Traveler's Mind: A writing workshop with Martha Gies


"Taking the time to see," photo byJudson Hyatt


Carving, photo by Porfirio Castro Cruz

 

The Traveler's Mind Writing Workshop is designed for writers who want to generate new work, be it fiction, poetry or literary nonfiction, or to hone pieces that are in early stages of development. Each of the ten days begins with a group breakfast, followed by a series of writing exercises in ever-changing locations.

Because the best writing is based on fresh, original observation, irrespective of genre, these exercises are designed to develop perception, to cultivate the habit of taking the time to see.

The 2010 workshop takes place in Sucre, in the Department of Chuquisaca, Bolivia, where we will do our writing exercises on the bustling central plaza, on monastery terraces high above the city, and in sight of Quechua women weaving their famous textiles.

After spending the morning writing, participants have the afternoon free to read, nap, explore or prepare for the evening class.

In the two-hour evening sessions we examine published work provided by the instructor, in order to identify and discuss point of view, narrative time, setting, and other basic technical elements. There is also time available in the evenings for the critique of stories or essays in progress that participants bring from home. (See schedule.)

Students return from this workshop with a keen understanding of the discipline of writing and with a deposit account of ideas, fragments, new techniques, sketches and fresh starts - material, in other words, to last for months.

Enrollment is limited to 10 students; early registration is advised to hold a place.

 
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