Do you need an excuse to fly to Paris? Take a short train ride to the Loire Valley? Eat and drink fabulous food in France? Go on a truffle hunt?
…Work on your food writing skills and career goals?
Ahem. I thought so.
I’m partnering with Jamie Schler, an American food writer I’ve known for years. We’re doing a food writing workshop in the town of Chinon [SHEE-no], where she and her husband own a charming 15th Century hotel. Come join us December 7-11, 2016.
About the Instructors
Jamie has lived across the pond for more than two decades. She started her food blog Life’s a Feast in 2008, and shares thoughtful food-related stories of her life in France. Her writing has appeared in Fine Cooking and The Art of Eating, among other publications. Jamie has taught writing workshops for years and was a 2014 Saveur magazine Best Blog Award finalist for Best Writing.
As for me, recently I won the Grand Prize in Les Dames Escoffier’s annual MFK Fisher for Excellence in Culinary Writing for The Meaning of Mangoes, in Lucky Peach. The same piece won a national award from The Association of Food Journalists. The cookbook I co-wrote, The United States of Pizza, won a national cookbook award from Foreward’s IndieFab. And my book, Will Write for Food, won its third international award. If you’d like to read more, my bio is here.
A 4-Day Writing Retreat in France
During our time together, you’ll learn about several aspects of food writing and getting published, including:
- How a workshop in a cobbled French town can inspire your writing (seriously — sometimes you just have to get away)
- Techniques of today’s best food writers
- Prompts and exercises to strengthen and hone your writing
- The latest trends in blogs and cookbooks
- How to pitch publications for optimal success.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, with time for group sharing and writing alone.
At the end you’ll have private consultations with both Jamie and me about writing technique, career goals, or whever else you’d like to discuss.
And during the workshop, we’ll break up the instruction with quintessentially French experiences. We’ll dine at a winery, go on a truffle hunt, eat in Chinon’s best restaurant, and visit the local market. All from your base at a romantic boutique hotel.
Sound good? I can’t wait to hang with you. Our group will be small, between 8 and 12 people. Don’t wait to register if interested.
Cost is a reasonable $1450 US for single occupancy or $1375 per person for double occupancy. For more details on our four-day workshop, see this website page.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Jamie will also chime in.
Good evening!
Are there any payment options where we could pay in installments? This sounds delightful and I would love to make it happen!
Thank you so much!
Looks fantastic, and quite a deal for a retreat + vacation. I’m seriously tempted!
Ooh, then please come! It would be fantastic to have a pal there.
Jennie, it would be wonderful to have you join us! It’ll be a great time!
Do you have courses at other times of the year
Yes I do. They are usually listed in my newsletter and on my events page. See http://diannej.com/events/.
sounds great will try to do!!!
Oh, if only!!! Sounds absolutely amazing. And congratulations Dianne on your recent awards!
Thank you Ilana. Maybe you will move from “if only” to “Yes!”
Oh my gosh! I spent a high school exchange visit in Chinon and it is such a beautiful little town. The entire surrounding area is gorgeous.
Good to know, Fiona. It certainly looks gorgeous in Google images. I can’t wait!
That’s pretty exciting, Fiona, knowing that you were here in high school! You must come back and visit. The city is still beautiful but now (well, I don’t know how long ago you were here) we have so many excellent restaurants! You must come back!
Hi – I’ve submitted my form to register for the course, but haven’t got an email yet. I’m keen to get booked up asap as this looks great!
Oh don’t worry Katya, you will get a response. Thank you very much! I look forward to meeting you in Chinon.
Hi Diane, I am strongly considering this offer. Where would I find more details?
Hi Jaxon, thanks for your interest. The info about the workshop is here: http://www.lifesafeast.net/events-workshops/. And the registration page is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfboDjmMMX0_eN6fBlSEZo9ixSjpSFJ1l-dBNvzqd5SBMhqRQ/viewform?c=0&w=1
Hi Jaxon! Thanks for registering! I sent off your confirmation email today! Welcome aboard!
My daughter is studying in Anglet this year, all year, and I may have to use this as an excuse to visit.
Looks wonderful!
That sounds like a great excuse to me, Suzannah. Get in some time with your kid and get in some writing and learning time with us, not to mention the wining, dining and truffle hunt.
Any reason is good to visit France, right? We’d love to have you join us, Suzannah!
This sounds wonderful!…I live in N. Italy so it’s also easy to come! Do you still have space? Grazie… Faustina
Faustina, that would be terrific, since you’re so close. I think we are full, but please contact Jamie directly to find out: Jamie Schler
I just saw your registration come in, Faustina, and sent you an email!
Do you still have a spot free. I would like to join you .
I’m not sure, Marisa. Let me follow up with Jamie and have her contact you.