THE WRITING WORKSHOPS

The Peripatetic is known for its warm yet rigorous critiques. Maureen Brady and Martha E. Hughes each lead a writing workshop for novels, short stories or memoirs. In the workshops writers receive both written and oral critiques on a total of 50 double-spaced pages during the week. Five morning workshops are held; participants write and give readings afternoons and evenings. One day is reserved for optional sightseeing. The pages are handed out in advance; we strongly suggest participants send their pages to each other well before leaving for Sicily to free up writing time while there.

Maureen Brady's workshop, DEVELOPING YOUR STORIES, centers on shaping your stories or novels. Whether they are well underway or you are seeking to find your stories, this workshop will help you explore and develop the right form and voice to advance your work. Daily writing exercises, fruitful critiques and lots of encouragement, as well as the camaraderie of other writers, provide the inspiration and discipline needed to move forward with your writing.

Martha Hughes's workshop, Finishing What You Started, is designed to help writers rediscover their initial enthusiasm for projects started a long time ago and never finished, or to help writers maintain creative energy while working on drafts of long-standing projects. Writing exercises are tailored with individual needs in mind. The workshop is structured so that each writer receives a half hour critique each time we meet. Martha encourages honest and constructive critiques for a positive and professional group dynamic. The workshop goal is for writers to leave Sicily with more pages in hand.

"Before the workshop, I felt intimidated, not knowing anyone, but I gained valuable input from the other writers and from Martha and Maureen. The camaraderie with them and the other participants made the workshop an exciting experience, and I have never laughed so much with strangers, who are now my writing friends."
Joan Scott, January 2011