Writing Workshops Tuscany September 2024
Nestled in the picturesque Tuscan landscape, each workshop will accept no more than 10 participants, fostering an environment of focused learning and exchange. Upon acceptance, writers are invited to submit two pieces of their work; one will be workshopped by your peers and instructor for group feedback, while the other is reserved for a private consultation with your workshop leader, offering tailored guidance on your writing journey.
Our daily craft talks, open to all participants, are led by our faculty. Whether you’re looking to hone your voice, deepen your understanding of literary craft, or navigate the path to publication, our workshops are designed to support your goals. We are committed to treating your writing with the seriousness it deserves, teaching the craft necessary for producing impactful and enduring work that resonates with readers far beyond the confines of the workshop.
At Writing Workshops Tuscany, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s heartland, our mission is to nurture your writing from the solitary confines of the drafting table into the warmth of a vibrant community. For one week in September, we believe there is no more inspiring setting for this transformative experience than amidst the historic charm and natural beauty of Tuscany, a region celebrated for its cultural heritage and artistic spirit.
Though our admissions process is competitive and the quality of writing high, all interested writers are encouraged to apply.
September 2024 Workshop Faculty
Fiction Workshop Instructor Dr. Brandon Hobson is a 2022 Guggenheim fellow. He received his PhD from Oklahoma State University. His novel, Where the Dead Sit Talking, was a finalist for the National Book Award, winner of the Reading the West Award, and longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, among other distinctions. His short stories have won a Pushcart Prize and have appeared in The Best American Short Stories, McSweeney’s, Conjunctions, NOON, and elsewhere. He teaches creative writing at New Mexico State University and at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He is the editor in chief of Puerto del Sol. Hobson is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation Tribe of Oklahoma.
Nonfiction Workshop Instructor Chloé Cooper Jones is a professor, journalist, and the author of the memoir Easy Beauty, which was named a best book of 2022 by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, TIME Magazine, and was a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir. She was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Feature Writing in 2020. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, a Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant recipient, a Howard Foundation Fellow, and an Associate Professor of Writing at Columbia University. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Fiction Workshop Instructor Kelly Luce is the author of Three Scenarios in Which Hana Sasaki Grows a Tail (A Strange Object), winner of Foreword Review’s Editor’s Choice Prize for Fiction, and the novel Pull Me Under (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), a Book of the Month Club selection and one of Elle’s Best Books of the Year. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Chicago Tribune, The Sun, Salon, O, the Oprah Magazine, The Southern Review, and other publications; her digital short story "Between the Lines" went viral in 2022.She is the editor of the Electric Literature’s Commuter and was a 2016-17 fellow at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. In 2023, she was awarded the Wachtmeister Prize from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Lodging at Villa Sabolini
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Villa Sabolini, a historical residence of the 15th Century that has been transformed in the last 10 years into a stunning 4-Star Hotel.
Class Size
Schedule Overview
6:45 p.m. Introductory dinner at the hotel. restaurant.
Saturday, September 21 - Tuesday, September 24
Mornings: Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings.
Afternoons/Evenings: Optional afternoon seminars led by faculty or staff, followed by optional afternoon activity and dinner.
Wednesday, September 25
September 2024 Schedule Detail
Included Optional Evening Activities
Join us for an enthralling evening walk through the enchanting city of Siena, a treasure trove of medieval history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey takes us through its historic center, where the majestic Siena Cathedral and the iconic Piazza del Campo stand as testaments to its Gothic architecture and cultural richness. Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, uncover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local traditions and the history of the annual Palio horse race. Our exploration culminates with a delightful dinner at a traditional trattoria, offering a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine in the heart of Siena.
Sunday: Volterra Cooking Class
Experience the rustic beauty of Volterra with a hands-on cooking class set in the serene hills at Agriturismo Biologico Diacceroni. Dive into the heart of Tuscan culinary traditions as our skilled chefs guide you through the preparation of classic dishes, using fresh, farm-sourced ingredients. This immersive class not only teaches you the art of Tuscan cooking but also invites you to a communal dinner where we'll enjoy the dishes we've prepared together, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature.
Monday: Chianti Wine Tasting
Tuition
Tuition is $3,895.00 and includes the following:
- Lodging in your own room at Villa Sabolini for 6 days, 5 nights
- Daily free Breakfast.
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by program faculty.
- Critical feedback on writing submissions.
- Daily craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars.
- One-on-one conference with faculty.
- Siena Walking Tour on Saturday, a Volterra Cooking Class on Sunday, and a Tuscan Winery Tour and Tasting on Monday.
