TRAVEL, FOOD & WINE WRITING CLASSES
TRAVEL WRITING IN TUSCANYMay 24 - May 30, 2009, 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.
The green geometric patterns of the Tuscan landscape soothe the soul.
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 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. (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.
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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.
2009 Travel, Food and Wine Writing Class in Montalcino, Italy
TRAVEL, FOOD AND WINE WRITING COURSE IN TUSCANY - 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 - 8 p.m. - Welcoming dinner at La Fortezza, the 14th 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 Sant ‘Antimo Abbey for tour; visit Banfi Winery and Castello Banfi for tour and five-course lunch featuring Banfi wines; afternoon visit to Biondi Santi, the oldest and most renowned of Brunello producers. (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.)
Founded in the 8th 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.
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 wri
Porcini, a local specialty, infuse much of the region's pasta.
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
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Double-occupancy rooms. 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.
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.
GETTING THERE:
Details to follow...
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.
Pasta, bread, wine, friendship - the essential ingredients for a great meal.
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