Hi Cary. I came to the writing retreat because I trusted my friend Mary. As you know, she’s been a fan of yours for years. She came back from her first retreat with you raving, so the following year, fate, time and opportunity afforded us the luxury to do your Italy workshop together. And bonus, another friend, Kelly, joined us as well.
I didn’t know what to expect. All I know is I was scared, excited and open to whatever happened. I’m really quite neurotic, not particularly well-traveled, or a serious writer. But all these outside events coalesced in the most superb fashion–and suddenly I was sitting on the patio courtyard of Le Santucce on a gorgeous June morning with you and a handful of other writers. During our first session, you explained the basics of how we’d write, share, what the schedule would be. You were so calm, encouraging, funny and laid back. I relaxed and realized–no one was judging, I had freedom and autonomy. There were no rules other than the Amherst method–which is a superb way to write in a small group and get feedback from others. Then you simply said, let’s begin, let’s start with writing from this sentence, “I am from…” I was blown away by how simple, elegant and deep that first prompt was. “I am from.” I typed continuously for 10 or 15 minutes. As I took in the patchwork beauty of the Tuscan countryside below, the mountains in the distance, the cat sleeping in the sun, the chalky bricks of the patio, I couldn’t believe I’d given myself this luxurious, indulgent, delicious gift. Was I really going to nurture my creativity and flex my writing muscles for the next nine days in Italy! It felt so decadent! So unlike me and my “real life” back in LA which is so mired in work, work, work, and very little time for creative pursuits. I just loved it.
I would encourage anyone who’s on the fence to just go for it! It’s a gift you can’t afford not to give yourself.
Thanks for weighing in, Joanne. I, too, trust your friend Mary from San Francisco. For me, as workshop leader, it turns out one of the reasons I do it is I meet such wonderful people and get to stay in touch with them. Now that we have moved to Italy, we do miss the U.S., but we are establishing a base here so that more people can have the kind of experience you so eloquently describe. And I hope the writing you began in the workshops continues. That was a really good description of one’s first experience of the AWA method.
Here’s why I first went to Cary’s retreat in Italy: I was lamenting to myself that I wished I were good at something creative and could go somewhere to spend some time doing that creative thing as a break from work. I then happened to see at the end of Cary’s column an ad for a writing workshop with Cary in Italy. Write! I can write! I am a writer by profession, although not a creative one. I told myself if there was still an open spot in one week, I would sign up. There was, and I did. I live in Europe so decided if I didn’t like it, I could just come home. (As one of my co-workers later pointed out, if I hadn’t liked it I could have just had a very nice vacation in Italy.)
But I did like it and have gone back every year since. It’s great fun to make stuff up. It’s even more fun (and sometimes sad and poignant and thought-provoking) to listen to the others’ writing read aloud. The Amherst Method — and Cary’s use of it — creates a safe environment to experiment. The other participants are interesting, funny, articulate, kind people who are a lot of fun to be around. So: fun.
Also, it’s Italy. I adore Castiglion Fiorentino, not just because it’s beautiful and the food is great, but because it feels like the Fiorentinos (?) are happy that this goofy group of (mostly) Americans is in their town. Le Santucce is especially welcoming.
In short, attending Cary’s writing workshops has enriched my life. I have found a creative outlet, new friends, and so much more.
What would I do differently? Not much. I am happy the length was extended from the original week so there’s more time for writing. I would keep the number of participants around a dozen so there’s plenty of time for multiple writing rounds and readings. I would keep everything else as it is.
p.s. One day, I hope to try the workshop in France.
Hi Margaret. I have enjoyed working with you online as well. And I’m enjoying following the development of your longer work, which I believe began in the workshops. And your co-worker was right–at the very least, if you come to the workshops at Le Santucce, you do at least get a very nice vacation in Italy. But everybody who comes seems to actually do a lot of writing. One thing I am now seeing, now that I have been at this a few years, is that writers develop over time, and projects develop too, over a number of years, and I feel in the next two or three years we are going to see a flowering of works that have originated in the workshops and come to fruition through steady, confident work over a period of time.
P.s. Residents of Castiglion Fiorentino are referred to as Castiglionese.
You’re right, Cary, that I have been developing a longer piece that emerged from the workshops, entirely from prompts. I had no plot or plan or even story idea in mind so it feels like magic.
I’m glad to hear this year’s workshop will be smaller to allow for more sharing. It’s probably good news, too, about the improved wifi (Leslie’s comment, below), except that I’ll need to discipline myself to not fall down the internet hole.
