Summer.
Midway through the month as some of you know I took off down to Tuscany to join Lisa Clifford's inaugural The Art of Writing Retreat. As I drove from Veneto in the north to the more arid and hilly middle Italy, I couldn't help thinking how many writers had been drawn to this bewitching area in search of inspiration. Florence. The Uffizzi. Siena. That arresting Tuscan accent. Lisa's family connections with the rolling hills of Casentino outside Florence made it an obvious choice for her event, and I must say I was glad to find myself in this quiet, forgotten area of a region that is so eyewateringly beautiful it can often be overrun by foreigners.
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| Captivating morning views |
Now over to the writing. Soon after arrival I gave a talk about 'Blogging from the Heart: Grassroots Book Promotion' which grew into a engrossing debate - aided by a round of local white wine. I learned that each morning participants worked through exercises with gifted writer and teacher Jim Friel. I joined in and had a lot of fun and some crystalline ideas (for a moment there) and will write more about these on the Pelt and Other Stories blog. It was quite an eye-opener for this set-in-her-ways writer, who is not at all used to sharing work or ideas. I learned that opening the creative door a crack can release a brickload of ideas. A lovely way to shake down the house.
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| Inspiring writerly talks |
Lisa's guests also included vibrant U.S. agent April Eberhardt, who in a Skype interview outlined an indie approach to publishing and gave participants ideas for entering the expanding world of self-publishing. Lawyer/writer Michelle Fabio spoke of storylines - Michelle writes the wise and successful blog Bleeding Espresso.
Over to food. One cannot report on a stay in Tuscany without mentioning local food and wine. Carpaccio di zucchini, wonderful summer salads, local specialities with potatoes - were all washed down with Montepulciano and enchanting wines. More often than not, grappa, limoncello and intriguing talk followed the meals.
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| How many writers does it take... |
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| to make fresh ricotta? |
Dee-lish!! That day we embarked upon The Art of Eating!
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| With TAOW founder Lisa Clifford |
*If you are interested enquire early as I think places are filling fast
It sounds like an inspirational trip, Cat - and I hope you do write a story about the cheese making!
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to write a story about cheese making! But now I'm so confused - goats' cheese or sheeps' cheese? I love both! Capra or pecorino? Pecorino or capra? I'll just have to go back..
DeleteThanks Cat - Super review of our activities and I am so relieved that you found the pecorino cheese making inspirational !
ReplyDeleteAlthough Lisa and I had been to Lorenzo's to check it out I must admit I had a sudden fear of group revolt when I saw the number of daintily painted toe-nails stepping gingerly over the mud towards that array of freshly sheared sheep bottoms - and then being asked to squeeze those bulging pink udders swinging beneath - but that isn't an opportunity you get every day and everyone seemed jolly content when they left - as you say the buckets of red wine probably helped?
I confess Penny I didn't reach out for one of those pink udders. Sometimes one just has to observe! I was fine with the mud and country smells though, and the pigs were quite charming. But more seriously - the fresh air and good company led to lots of productive talks and I realise there were many creative minds ticking over. It was a great outing to contrast with all of our writerly intensity throughout the day!
DeleteOMG - sounds just amazing. How I would love to escape the cold, the rain and the hum-drum of Sydney at present! Have a Campari Spritz for me! Ciao F xxx
ReplyDeleteI promise I will do that today in my favourite bar where I am taking my manuscript to scribble on. Cin-cin! Xcat
DeleteOhhh, heaven. I'm speechless with envy.
ReplyDeleteLikewise.
DeleteOh it was great ! I'd love to go to more of these things. It really makes you think about writing - and it's always useful to shake down the tree. Maybe we'll have to organise one ourselves! My place is big enough X
DeleteDownith have a look at the writing exercise Jim Friel had us do -http://peltandotherstories.blogspot.it/2013/06/how-to-pick-short-story-ideas-out-of-hat.html#comment-form What dyou reckon? Xcat
Just subscribed to Pelt blog. I have some catching up to do!
DeleteD.
Great! Will be good to see you there. I have to up the ante now that the book is coming out. Panic stations x
DeleteWow - sounds fantastic! Writing inspiration and relaxation all rolled into one. Look forward to seeing you when you go for another writer's retreat further south in Matera!
ReplyDeleteYes finalmente! Looking forward to catching up and hearing about your writing year. Haven't even booked my tickets!
DeleteThis sounds truly amazing...from the gorgeous scenery to the creative energies and wonky writer's discussions that I imagine were everywhere. I kept reading and wanting to hear more. Especially the viewpoints shared during your own discussion. Is blogging a necessary part of selling one's material these days? It seems like the 'rules' of publishing have been so heavily influenced by social media that I wonder what the expectations are of authors these days. Can you tell I find this all fascinating stuff? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful post.
I'm glad you enjoyed, Leslie. The discussion was lively and took off on its own. Yes - that was definitely one of the points raised, how social media is essential for book promotion and expected by all publishers. But one of the points I made was that a new writer has to take care with all the effort required to establish an author platform. That's where Socrates comes in. 'Know Thyself' ! I think it can be dangerously time-consuming to throw oneself into social media - and ignore the writerly path we must all take. We must know ourselves as writers first, and bloggers next.
DeleteQuite a few of those present were worried about the amount of time required to keep a blog alive and kicking - and wanted to know what the trick was to have more readers. There is none! It's hard work hanging around following other blogs with sincerity and interest, and making sure you define your creative time. And stick to it.
It's all about wearing different hats, isn't it? X
I love writing my Blogs - I consider it part of the learning process to make my own walks and talks around Tuscany with friends and customers more vibrant - my husband - on the other hand - frets a lot about the amount of time it takes me to write and maintain a Blog presence -
DeleteI think I need to get him a new hat too?
I am feeling a little green at the moment, what an amazing time you have had at this Tuscan escape. Everything sounds so fabulous. Catherine, you write so well, I so enjoy reading all your posts. BTW Did you receive my email telling you how much I enjoyed your book? Lyn
ReplyDeleteOh gosh Lyn I must have missed that one, sorry! Will go and check. So glad you enjoyed DLC.
DeleteIt was an inspiring experience on many levels - location, technical work, great company. Makes me want to get back to work!