- Transportation to and from the Pisa International Airport (PSA). We will provide airport pickup from Pisa International Airport (PSA) on Friday, September 20th at 1:00PM. Writers may consider arriving the day before (9/19) and staying in a nearby hotel in Pisa if possible. We will also provide dropoff at Pisa International Airport (PSA) on Wednesday, September 25th, departing from the hotel at 8:30AM. We do not recommend any flights that depart before 1:00PM on September 25th unless you provide your own transportation.
- Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
Testimonials For Our Destination Retreats
"The combination of high-caliber writers and exciting locations is what drew me in. I had no idea just how life changing my time in Dublin would be. I came home with lasting friendships, meaningful memories and thoughtful suggestions to improve my work in progress. I'd recommend these workshops to any writer." -Carol D.
"When I applied for Writing Workshops Dublin, I was hoping for an inspirational experience to revitalize my writing. The workshop completely exceeded my expectations, not only because of the transformative feedback I received in the workshop but also because of the friendships I came away with. While rigorous and intensive, the week was also relaxing and full of fun, exactly what I needed to come back to my writing with energy. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! " - Alexa D.
"As someone new to writing non-fiction, I found the Dublin Workshop to be extremely helpful. Not only did I get thorough and helpful feedback on my own work, but the general group discussions on writing and publishing were very informative. Dublin also provided a perfect literary backdrop for the workshop, and the schedule - with a combination of workshop time, one-on-one time with the instructor, free time, and excursions - was perfect. I will definitely do another workshop in the future!" -Dana Z.
"Writing Workshops Dublin is wonderful in every way. Blake and Mike thought through the details of workshops, craft talks, one-on-ones, tours followed by dinners, the hotel’s location, and probably more that happened behind the scenes. They are gracious, generous, and funny! The workshop facilitators, Stuart and Diana, are personable and generous with their knowledge and experience. The other writers are now friends and writing buddies. I left Dublin full of happy memories and with a stronger vision for my novel-in-progress. Thank you for an outstanding week!" -Jenn G.
"Writing Workshops Dublin was far and beyond the best workshop I've attended in a very long time. The city of Dublin was the perfect place to home in on my current projects with a group of talented, dedicated writers. The workshop instructors were the best I've worked with. I will never forget what I gained during that short week, and will keep in touch with so many of the people I met. Thank you for an incredible experience!" -Anne H.
"I arrived in Dublin for the Writing Workshop a little uncertain about how it was going to work. It was my first time in a nonfiction workshop, and I only knew one other person. The experience exceeded my expectations: the meticulous planning and organization, the participants, and particularly, the instructors. Diana Spechler (my nonfiction workshop instructor) was a joy: straight-forward, knowledgeable, supportive and accessible. I left with a solid sense of how to approach my nonfiction work, but more importantly, I greatly appreciated Diana's support of my work in general. I would recommend the Writing Workshop in Dublin to anyone who wants to combine a week of exploration, history, new friends, and terrific instruction ." -Joanna S.
"The Dublin Workshop more than delivered on its promise. Great, insightful discussions in the workshops, an invaluable one-on-one opportunity with a world-class novelist, and a new circle of talented and supportive writing partners." -Rita M.
"The workshop exceeded my expectations. The communication was excellent leading up to it, and Writing Workshops was on top of every detail. The nonfiction workshops was incredibly instructive and helpful, and I feel I learned a lot. The hotel was in a wonderful section of Paris, and the evening activities brought us closer as a group. The whole experience was life-changing (without sounding overly dramatic) and gratifying." -Ethan J.
"I am a published novelist, critic and journalist and taking a nonfiction workshop was really out of my comfort zone. I knew I'd learn something and become a better writer because of it, but I honestly didn't think I'd do anything with creative nonfiction beyond this week. Thanks to Chloe and my wonderful, encouraging cohort, I have changed my mind and am going to pursue creative nonfiction alongside my other writing endeavors. And of course, Paris is a positively dreamy place to write, walk, eat, drink and get inspired!" -Lauren W.
"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.
"Writing Workshops in Paris was so amazing! Getting to spend all week working on essays and then by evening exploring the city on foot or bicycle?! Iconic! Loved getting to meet fellow writers, work with established literary stars, and the reading on the Seine was the perfect farewell! Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to write and explore Paris!" -Emily V.
"Writing Workshops Paris absolutely made my summer! Both the staff and the participants were lovely, and all of the workshops, seminars, and optional activities were well-planned and well-executed.It was the perfect Parisian vacation, but with a slew of great suggestions on how to improve my writing for publication, and the added take away of what I feel will be lifelong friends and professional connections. I cannot overstate how much fun I had, and I'm returning home inspired and eager to apply all of the feedback I received to my work". - Becky R.
"Writing Workshops Paris was the ultimate vehicle for me to realize my dream of finally seeing Paris, while re-igniting my passion for writing and connecting me with such a wonderful new writing community!" -Dhana M.
"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.
