Creative Immersion in Pays de la Loire: The Nantes Writers’ Workshop
We’re introducing this new series of creative retreats in France
This is a ‘call-out’ for suggestions and nominations for quality creative immersive experiences in France.
If you are the owner/operator of a fabulous creative retreat,
or if you’d like to nominate a quality experience.
Please email us at info@myfrenchlife.org with the subject line CREATIVE FRANCEWe know how important it is to have a wonderfully long list of tempting opportunities available
when you’re planning to travel to France
and that’s the point of this series,
to introduce those immersive opportunities to you before your next trip.This article (along with this & this one) are just the beginning…
This new series is focused on discovering what outstanding creative experiences
can be found in specific geographic regions of France.
We expect to explore retreats specialising in a wide range of creative opportunities
ranging from writing, photography, visual art, and much more,So let’s dive in and immerse ourselves…. Ready?
Creative Immersion in Pays de la Loire: The Nantes Writers’ Workshop
The Nantes Writers’ Workshop is an intimate, immersive workshop for fiction and non-fiction writers at all stages of their creative endeavors.
What’s the focus?
Whether you’re looking to set aside more time to draft new work, get perspective on a finished piece, or build a writing community, we’re excited to welcome you.
When and where?
The workshop will be held in person from June 26 to 30, 2023 in the fascinating city of Nantes, Pays de la Loire, in Western France, and will be led by two professional writers.
Who are the Convenors?
Emily Monaco and Anna Polonyi together, will be your hosts, mentors, teachers, and guides.
Emily Monaco is a journalist for publications including the BBC, InsideHook, and Atlas Obscura as well as a novelist represented by the Heather Jackson Literary Agency.
Anna Polonyi holds an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, teaches at the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, and is represented by Caroline Eisenmann at Frances Goldin.
Your subscription (free or paid) will be gratefully received, and will help me continue to build ‘le Bulletin’ – the weekly newsletter of MyFrenchLife.org Magazine to be even more rich- Merci Mille Fois
What to expect:
Mornings during this week-long creative immersion will seek to spark creativity and generate fresh material with writing prompts and exercises led by Emily, an experienced travel journalist. We’ll take advantage of the picturesque surroundings to help writers find inspiration: Delve into the steampunk Ile des Machines, wander among the artists’ homes of the former fishing area of Trentemoult, or simply sit in a café to soak up moments of day-to-day life.
7+ hours
Afternoons, we will comprise gatherings with Anna for twelve hours of feedback workshops, following the time-tested Iowa Writers’ Workshop model, with an eye towards helping each participant hone their craft skills.
12+ hours
Evenings will offer optional, casual discussions of the process and business of a life dedicated to writing.
3+ hours
The price:
The cost of tuition is 450 euros. Please note that tuition does not cover accommodation, meals, or transportation to and from Nantes. That said, we’re happy to point participants in the right direction to secure these elements of their stay!
What are others saying:
“[The workshop] helped me get more comfortable with honest feedback and the personal vulnerability that comes with it.”
“Anna is an inspiring instructor, very well organized, kind and helpful beyond the call of duty. I especially appreciated the marginal notes in my manuscript.”
“I’ve taken a couple of creative writing courses in the past 4 or 5 years and have never seen so much individual interest and attention, along with concern for group feedback plus tips and techniques on the part of the instructor.”
Here’s how you can secure a place at one of these unique retreats
- We still have spots left for our – June 26 to 30 – Nantes Writer’s Workshop 2023 at a cost of 450 euros, not including lodging and transport.
- ENQUIRE HERE and don’t forget to access the promo code by using #MyFrenchLife to gain a 10% discount if you’re a MyFrenchLife member! You can join MyFrenchLife now here for free to rectify that immediately if not a MyFrenchLife member to access this preferred pricing)
Have you ever experienced a creative retreat in France? Is this the type of writing retreat you’ve been looking for? Please leave your comments and questions below.
About the Contributor
Judy MacMahon