Thanks for letting me know it’s Castiglionese, especially because I feel like an annual honorary one. (In my dreams!)
Great to read the comments from others! Reminds me why I so enjoy the workshops and the people who attend.
I did not know you, but I knew your writing from your advice column. A lot of your personality comes through in your writing, and I guess that I liked what I saw. You seemed to be someone I could learn something from. A fellow traveler.
At the time, I had taken a year away from my career as a technical writer to join my wife on her sabbatical year in Switzerland. I thought that I would use my year away to finally write that novel that had been knocking around in my head.
I saw your advertisement for a writing workshop in Tuscany and thought it was worth mentioning to my wife. To my surprise, she was completely supportive. Living in Switzerland made the expense of getting to the workshop very reasonable, and the cost of the course itself was completely reasonable, almost inexpensive.
What did I get out of it? It reignited in me the things about writing that I love. The eyes of my eyes were opened, to borrow a quote.
What would I change? Nothing against the couple who we shared an apartment with, but I’d probably want a space of my own the next time around. And yes, I’m hoping that there will be a next time around. It was a wonderful experience and I’d go again in a New York minute.
Hi John, in the summer of 2013 you came to our first Italian workshop in that rather grand agriturismo in Camucia, and that was a great adventure for all of us. . At that first retreat, I really enjoyed the potlucks and the pool! And the feeling of camaraderie that came over the group, sharing meals and being out in the country. (It was a courageous choice to share an apartment, and sometimes it works out better than others.)
With all the driving to the grocery store, and the caravanning for trips to restaurants, Norma looked for a place closer to the main train line, restaurants and stores, and found Le Santucce and since 2014 we’ve been holding our retreats here. Then, in fall 2015, we ended up moving here.
As to writing, I came to love the subject of your book and continue to think about it from time to time, hoping that it is evolving well. Having a year off to turn to creative pursuits is a true gift in life, and I’m glad I was able to offer some support to your dream. I too have worked for a long time on the same piece and know what that is like.
You would love it here at Le Santucce! Nice mid-priced restaurants all up and down the street. Serene but populated. I hope you and Jenny can come join us again sometime. Most of the rooms these days at Le Santucce are singles, but we do still make sharing an option.
And I hope that the hero of your novel prevails.
Best to you both!–ct
Hi Cary,
You asked, so I’m sharing.
Why did I come to your writing retreat in France?
Well, first of all, it was in FRANCE! I haven’t been to your Italy retreat yet, but in that case, Italy, for me, would be my first draw. After all, it is a retreat, so atmosphere, change of pace, a different language and food, equate to a retreat from my daily life. Had you held this in the States, I doubt I would have gone. Europe, anywhere, is a draw for me. I had already planned to be in France and was looking for a way to extend my holiday, and your retreat was the *Perfect* solution.
The second reason I picked your France retreat was that we would be living in a chateau for a week. How many times in your life does that opportunity come up? Plus, you provided all the meals. Chateau life AND I don’t have to cook? Can it get any better than that? Surprisingly, yes!
The grounds of Chateau du Pin are so peaceful and gorgeous, it was like going back in time. Wandering the laneways at leisure, listening to the birds, catching glimpses of deer and being served the most delicious meals, I felt like Jane Austen or Lady Grantham. I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the meals – maybe typical hotel continental breakfasts and buffet lunches and dinners. HA! Not where you and Norma are concerned. Every meal was spectacular! Family style around a large table in a grand dining room with a fireplace. Breakfasts of local croissants and baked goods, eggs, some wonderful casserole or flan or delight of the day, and similar fare for lunch. And four-course dinners (or was it five?) of local specialties catered by a talented chef. Being a vegetarian usually means I pick around meat options, but not here. Norma ensured my needs were accommodated wonderfully.
The final reason I joined your writing retreat was simply because I was specifically look for a writing retreat. Why a writing retreat? Why else but to hone my craft, gain confidence in my style, and get feedback from fellow writers. A writer’s life can be quite solitary so a writing retreat offers a fresh perspective and a chance to learn from other writers, while also offering the opportunity to focus on nothing but writing for a concentrated period of time. A gift to oneself that anyone serious about writing should take advantage of.
What I wasn’t sure of was Cary Tennis.
What would I learn? How would he teach? What could I gain from him and his method?
Thankfully, Cary did not disappoint.
