In March 2016 Prontomarcella is thrilled to welcome Jessica Barksdale Inclan who will lead a writing workshop and retreat at Il Colle in the Tuscan countryside, 30 minutes from Florence.
Our home in Tuscany, Il Colle
Jessica writes:
In this lush and lovely landscape, we will be exploring narratives: the stories you want to tell about yourself, your home, your family, your place in the world. This place can be theoretical or real. This place can be where you are now or where you want to be.
Using our setting as a jumping off point, we will discuss and study the techniques of narrative and then move into narrative in form—either poetic or fictional. As the week progresses, we will pick one story to develop, working with plot, character, dialogue and structure. Through a series of exercises, we will edit and revise. By the end of the week, you will have a story to take home with you as well as share with us.
Also, we will be workshopping one piece or idea you’ve submitted before we depart for Italy. Work will be posted on my website for reading before or during the week. Handouts and further writing exercises will be used as well.
Jessica
Workshops will take place in the mornings and some evenings while afternoons will be spent meeting local people and pursuing other creative activities in addition to visiting Florence and the picturesque hill towns.
Projected Itinerary For Writing Workshop
Dates:
Arrive on Friday, March 18, 2016
Depart on Monday March 28, 2016
10 nights
Day 1 Friday March 18
Airport pick up, arrive at our Agriturismo, Il Colle in Poggio alla Croce
Dinner prepared by Italian team
Introductions and review plan for the week
top of the duomo
Day 2 Saturday March 19
the logo from stefano’s wine shop in Panzano
Morning: free time: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Early risers: Saturday Market in Greve or San Giovanni
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon: Wine event with Stefano in his shop in Panzano
Dinner at Home, early night
Day 3 Sunday March 20
Florence was, and still is, the home and inspiration for many writers
Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon: Florence for Writers, walking tour with Cristina
Dinner at home
Evening session with Jessica
Day 4 Monday March 21
The walled city of Lucca
Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon: Visit Lucca, a walled city
Dinner at Home
Evening Session with Jessica
Day 5 Tuesday March 22
the cheese man, you will meet him at the local market
Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
Visit Weekly Market in Figline Valdarno
Afternoon: Free time in Florence, (tour of Uffizi, Accademia to be arranged), lunch on your own
Aperitivo night: “Italian Language for fun” session with Cristina
Evening session with Jessica
Day 6 Wednesday March 23
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Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon: Lunch at Le Panzenelle, near Radda
Visit Cashmere goat farm after lunch
Dinner at home
Discover your inner artist with Marcie, mixed media fun!
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Day 7 Thursday March 24
Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon/Evening: Cooking class with Zia Emile
Evening session with Jessica
Day 8 March 25 Good Friday
Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
AM: FREE TIME
Afternoon: Session with Jessica
Dinner at La Paglietta in San Polo
Easter Passion Play in Grassina, very close by
Day 9 Saturday March 26
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Morning: yoga, meditation, walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
10:30 am- 12:30 Morning session w Jessica
Afternoon: Visit Cristina’s farm – cooking and making a book in the medieval fashion, lunch
Dinner at home
Last session w Jessica
Day 10 March 27 Easter Sunday
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Morning: yoga, meditation walk on grounds
Buffet Breakfast
See the Scoppio del Carro ( Exploding of the Cart) in Florence or Figline
Dinner Party Tonight!
Day 11 Monday March 28
Transportation to Florence airport or Florence train station
If you can carve out the time, it is recommended that you stay a few extra days in Florence or take a short train ride to Venice or Rome! Marcie can help you with accommodations, itineraries etc.
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Pricing:
Includes: 10 nights at Il Colle, all workshops with Jessica, three restaurant meals, other dinners prepared and served at Il Colle, buffet breakfasts, van transportation to and from all activities and to and from airport
NOT INCLUDED: airfare, lunches, (except for Le Panzenelle in Radda)
Single Room $2500 USD*
Deposit of 400.00 due by January 31 2016
* estimated price, subject to change due to fluctuating exchange rate and group’s specialized interests that may result in itinerary additions/changes (but price should not be higher than $2500)