A FEAST OF THE SENSES – WRITE IN ASTORIA
A WINTER WEEK IN A HISTORIC SEAPORT
February 2 – 9, 2020
This workshop is full! Stay tuned for information on next year’s Astoria workshop–or check out our weeks in England and France.
THE PLAN:
We’ll stay seven nights, six full days, in rainy romantic Astoria, a city of 10,000 on the Columbia River where it opens up to the Pacific. It’s the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies – historic, funky and full of character.
The funky mid-century modern Atomic Motel will be our home base. Sunday is arrival day, with a welcome gathering Sunday evening. You’ll have a private room with a queen bed. We’ll have happy hours and some meals in the fabulous 50s style lobby – where Dean Martin (okay, a cardboard version of him) holds forth daily and there’s a microphone used by both Dean and Frank Sinatra!
Downtown with its shops and cafes, museums, brewpubs, bakeries and other quirky spots is nearby and walkable. The iconic Oregon Coast restaurant Pig N’ Pancake is right next door. You can see photos of the motel and read more about it here.
Monday through Friday – writing workshop. We’ll meet from 9:30 to 12:30 each day for the “class” portion of the experience – a basic workshop format of mini-lectures from Debbie and Charlotte, in-class writing exercises, and discussion of the pieces each of you will submit. (Yes, we will give you writing assignments at the end of class each day. You came to write, right?)
In keeping with our Feast of the Senses theme, each day we’ll consider one of the five senses and its use in our writing. Here’s a start:
Monday: sight. Sea and sky, hills and houses, the colors of winter
Tuesday: sound. Foghorns hooting, sea lions barking, the mighty Columbia slapping the shore
Wednesday: taste. Salt in the air, fresh seafood on the tongue
Thursday: smell. Salt in the air, fresh seafood in the broiler
Friday: touch. Wind and water, rough and smooth, soft and scratchy
We’ll use these sensory topics to enhance and expand upon the traditional techniques of creative writing, including characterization, description, dialogue, plot, and theme. Class assignments will be applicable to a work in progress or a brand-new project. All skill levels welcome.
We’ll have some optional outings (for example, to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Astoria Column with its unparalleled views of land and water) and our last day, Saturday, you’ll be free to explore on your own.
You can read our testimonials here.
DETAILS:
The cost is $895 and includes seven nights’ lodging, complimentary continental breakfasts at the Atomic Motel, and tuition. Not included: transportation to Astoria and other meals. A deposit of $250 will hold your place; full payment required by December 31.
For more information, contact Debbie at dguyol@aol.com, or Charlotte at chardixon@comcast.net. We hope to see you there!
