Enroll as a Group* and save! Enroll 3 or more people for any of our 2010 workshops and save $150.00 per person! *Group discount applies to 3 or more people enrolling together in the same workshop program. New enrollment only.
Writing to the Beat of a Different Drummer with author/instructor Linda Oatman High Cortona, Italy April 17-24, 2010
Join renowned author Linda Oatman High in the Tuscan hill town of Cortona, Italy for"Writing to the Beat of a Different Drummer:Sparking Creativity in Tuscany." Cortona is a city rich with art, history, and spirituality. Surrounded by an enchanting landscape, Cortona is Tuscany's oldest city. It's one of Italy's most magical locations, and the perfect place for writers to connect with their muses and re-connect with themselves. Instructor Linda Oatman High provides a workshop as warm and nurturing as the Tuscan sunshine, yet at times as festive as a wine-and chocolate-tasting party. For all ages and levels of experience -novice writers to published authors to part-time poets to those who've always wished to put bits and pieces of themselves and their lives on paper - the classes will inspire and motivate, satisfy and educate. By the end of the week, attendees will each have a piece of polished writing ready to submit for publication, if so desired. Linda Oatman High, an author/poet/songwriter/journalist/playwright/teacher of writing, uses her eclectic talents to guide students through the entire process of ideas to published works. Students for whom publication is not a goal will find that the workshop is good for the soul. Attendees will each work in an Inspiration Journal, which will assist the writers throughout the week, and Linda will be available for individual critique and consultation.
Workshop topics will include:Within These Old Walls: Writing From Real Life and Turning Memories Into Memoirs and Fiction From Hip To Historical: How to Create Cool Books for Today's Kids, Or For The Child Inside of You Poetry In The Tuscany Sunshine: Creating Poems That Dance Renaissance Writing: Finding Your Medieval Muse Within The Ruins Writing by the Light of the Tuscan Moon: A Magical Writing Session Keeping Italy In Your Heart and Creativity in Your Mind: A Vacation That Never Ends Come free your angels in a summertime dream of creativity and magic, amidst the ancient charm of Cortona. Join Linda Oatman High in "Writing to the Beat of a Different Drummer!" Read more about this workshop below...
Picture Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of painting en plein air in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the expert instruction of a nationally know artist and instructor and the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
About "Writing to the Beat of a Different Drummer"
Day 1: Writing From Real Life: Turning Memories Into Memoirs and Fiction
Linda Oatman High will present her 45-minute slide show, illustrating how the author has gleaned writing ideas from her real life and childhood memories. Linda will then lead students through soul-searching prompts, excavating long-ago emotions and sensory details to be used in writing. Exercises will include "The Baby I Was and the Babies I've Loved," "Love of my Life," and "What I'll Leave Behind." By the end of Day 1, students will have lists of ideas and images in an Inspiration Journal to be used in the week ahead.
Day 2: From Hip To Historical: How to Create Cool Books for Today's Kids, Or For The Child Inside of You
The author of 15 books for children will instruct the class in writing picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult novels, gearing the session to the interests of the majority. Using her own books as examples, Linda will lead writing prompts to produce writing that sparkles. Even those not interested in writing for children as a career will find joy in finding their inner child in order to create.
Day 3: Poetry Under The Tuscan Sun: Creating Poems That Move
Using her poetry books "A Humble Life: Plain Poems" and "Sister Slam and the Poetic Motormouth Road Trip," Linda will guide students in producing poetry that sings. Those interested in performing their poems will participate in an informal poetry slam.
Day 4: Renaissance Writing: Finding Your Medieval Muse Within The Ruins
Linda Oatman High, dressed in Renaissance garb and using a background of Cortona's medieval architecture and medieval music, will lead students in a session of Renaissance-themed writing in which they will create a character from the medieval days.
Day 5: Writing by the Light of the Tuscan Moon: A Magical Writing Session
A nighttime session, in which the author uses music to reawaken the muse in writing prompts such as "Vacation on the Moon," "Firefly Flight Through the Italian Countryside," and "Star Song." Glow-in-the-dark novelties will be used in this workshop.
Day 6: Keeping Tuscany In Your Heart and Creativity in Your Mind: A Vacation That Never Ends
A session in which Linda Oatman High will discuss retaining inspiration and motivation for writing upon the students' farewell to Italy. Including "Refreshing and Nurturing the Writing Spirit," "A Space to Write," and "Making Priorities in Real Life," the author will instruct the students with ideas about how to continue creating at home, while keeping the memories and emotions of their time in Tuscany alive. Classical Italian music will be used in this session
Linda in Florence
Linda and writers in Cortona
Linda Oatman High
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Rome to Cortona April 17, 2010**** Instruction in the classroom and on location Seven nights three-star accommodations in historic Cortona** (Private room & bath) Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities Day trips to Florence A farewell wine tasting dinner **Included with "Hotel" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time only; to be announced *All-inclusive plans are Hotel plans A, C, E, G and Hostel plans I & K only. Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
Angela Lucani was born and raised in Cortona and never tires of living within the walls of this vibrant Tuscan hilltown! She trained as an elementary school teacher and taught in various locals within Cortona from its mountain villages to the growing post-war part of Cortona known as Camucia. Angela has always been passionate about Tuscan cooking, which she began to learn at an early age aiding her mother in the kitchen. She maintains respect for local cooking traditions and recipes and shares that with Italians and foreign visitors through cooking classes conducted both in Italy and in America. She has extensive knowledge of Cortona's various areas, from the mountains to the fertile Val di Chiana, and continues to learn about its long and colorful history. She is also passionate about travel and enjoys learning about and experiencing customs, traditions and characteristics of other countries, cultures & people. Her travels destinations have included the United States, England, Egypt, South America, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Greece. She enjoys serving as a bridge between visitors to Tuscany and the local culture.
Patrick Mahoney (Miami University BA'80, MA'82) lives in Cortona where he continues a thirty-year career in the field of Arts & Entertainment producing events, workshops and tours and providing opportunities to share the Italy experience with travelers, artists and people who share his interests for foods, wine, art, culture. Patrick's passion is to conceive and realize various ways in which the human spirit can express and demonstrate its capacity to create. His ability to fearlessly think, conceive, and work "out of the box" has earned him the attention of artists & musicians, colleges & universities, public & private organizations, and business and industry. Patrick brings integrity and a unique vision to Toscana Americana and he is committed to realizing the opportunity for participants to create in an atmosphere of peace, joy, respect and mutual support. As a "slow traveler" and a supporter of "slow food" Mr. Mahoney rides trains, walks, lingers over lunch, dinner or a cup of espresso, stops to smell the roses and savors the sensory feast wherever he is!
About Cortona
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains.
Travel with fellow artists, family & friends! In addition to Non-participating guest options, did you know that other workshops are offered this same week! Enjoy the experience together while immersed in different topics! View calendar for details!