From Cary and the group, I gained confidence in my writing. Cary establishes a safe and nurturing atmosphere where a writer feels comfortable sharing newly written work. Feedback, from Cary and the other members, was positive and encouraging. Cary also offered each of us individual time to discuss our work and get his suggestions for direction and improvement. Getting personal feedback from an experienced writer such as Cary is worth the price of admission alone.
Cary’s quiet, thoughtful manner allowed each writer, regardless of genre, to feel heard and validated. His daily prompts and guided direction allowed for exploration beyond where I would normally explore with my writing which helped me flex my creative muscles; something a business writer gets limited opportunity to do.
I also gained wonderful friendships. It’s hard to believe that you can get so close to people in a week, but in an atmosphere of safe sharing, lasting connections grow quickly.
For me, Cary and Norma’s France retreat was the perfect balance of get-away, connection, professional growth, free-time, great food and self-growth.
If you’re considering attending one of Cary’s retreats, you owe it to yourself to go. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks, Carolin. I’m glad you mentioned this: “The second reason … was that we would be living in a chateau for a week. How many times in your life does that opportunity come up?” Exactly! When Norma first showed me pictures of the Château du Pin and said we could book this place for a workshop, I felt certain about it. Because it’s a friggin’ château! I mean it’s an enormous and beautiful place, and there is something ennobling about being in a place like that. For me, anyway. And for you. And for enough others. I wrote a lot in that place. I wrote some poetry which I don’t always do. I felt lifted up by it. And of course the food.
So thank you for your very elegant tribute to a wonderful experience. It was a good workshop and much good work began there and I hope it continues. Keep me informed.
(Oh, and I know this is irrelevant, but this time I ate deliciously well every day and came home five pounds lighter. What? I don’t even know how that happened!)
Hey Cary, so nice to hear from you!
I come to the retreats for a couple of reasons. Foremost, at home my writing life gets sidelined as often as not. It’s rare for me to get to settle into a concentrated routine where I can just work, and follow my ideas with a steady rhythm, instead of the staccato of stolen moments.
Next, I love the atmosphere you consistently create. Each person feels very present. We all really see and hear each other, no one is less important, or less heard. And since people come in with such a wide variety of voices and projects, it’s a bit miraculous. The Amherst Method says every person is born with creative genius, and at your retreats, the truth of this is tangible. I love that.
Last – and there are more reasons, but I’ll hold it to three – the whole business of going to Europe to write is a huge commitment that reinforces my ability to work consistently. You can make a huge commitment at home, like “I will not have food or a fire till the novel’s done or the cops drag me out!” but that sort of thing doesn’t really help. Going to Europe, waking every morning in a tower over the unbelievable beauty of the Tuscan countryside, or walking under the moon through the rose garden feeds the writer, the writing, the commitment.
What did I get out of it? Many pages of manuscript. Community. Not just community of ideas, but also of shared experiences. Friendship. A renewed sense of who I am as a writer.
Thank you for all that.
Oh, right, negatives? You really need to get the wifi to be consistent. It was iffy at le Santucce and at the Chateau. I know ancient stone buildings are not conducive to strong signals, but wires and repeaters would solve this. In both cases the service wasn’t really under your own direct control, but maybe it could be?
Hi Leslie, it’s good to hear from you. We’ve known each other a long time and I think you put it so well: “a steady rhythm, instead of the staccato of stolen moments.” I love that. And going to Europe really does tend to focus one. Like the participants, I also fall into a rhythm when I am leading the retreat, because being among all these people who have decided to focus on the writing gets me focused, too.
“Oh, right, negatives?” you say. “You really need to get the wifi to be consistent.” That gives me an idea. Not having hardwired Internet service here in our apartment in Castiglion Fiorentino, on the Piazza del Municipio, we have gotten from the TIM store a Chiavetta, or little “key” which is basically a portable cellular Internet wifi device. Did I say “portable”? Yes, I did. I was on the train to Florence the other day and there’s somebody with their Chiavetta sitting on the windowsill. It has a battery inside and is charged by USB. So if we have future Internet connectivity “challenges” at Château du Pin or elsewhere, we can get a Chiavetta to provide wifi in the house.
Incidentally, Alfeo at Le Santucce has done a marvelous job of installing repeaters in every room, so the days of going to the lobby to hunch over your laptop for some email are gone. Le Santucce is one big Internet hotspot now! Yowza!–ct
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Latest news!!!
