"I use the environment we are in as a focal point: it lends itself beautifully to observation, enlivens the senses and evokes the power of descriptive writing."

The writing workshops and courses are held at Fontana Buona, a renovated two storey cottage and art studio which nestles in a corner of Baschi, a small village close to Orvieto. The house overlooks the valley and backs onto a path which leads to the hills behind.

The Workshops and Courses

Introduction to Writing: includes graduated exercises, looking at different forms of writing, journal keeping, writing as a form of self discovery and discipline. The serenity of the location really helps in releasing stress and enables a very relaxed approach to experimenting with your work.

Travel Writing covers building a solid piece, what to include, getting the facts right, keeping the momentum. The setting you find yourself in is very conducive to this exercise.

Interviewing explores defining the point of the interview, building up a portrait of the interviewee, when to put yourself in the picture, using quotes, finding a key to the person, dealing with reluctant or difficult interviewees.

Reviewing looks at defining what you want to express while keeping it short and succinct, compiling the checklist and exploring different types of reviews. A visit to a local restaurant or wine tasting will be a chance to put your ideas into practice.
Included in all modules are tips on looking at potential markets, using the internet as a source. General discussions are encouraged.

Exploring the countryside. All workshops include a trip to nearby Orvieto famous for its wines and fabulous views over the surrounding countryside. We may also take a short field trip as the basis for a writing exercise.

Two day workshop
Covers one course title.

Five day workshop
Covers all course titles.

Mix and match
The two day workshop can work as a taster for all course titles.

I also hold workshops in Bologna. For information contact: alisonfle@yahoo.com

If you are interested in other types of writing courses contact:
alisonfle@yahoo.com