Teaching at a Food Blogger Connect workshop in London last year (Photo courtesy of Sarka Babicka).
You can get a lot done online, but sometimes great opportunities come from face-to-face, particularly at conferences. Here is how my upcoming Dubai workshop in October came about:
Last summer I did a writing workshop at Food Blogger Connect in London (see this year’s conference July 5-6, with keynoter David Lebovitz). I was there because chef Dorcas Berry had invited me to Ireland on Twitter for a workshop, so I could combine trips after the London invitation arrived by email. How’s that for two amazing opportunities that came from online?
Now for the face-to-face. In London last year, some of my workshop students came to the conference from Dubai (including Sally Prosser of My Custard Pie and Samantha Wood of FooDiva). Organizer Bethany Kehdy and I started talking about Dubai. She said she was intrigued and would think about doing a workshop there with me. So this January, Bethany went to Dubai and scoped it out, talking with food bloggers about an event.
And on October 4, I will do a full-day writing workshop in Dubai! I can’t write this without wanting to scream with excitement. My colleague, the esteemed food writer Martha Holmberg, will c0-teach a workshop the following day, with photographer Ellen Silverman. The FBC DxB Roaming Workshops are open to 20 people, so it will be a cozy group. My class will focus on writing craftsmanship in the morning and getting published in the afternoon.
Need an excuse to come to Dubai?
I am so grateful to people like Dorcas and Bethany (and Amanda too, in Australia) who invite me to travel the world and meet fellow writers and bloggers. What a life!
See you next week. I’m having a glorious time at Rancho La Puerta this week, teaching classes on writing.
Dear Dianne,
Yup! You are definitely living the life – and well deserved, too. Proving that The American Dream is alive and well… hard work and determination will bring the world to your feet. Good for you! Dubai would be an incredible place to visit. We have traveled through many countries, but that isn’t even on our list right now… not that I wouldn’t jump at the opportunity in a second. It is so expensive to get into the country as a Canadian that we are deterred at the onset and will wait for that to pass. I hope you take extra time to explore the entire area and soak in the luxury of the country while there. No just popping in an out!
Can’t wait to read about what you eat while you are there.
🙂
Valerie
What a lovely message, Valerie. Thank you so much. I’m a little nervous about how expensive it is there, but I’m not the type to spend the trip in air-conditioned malls and expensive restaurants. I hope that cancels out the worst stuff.
I was lucky to be one of the people who attended your workshop. It was very inspiring and I am still thinking how to get you to Provence! Will have to talk to Bethany.
Ooh — Provence! I’m imagining warm summer winds and hill towns. Let’s figure that out, Angela. Seriously.
Wow, that the coolest thing ever. It’s true when they say if your out there working at great things happen. This is a perfect example of that. I would love to go to Dubai to your workshop, but time and money kinda get in the way… Maybe someday. 🙂
Yeah, I can understand that, Susan. Probably almost all the attendees will be from the city itself. Lots of bloggers there.
ps. I’m the blurry one in the background of your picture with red hair and glasses!!
Oh right! Thanks for saying hi, Angela. So glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you at another one.
Bravo. Have a great time. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about this intriguing place. Hope that you get locals in your workshop as well.
Thank you! I think it will be mostly locals, Elizabeth. I’m hoping one of the food bloggers there takes me on a tour.
Well done, Dianne. It’s fun to eat your way around the world!
Thank you. You should know about “eating your way around the world,” Kitty. What a great way to have a career.
Oh Dianne, if I could think of a way to swing a trip to Dubai I’d be there in a heartbeat. Congratulations, I’m sure it will be amazing.
Ah thanks Amanda. It’s kind of a long way from Australia, but of course it would be so much fun to see you there. Either that or you have to come back to the States soon.
I seriously can’t wait for your visit Dianne and the opportunity to have a WHOLE day learning with you here. Given the excitement within Fooderati, I’d be surprised if the course isn’t booked up already! Appreciate the shout out. Just a note for Valerie of Canadian Foodie, Canadians can now enter the UAE with visa on arrival eliminating those hefty costs – hope this may sway you to come 🙂 http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/visa/canadians-can-enter-uae-with-visa-on-arrival-1.1195884
Thanks Samantha. We’re equally excited about it, I think! And thanks for the tip for my fellow Canadians, should they feel a trip to the UAE coming on anytime soon.
Dianne, I am so, so happy and excited for you to have this opportunity to share your skills and know-how. Cannot wait to hear all about it –
Thanks so much Liz. Hope you and Larry are well and coming to the Bay Area to visit soon.
Jealous of Dubai, but I did get to take a press trip to Ireland last month, so I’ll be content!
Well that’s pretty cool, Kelly. I had a spectacular trip to Ireland and suspect you had the same.
You are living the dream lady. Great news. I can’t wait to see what the other side of the world is writing about. 🙂
Thanks Maureen. If you click on the link to Dubai food bloggers you can see right now what they are writing about!
Fantastic news. I’ve got a trip planned around that time, but trying to change it so I can attend. Sally and Samantha have both told me I must sign up!
I hope it’s not too much trouble, Sarah. Hope to see you there. I can’t wait to meet Dubai bloggers.
That’s wonderful news for us in Dubai! I’m hoping to attend if there is still space.
Wonderful, Irini. I look forward to meeting you there and finding out more about food blogging in Dubai.
Thank for informations, I am extremely impressed you write style
You’re welcome.
thats a womderful news
I loved Dubai! What a fantastic food scene you have there.
Dianne jacob,
I am glad you loved my blog and my work Thanks.
Regards
Regards to you too! About to use the organic camel milk soap one of the workshop attendees gave me, and thinking of the great time I had in Dubai.
Wow ! Great News i must say you must try Crescendo Dubai – Explore the New World of Oils, Vinegar and Spices, You will really going to love it, you get find details on my Blog.
Okay, will take a look.