To keep up with my work as a writer and with my workshops, subscribe to my newsletter: it’s the best way to stay in touch! Be the first one to know about my next workshop or my next publication…
Hi Cary. I came to the writing retreat because I trusted my friend Mary. As you know, she’s been a fan of yours for years. She came back from her first retreat with you raving, so the following year, fate, time and opportunity afforded us the luxury to do your Italy workshop together. And bonus, another friend, Kelly, joined us as well.
I didn’t know what to expect. All I know is I was scared, excited and open to whatever happened. I’m really quite neurotic, not particularly well-traveled, or a serious writer. But all these outside events coalesced in the most superb fashion–and suddenly I was sitting on the patio courtyard of Le Santucce on a gorgeous June morning with you and a handful of other writers. During our first session, you explained the basics of how we’d write, share, what the schedule would be. You were so calm, encouraging, funny and laid back. I relaxed and realized–no one was judging, I had freedom and autonomy. There were no rules other than the Amherst method–which is a superb way to write in a small group and get feedback from others. Then you simply said, let’s begin, let’s start with writing from this sentence, “I am from…” I was blown away by how simple, elegant and deep that first prompt was. “I am from.” I typed continuously for 10 or 15 minutes. As I took in the patchwork beauty of the Tuscan countryside below, the mountains in the distance, the cat sleeping in the sun, the chalky bricks of the patio, I couldn’t believe I’d given myself this luxurious, indulgent, delicious gift. Was I really going to nurture my creativity and flex my writing muscles for the next nine days in Italy! It felt so decadent! So unlike me and my “real life” back in LA which is so mired in work, work, work, and very little time for creative pursuits. I just loved it.
I would encourage anyone who’s on the fence to just go for it! It’s a gift you can’t afford not to give yourself.
Thanks for weighing in, Joanne. I, too, trust your friend Mary from San Francisco. For me, as workshop leader, it turns out one of the reasons I do it is I meet such wonderful people and get to stay in touch with them. Now that we have moved to Italy, we do miss the U.S., but we are establishing a base here so that more people can have the kind of experience you so eloquently describe. And I hope the writing you began in the workshops continues. That was a really good description of one’s first experience of the AWA method.
Here’s why I first went to Cary’s retreat in Italy: I was lamenting to myself that I wished I were good at something creative and could go somewhere to spend some time doing that creative thing as a break from work. I then happened to see at the end of Cary’s column an ad for a writing workshop with Cary in Italy. Write! I can write! I am a writer by profession, although not a creative one. I told myself if there was still an open spot in one week, I would sign up. There was, and I did. I live in Europe so decided if I didn’t like it, I could just come home. (As one of my co-workers later pointed out, if I hadn’t liked it I could have just had a very nice vacation in Italy.)
But I did like it and have gone back every year since. It’s great fun to make stuff up. It’s even more fun (and sometimes sad and poignant and thought-provoking) to listen to the others’ writing read aloud. The Amherst Method — and Cary’s use of it — creates a safe environment to experiment. The other participants are interesting, funny, articulate, kind people who are a lot of fun to be around. So: fun.
Also, it’s Italy. I adore Castiglion Fiorentino, not just because it’s beautiful and the food is great, but because it feels like the Fiorentinos (?) are happy that this goofy group of (mostly) Americans is in their town. Le Santucce is especially welcoming.
In short, attending Cary’s writing workshops has enriched my life. I have found a creative outlet, new friends, and so much more.
What would I do differently? Not much. I am happy the length was extended from the original week so there’s more time for writing. I would keep the number of participants around a dozen so there’s plenty of time for multiple writing rounds and readings. I would keep everything else as it is.
p.s. One day, I hope to try the workshop in France.
Hi Margaret. I have enjoyed working with you online as well. And I’m enjoying following the development of your longer work, which I believe began in the workshops. And your co-worker was right–at the very least, if you come to the workshops at Le Santucce, you do at least get a very nice vacation in Italy. But everybody who comes seems to actually do a lot of writing. One thing I am now seeing, now that I have been at this a few years, is that writers develop over time, and projects develop too, over a number of years, and I feel in the next two or three years we are going to see a flowering of works that have originated in the workshops and come to fruition through steady, confident work over a period of time.
P.s. Residents of Castiglion Fiorentino are referred to as Castiglionese.
You’re right, Cary, that I have been developing a longer piece that emerged from the workshops, entirely from prompts. I had no plot or plan or even story idea in mind so it feels like magic.
