June 4th to June 7th, 2020
AlteArte
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Writers
Retreat
A PLACE FOR WRITERS TO LEARN, WRITE AND MEET
WHEN /
June 4th, 2020 -
June 7th, 2020
WHERE /
ALTEA, SPAIN
ABOUT THE EVENT /
In a beautiful town along the Mediterranean, in the company of fellow writers, and with the knowledge of a prolific author, we invite you to join us for the annual AlteArte Writers Retreat taking place in June 2020!
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For our third annual Retreat, we'll be focusing on life writing/memoir writing. This year, we're adding even more writing instruction time as well as including an author-led writing excursion to ensure that attendees leave inspired and equipped to tackle their personal projects.
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Included will be a welcome lunch on the first day for attendees to get to know each other.
Everyone is welcome to attend. In previous years, we've had all levels of writers ranging from attendees who had never written at all to some who had completed manuscripts. The results have been life changing for some. The goal is to create an authentic, helpful and inspiring writing event in a non-intimidating, supportive setting for writers of all skill levels.
COURSE DESCRIPTION/
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Do you have a true story that you'd love to tell? Or are you interested in writing about events that happened in your own life but don't know where to start? Then this 'introduction to life/memoir writing' four day retreat might be just what you need to bring your project to life!
Throughout the four day course, there will be presentations, handouts, discussions and some writing exercises. We will be examining some key ideas on how to tackle writing about your life.
You will have the chance to read from your work and discuss your ideas in a safe peer group.
This retreat will be focused on writing memoirs, but you will learn skills which will improve your writing regardless of your genre.
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SCHEDULE /
Thursday, June 4th
10 AM - 1 PM
Workshop: Things to think about... and some theory
We'll take a look at five elements all good memoirs have. We'll discuss Virginia Wolfe’s ideas around memory and living life on two levels, as well as the difference between autobiography, autobiographical fiction and memoir. This will be your chance to excavate your memoir.
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1 PM - 2 PM
*One-on-One Sessions
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2 PM - 3PM
Welcome lunch for all attendees
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4 PM - 8 PM
Writing Session/Optional Excursion
Friday, June 5th
10 AM - 1 PM
Workshop: The problem with truth telling
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We'll take a look at how to deal with shame and taboo topics, also how to deal with our very unreliable and subjective memory itself, and the big subjects which scare us away. What is the truth?
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1 PM - 2 PM
One-on-One Sessions
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4 PM - 8 PM
Writing Session/Excursion with Monique
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Saturday, June 6th
10 AM - 1 PM
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Workshop:Reflective Voice or ‘the gold’
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Why bother write about your life? Resonance. Sharing your story/humanity, the subject of wisdom and what you have to pass on.
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1 PM - 2PM
One-on-One Sessions
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2 PM - 7 PM
Optional Excursion to Bodega Maserof
Sunday, June 7th
10 AM - 1 PM
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Workshop: Setting tone and writing about living people
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How to find the right voice to write about your life, honesty doesn’t equal earnest. We'll take a look at some different examples of memoirs. We'll also examine the ethics and legalities of writing a memoir and examine how much of the memoir is your story not someone else's.
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1 PM-2 PM
One-on-One Sessions
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*Following the morning workshops, the tutor will conduct 20 minute one-on-one sessions with attendees. Each attendee will receive one session.
ABOUT ALTEARTE /
AlteArte is a mojiteria and art lounge located in the heart of Altea's Casco Antiguo, just steps from the church square. It is owned and operated by Sara Wilson and David Fernandez, who view it as their duty and privilege to create a cultural hub in Altea.
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The idea for the AlteArte Writer's Retreat stemmed, partly, from AlteArte's Book Club. The members meet once a month to read and discuss a book. Whenever possible, the author is present either via Skype or in person. This personal contact with authors made Sara dream bigger, and she instantly envisioned an annual writers retreat. After fantastic retreats with RJ Ellory and Mez Packer, she is excited to offer it again to 10 attendees.
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Sara's goal is to offer writers the opportunity, environment and space to focus on their writing while at the same time arming them with the helpful instruction and personal insight from a published author.
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AlteArte will serve as the headquarters of the Writers Retreat and will be the location where attendees will meet for the daily workshops.
Our motto: Connecting Good People.