision. $500.

2011 Travel, Food and Wine Writing Class in Montalcino, Italy

TRAVEL, FOOD AND WINE WRITING COURSE - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

This course will give you an intensive introduction to the art and practice of travel writing, allow you to experience the incredible richness of the local wine and cuisine scene, and provide time to explore this amazing place. Tentative itinerary:

SUNDAY - 6:30 p.m. - Welcoming dinner at La Fortezza, the 14^th century castle with wonderful wine bar and enoteca. Sample regional wines, cheeses, meats and specialties as you get to know the other participants.

MONDAY – 9 a.m. to noon - Introduction to the travel writing course, discussion of travel writing, genres of travel writing (article, essay, profile, etc.), story ideas. Noon to 2 p.m. – Lunch - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Tour of Montalcino. Dinner on the terrace of a Montalcino restaurant. (Breakfast and dinner provided.)

TUESDAY – 9 a.m. Visit historic city of Pienza; tour Fattoria de Barbi or other Brunello producer; lunch at winery; (Breakfast, lunch provided.)

WEDNESDAY – 9 a.m. to noon - Lecture and discussion of scenes, scene by scene construction, and interviewing.- Noon to 2 p.m. – Lunch - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Free time - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Cooking class followed by wine tasting and dinner.

THURSDAY – 9 a.m. Lead and nut graphs - 10 a.m. - noon - Draft story. Noon to 2 p.m. – Lunch. - 2 p.m. - Optional walk through surrounding countryside. (Breakfast provided.)

FRIDAY – 9 a.m. to noon – Write, workshop stories - Noon to 2 p.m. – Lunch – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Discuss publication, writing query letters, course evaluation. - 7 p.m. - Class celebration at Re di Macchi or other local restaurant. (Breakfast and dinner provided.)

THE PLACE - Located 25 miles south of Sienna, Montalcino is an undiscovered gem of a town set in the green hills of Tuscany. Best-known for its robust Brunello di Montalcino, the town also boasts outstanding restaurants, important architectural monuments like a 14^th century fortress and panoramic views of the rolling golden hills and cypress-lined roads of Tuscany.

Founded in the 8^th century, the town makes a great base for exploring this lovely region, which includes olive oil factories, famed Brunello di Montalcino wineries like Biondi-Santi and Castello Banfi and the historic Sant Antimo monastery, founded on an ancient road called the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route between Florence, Rome and France. Local cuisine features wild boar, hare (try the delicious Pappardelle alla Lepre), bruschetta, Cannellini beans, grilled sausages, homemade pastas (such as “Pinci” and Gnocchi with sage), pheasant in grape sauce, roast guinea hen and the immense slabs of Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Montalcino is a town built on the human scale, perfect for relaxing strolls, window shopping, and late evening suppers. It epitomizes la dolce vita of Tuscany.

THE INSTRUCTOR - My introduction to the moveable feast that is Europe began during a junior year abroad program in Nantes, France. On weekends and holidays, I criss-crossed the continent with my rail pass, visiting Florence to see the Michaelangelo’s David and indulge in a bottle of Chianti with Bistecca Alla Fiorentina. The next weekend I'd board the night train to Madrid to gawk at Goya’s black paintings and drink way too much sangria. Then I'd return to Nantes to enjoy oysters with a bottle of Muscadet and the occasional splurge on a leg of lamb with a good Bordeaux. In completing my studies in French at Amherst College, I saturated myself in the continent’s language, literature, art and history. I returned to Italy, France, Spain and Germany many times since then, traveling all over the continent to savor its food, wine and culture.

This in-depth knowledge of Europe quickly led to writing about it. Today, I contribute to Newsweek, Gourmet, Condé Nast Traveler, Saveur, Food and Wine, The Wine Spectator, Outside, GO, National Geographic Adventure, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Commonweal, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Westways, Sierra, and other publications. I’ve written the following books, On Sacred Ground: The Spirit of Place in Pacific Northwest Literature (2003), At the Field's End: Interviews with 22 Pacific Northwest Writers (1998), Contemporary Ecofiction, (1996), Beyond Risk: Conversations with Climbers (1993).

In addition to working as a freelance travel writer, I moonlight as a winemaker, making a Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah under the Les Copains label. At one time I contemplated a career as a winemaker, but shelved the idea because I enjoyed writing and teaching too much. After completing my MFA in fiction writing and PhD in Literature at the University of Washington, I went on to create the university’s year-long program in Narrative Nonfiction in 1993, one of the first such programs in the country. After teaching in that program for a number of years, I founded www.thewritersworkshop.net, an online and on-campus writing program based in Seattle, Washington. This program allows me to indulge my passion for teaching small, personalized travel writing classes as well as introduce students to the incredibly rich history and culture of Provence, one of the crown jewels of this beautiful continent.

Teresa Galli coaches Nicholas O'Connell, Writer's Workshop founder, on the finer points of making pasta.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Double-occupancy rooms at the Hotel Dei Capitani in the . Single rooms available with a $450 supplement.

TO ENROLL:

Please send me a non-refundable deposit of $800 to 201 Newell St., Seattle, WA 98109, USA. Enrollment is limited to 10. Spouses, partners or friends can attend the events and meals but not the class for $1700, with a $700 deposit. For more information, contact me at nick@Thewritersworkshop.net or 206-284-7121. Please sign up early; the class likely will fill quickly.

WHAT FORMER STUDENTS SAY

I wanted to say thanks for an amazing trip! It keeps hitting me now just how special everything was, particularly meeting the winemakers…wow! Thanks so much for making the trip so memorable.

- Anne Banas is the Executive Editor of Smarter Travel

The Travel, Food and Wine Writing Class was so much fun that I find myself smiling whenever I think of it. The small class size is ideal for a seminar and even better for the excursions to the wineries and restaurants. Nick is extremely knowledge in all areas included in the seminar and is a marvelous host with a great sense of humor. It is obvious why the small “garage” wineries and the venerable estates alike warmly welcome Nick and his entourage. While not a fan of group travel in general, this travel writing class could not have been better. I highly recommend it to aspiring travel writers, Francophiles, and anyone who wants to enrich their appreciation of wine and food.

- Kate Jackson is a writer from Missoula, Montana.

James and Marcus howled with laughter. Ann and Jack, heads crushed together, pored over photos. Nick gestured wildly, indicating precisely what it is about Bordeaux that speaks to his soul. Balash, the international party boy/philosopher, snatched and drained half empty glasses. Out of the corner of my eye I saw silver-haired Barbara tiptoe into the kitchen in search of more crème brûlé. I felt the kind of relaxing smile you feel at the end of a long day with people you know well. How did this selection of strangers become so at ease with each other?...
http://www.thewritersworkshopreview.net/article.cgi?article_id

- Erin Byrne is a writer from the Seattle area.

I can’t thank you enough for our week in Saint-Émilion. Rosemary and I had so much fun. I learned so much about travel, writing, food, wine and good teaching. I am so grateful.

- Andy Hall is a freelance writer from Seattle, Washington.

I'm still smiling over our excellent St. Emilion adventure! Take care and thanks!

- Kristin DeCook is a freelance writer from Chicago.

Thank you for such a wonderful week - you are a master!

- Lauren Hirt is a freelance writer from Seattle, Washington.

View of Pienza, one of the architectural jewelboxes we'll visit on our trip.

RECOMMENDED READING

Heat by Bill Buford.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes.

The Inferno by Dante, translated by Robert Pinsky.

Mysteries of the Middle Ages by Thomas Cahill.