I’m glad to hear this year’s workshop will be smaller to allow for more sharing. It’s probably good news, too, about the improved wifi (Leslie’s comment, below), except that I’ll need to discipline myself to not fall down the internet hole.
Thanks for letting me know it’s Castiglionese, especially because I feel like an annual honorary one. (In my dreams!)
Great to read the comments from others! Reminds me why I so enjoy the workshops and the people who attend.
I did not know you, but I knew your writing from your advice column. A lot of your personality comes through in your writing, and I guess that I liked what I saw. You seemed to be someone I could learn something from. A fellow traveler.
At the time, I had taken a year away from my career as a technical writer to join my wife on her sabbatical year in Switzerland. I thought that I would use my year away to finally write that novel that had been knocking around in my head.
I saw your advertisement for a writing workshop in Tuscany and thought it was worth mentioning to my wife. To my surprise, she was completely supportive. Living in Switzerland made the expense of getting to the workshop very reasonable, and the cost of the course itself was completely reasonable, almost inexpensive.
What did I get out of it? It reignited in me the things about writing that I love. The eyes of my eyes were opened, to borrow a quote.
What would I change? Nothing against the couple who we shared an apartment with, but I’d probably want a space of my own the next time around. And yes, I’m hoping that there will be a next time around. It was a wonderful experience and I’d go again in a New York minute.
Hi John, in the summer of 2013 you came to our first Italian workshop in that rather grand agriturismo in Camucia, and that was a great adventure for all of us. . At that first retreat, I really enjoyed the potlucks and the pool! And the feeling of camaraderie that came over the group, sharing meals and being out in the country. (It was a courageous choice to share an apartment, and sometimes it works out better than others.)
With all the driving to the grocery store, and the caravanning for trips to restaurants, Norma looked for a place closer to the main train line, restaurants and stores, and found Le Santucce and since 2014 we’ve been holding our retreats here. Then, in fall 2015, we ended up moving here.
As to writing, I came to love the subject of your book and continue to think about it from time to time, hoping that it is evolving well. Having a year off to turn to creative pursuits is a true gift in life, and I’m glad I was able to offer some support to your dream. I too have worked for a long time on the same piece and know what that is like.
You would love it here at Le Santucce! Nice mid-priced restaurants all up and down the street. Serene but populated. I hope you and Jenny can come join us again sometime. Most of the rooms these days at Le Santucce are singles, but we do still make sharing an option.
And I hope that the hero of your novel prevails.
Best to you both!–ct
Hi Cary,
You asked, so I’m sharing.
Why did I come to your writing retreat in France?
Well, first of all, it was in FRANCE! I haven’t been to your Italy retreat yet, but in that case, Italy, for me, would be my first draw. After all, it is a retreat, so atmosphere, change of pace, a different language and food, equate to a retreat from my daily life. Had you held this in the States, I doubt I would have gone. Europe, anywhere, is a draw for me. I had already planned to be in France and was looking for a way to extend my holiday, and your retreat was the *Perfect* solution.
The second reason I picked your France retreat was that we would be living in a chateau for a week. How many times in your life does that opportunity come up? Plus, you provided all the meals. Chateau life AND I don’t have to cook? Can it get any better than that? Surprisingly, yes!
The grounds of Chateau du Pin are so peaceful and gorgeous, it was like going back in time. Wandering the laneways at leisure, listening to the birds, catching glimpses of deer and being served the most delicious meals, I felt like Jane Austen or Lady Grantham. I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as the meals – maybe typical hotel continental breakfasts and buffet lunches and dinners. HA! Not where you and Norma are concerned. Every meal was spectacular! Family style around a large table in a grand dining room with a fireplace. Breakfasts of local croissants and baked goods, eggs, some wonderful casserole or flan or delight of the day, and similar fare for lunch. And four-course dinners (or was it five?) of local specialties catered by a talented chef. Being a vegetarian usually means I pick around meat options, but not here. Norma ensured my needs were accommodated wonderfully.
The final reason I joined your writing retreat was simply because I was specifically look for a writing retreat. Why a writing retreat? Why else but to hone my craft, gain confidence in my style, and get feedback from fellow writers. A writer’s life can be quite solitary so a writing retreat offers a fresh perspective and a chance to learn from other writers, while also offering the opportunity to focus on nothing but writing for a concentrated period of time. A gift to oneself that anyone serious about writing should take advantage of.
What I wasn’t sure of was Cary Tennis.
What would I learn? How would he teach? What could I gain from him and his method?
