In all my years as a book
lover I remember writing just a handful of fan letters to authors...and Richard Goodman was one of them. Something about his 1991 book, French
Dirt: The Story of a Garden
in the South of France, really grabbed me. That was
maybe 15 years ago and we've stayed in touch ever since. So I was delighted when
Richard told me he was returning to Provence to lead a writing workshop this
coming summer...and even more delighted to learn it would be hosted by the
non-profit Maine Media Workshops + College (MMW).
The school is based in Rockport, Maine and was formerly known as the Maine Photographic Workshops. While I've only been lucky enough to take one
of their workshops, I
know many people who've studied or taught there and the school gets top reviews all around.
Launched in 1973 offering
photography only, MMW has since added a wide range of subjects such as
film/video, book arts, writing, poetry and more. (School president Meg Weston
describes what they teach as "the art and craft of storytelling.") They have a
full calendar of courses in Maine, plus travel workshops (like the one I took in
Provence in the late '90s), a 30-week certificate program and an MFA program
that’s been rated in the top 100 fine arts graduate programs in the
U.S. They
offer courses at all levels,
from absolute beginner and serious amateur to working professional. Every
time their new catalog comes out I see ten classes I'd love to take!
But back to Richard's upcoming
workshop...
Called Inspire Your Writing in Provence, it's devoted
to "exploring how this delicious corner of France can stir the
senses and inspire the imagination with its light, its scents, its sights and
sounds." The dates are June 24 to 29, 2018.
Richard tells me he designed it for anyone who loves to write...memoir, food writing, travel writing,
personal essays or anything else...whether they're deep into a project or just
beginning. "This is a chance for you to experience 'the magic' with like-minded people and really just write your heart out," he says.
The group will stay together at the charming hotel Clos de Buis in Bonnieux, one of the famously gorgeous hilltowns of the
Luberon region. (I mention the hotel in my recent Luberon
story here.) Mornings will be devoted to
talks about craft and writing exercises. "And of course we’ll read about the region, about
its storied history—its art, food and wine," Richard
says. "And we’ll learn about the wild, lovely country
nearby." Afternoons will be spent
exploring Bonnieux and nearby villages, taking in scenery, history,
culture, lavender and more. Most students will likely arrive early or stay on for additional travel.
Richard is currently living and
teaching in New Orleans but he has twice spent a year in the South of
France: first in a small village near Nîmes and then in Sanary-sur
Mer on the Mediterranean coast. His stories about French food and culture have
appeared in The New York Times, Saveur, Creative
Nonfiction, French Review and Grand Tour. He has
taught at MMW's home base up in Maine-- and will teach there again this
summer--but this will be his first workshop in Provence.
Well-known cookbook author Nancy Harmon Jenkins took Richard's workshop in Rockport last summer and loved it.
"This is a wonderful opportunity," she says. "Richard is a fine, provocative,
inspiring teacher."
All the workshop details are
on the MMW site here; please note the discount for early booking.
If you have questions, Meg (mweston@mainemedia.edu) or Richard
(richardgoodman711@gmail.com) will be happy
to help.
Hope to see you this summer in
Provence!
Photos: (1) The workshop takes place in Bonnieux, the highest perched village in the Luberon. Bonnieux’s steep upper streets are lined with 800-year-old buildings, most of them built atop older structures and ancient caves; from the peak you get a spectacular view. The village has an upper and lower church, so folks who lived in the valley, back in the day, didn’t have to climb all the way up top to attend mass. This is the lower or "new" church, built in 1870. (2, 3) Students will stay at Le Clos de Buis, a perfect little hotel with a super-warm vibe. The photos show breakfast and a guestroom. (4) The famous 86 steps leading up to the 12th-century "old" church in Bonnieux...and fantastic views. (5) The hotel has a large lovely garden and pool. (6) Looking north from Bonnieux: the mighty Mont Ventoux, “the Giant of Provence,” well known for many grueling stages of the annual Tour de France. (7) We've all see a million photos of lavender fields in Provence but this is one of my favorites; see the story behind it here. The Luberon's lavender fields should be at their peak--or close--during the workshop dates. (8) In the nearby village of Menerbes, local rosés on display at Maison de la Truffe et du Vin. (9) The irresistible antique shop directly opposite the hotel: resistance is futile. (10) The ochre cliffs of the nearby village of Roussillon. (11) Richard and his students in Rockport this past summer; photo by Gussan Jalil.
Amazing photos! Looks like a great getaway.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible opportunity!
ReplyDeleteOoooh là là ~ This sounds fantastic! Seven spots won't last long! Thanks for this, Julie. You know all the good stuff!
ReplyDeleteAll sounds wonderful! To get you in the mood why not join a small group of women for our Meditation and Markets in Provence Escapade in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence June 17-23. Marilyn McMullen, a wonderful woman from Sydney will lead 2 sessions per day intertwined with markets, wine tasting, picnics and other daily escapades. For more details email Karen at info@gourmetescapades.com
ReplyDeleteWow what a good opportunity,Have alway wanted to go to Provence area ,maybe this winter.
ReplyDeleteLaura