
"Taking the time to see,"
photo byJudson Hyatt

Carving, photo by Porfirio
Castro Cruz
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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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