Thankfully, Cary did not disappoint.
From Cary and the group, I gained confidence in my writing. Cary establishes a safe and nurturing atmosphere where a writer feels comfortable sharing newly written work. Feedback, from Cary and the other members, was positive and encouraging. Cary also offered each of us individual time to discuss our work and get his suggestions for direction and improvement. Getting personal feedback from an experienced writer such as Cary is worth the price of admission alone.
Cary’s quiet, thoughtful manner allowed each writer, regardless of genre, to feel heard and validated. His daily prompts and guided direction allowed for exploration beyond where I would normally explore with my writing which helped me flex my creative muscles; something a business writer gets limited opportunity to do.
I also gained wonderful friendships. It’s hard to believe that you can get so close to people in a week, but in an atmosphere of safe sharing, lasting connections grow quickly.
For me, Cary and Norma’s France retreat was the perfect balance of get-away, connection, professional growth, free-time, great food and self-growth.
If you’re considering attending one of Cary’s retreats, you owe it to yourself to go. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks, Carolin. I’m glad you mentioned this: “The second reason … was that we would be living in a chateau for a week. How many times in your life does that opportunity come up?” Exactly! When Norma first showed me pictures of the Château du Pin and said we could book this place for a workshop, I felt certain about it. Because it’s a friggin’ château! I mean it’s an enormous and beautiful place, and there is something ennobling about being in a place like that. For me, anyway. And for you. And for enough others. I wrote a lot in that place. I wrote some poetry which I don’t always do. I felt lifted up by it. And of course the food.
So thank you for your very elegant tribute to a wonderful experience. It was a good workshop and much good work began there and I hope it continues. Keep me informed.
(Oh, and I know this is irrelevant, but this time I ate deliciously well every day and came home five pounds lighter. What? I don’t even know how that happened!)
Hey Cary, so nice to hear from you!
I come to the retreats for a couple of reasons. Foremost, at home my writing life gets sidelined as often as not. It’s rare for me to get to settle into a concentrated routine where I can just work, and follow my ideas with a steady rhythm, instead of the staccato of stolen moments.
Next, I love the atmosphere you consistently create. Each person feels very present. We all really see and hear each other, no one is less important, or less heard. And since people come in with such a wide variety of voices and projects, it’s a bit miraculous. The Amherst Method says every person is born with creative genius, and at your retreats, the truth of this is tangible. I love that.
Last – and there are more reasons, but I’ll hold it to three – the whole business of going to Europe to write is a huge commitment that reinforces my ability to work consistently. You can make a huge commitment at home, like “I will not have food or a fire till the novel’s done or the cops drag me out!” but that sort of thing doesn’t really help. Going to Europe, waking every morning in a tower over the unbelievable beauty of the Tuscan countryside, or walking under the moon through the rose garden feeds the writer, the writing, the commitment.
What did I get out of it? Many pages of manuscript. Community. Not just community of ideas, but also of shared experiences. Friendship. A renewed sense of who I am as a writer.
Thank you for all that.
Oh, right, negatives? You really need to get the wifi to be consistent. It was iffy at le Santucce and at the Chateau. I know ancient stone buildings are not conducive to strong signals, but wires and repeaters would solve this. In both cases the service wasn’t really under your own direct control, but maybe it could be?
Hi Leslie, it’s good to hear from you. We’ve known each other a long time and I think you put it so well: “a steady rhythm, instead of the staccato of stolen moments.” I love that. And going to Europe really does tend to focus one. Like the participants, I also fall into a rhythm when I am leading the retreat, because being among all these people who have decided to focus on the writing gets me focused, too.
“Oh, right, negatives?” you say. “You really need to get the wifi to be consistent.” That gives me an idea. Not having hardwired Internet service here in our apartment in Castiglion Fiorentino, on the Piazza del Municipio, we have gotten from the TIM store a Chiavetta, or little “key” which is basically a portable cellular Internet wifi device. Did I say “portable”? Yes, I did. I was on the train to Florence the other day and there’s somebody with their Chiavetta sitting on the windowsill. It has a battery inside and is charged by USB. So if we have future Internet connectivity “challenges” at Château du Pin or elsewhere, we can get a Chiavetta to provide wifi in the house.
Incidentally, Alfeo at Le Santucce has done a marvelous job of installing repeaters in every room, so the days of going to the lobby to hunch over your laptop for some email are gone. Le Santucce is one big Internet hotspot now! Yowza!–ct