"Immersion into the artistic Parisian culture with a small community of like-minded aspiring writers was nothing short of inspirational. How wonderful it was to escape the ordinary, explore the extraordinary, and revel in the craft of writing --for the sheer joy of it--in the heart of beautiful Paris." -Estee C.
"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.
"WWP was the first workshop I attended. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on my book-in-progress from both Diana and my new writing community! Merci, merci." -Christina K.
"Writing Workshops Paris was my first professional workshop,and it won't be my last! Aside from the magic of being in Paris, which cannot be understated, the amazing people I met were the best part of the week. I left with unexpected friendships that I will have for life,and a fresh motivation to finish my novel. My approach to my writing has been invigorated and my motivation renewed, and I feel connected to this amazing community of writers in a way I never expected. What an amazing week of inspiration and history, great writing and incredible people. Thank you so much for a life-changing week!" -Kerrin S.
"Chloe, I want to thank you again for such a wonderful workshop. I really appreciated the time and skillset you brought as a facilitator and am very grateful for your feedback on my work, as well as recommended resources.." -Brenna K.
"The Paris workshop was inspirational. The setting was liberating as a writer, and leadership was always in good humor, organized and helpful. The feedback has given me a good direction for my work." -Janice H.
"An unforgettable time at the Paris Writing Workshop. Wonderful facilitators, knowledgable instructors. The information was so helpful to my writing. Plus, there was the unexpected joy of bonding with fellow writers. Blake and Mike did an outstanding job. My only complaint was it was too short!" -Leslie R.
"Coming to Iceland for the Workshop helped me achieve an important breakthrough in a project I've been trying to finish. The beauty of the location, the support of the writing cohort, and the quality of the instruction made all the difference!" -Lori F.
"Writing Workshops Iceland allowed me to reconnect with myself as a writer and to be in community with others who naturally understand my love for my craft. I learned. I had fun. I grew as a writer and a person. It was a perfect experience. I can't wait for the next trip!" -Bowie R.
"If you've ever thought about taking time to focus on your writing and building your writing community, don't hesitate to consider one of these writing workshops. The community we built over the week in Iceland was incredible. I'm calling this a 'trip of a lifetime' because it truly was an unforgettable experience. I will cherish this week for years to come. I cannot wait to participate in another workshop in the future. Thank you to Mike and Blake for creating such a unique and rewarding experience." Christine G.
"Writing Workshops is the perfect balance of inspirational travel and classroom camaraderie—a wonderful option for any writer with a sense of adventure who is looking to explore their work in a group setting." Isaac F.
"The Iceland Writing Workshop is a unique opportunity to hone your craft in the company of other dedicated authors, while immersed in the beauty of this intriguing island." - Jennifer C.
"I gained encouragement, inspiration, and plenty of wonderful memories during my time in Iceland!" Brenna H.
Program Staff
Executive Director Blake Kimzey worked as a bicycle tour guide in Paris in his 20s. He is the founder of WritingWorkshops.com and has an MFA from UC Irvine. Blake sits on the Board of the Elizabeth George Foundation and his fiction has been broadcast on NPR and published by Tin House, McSweeney’s, VICE, Longform, Redivider, Short Fiction, Smokelong Quarterly, Hobart, The Los Angeles Review, The Masters Review, and The Best Small Fictions. Blake’s collection of short tales, Families Among Us, was published by Black Lawrence Press. He also co-wrote, with Kyle Minor, a dramatic WWII movie about the war-time actions of Polish underground hero Jan Karski, set for production in 2024.
Operations Director Mike Franz was General Manager and Tour Guide at Fat Tire Bike Tours, Paris, for seven years. His tours were featured on Rick Steves-Paris, The Independent-UK, and the television show 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Mike taught government, economics, and public speaking for ten years at Headwaters High School in Austin, Texas, where he won teacher-of-the-year award after his first year of teaching.
Application & General FAQ
What is the application deadline?
Applications for our September 2024 Tuscan Workshops will close on April 30th, 2024. Due to volume, early applications are encouraged.
What will my application include?
- Brief bio informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community, as well as any prior or forthcoming publications (500 words max).
- Purpose statement explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops Tuscany. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that you might choose to workshop. (500 words max.)
- Writing sample excerpt. This does not have to be published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required; excerpts are acceptable. (writing sample should be no more than 3000 words max.)
- Early applications are encouraged.
When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?
We cap our workshop participation at 10 writers in each genre cohort for the week. Our goal is to provide an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to Tuscany and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. Due to the volume of applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $3,895.00. If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within 14 days. Upon acceptance, you will have the option to pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm at checkout.
What is your refund policy for the workshop in Tuscany?
Given the intimate nature of our destination workshops and our own, non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
By making your tuition payment in full, you agree to these terms.
What does tuition include?
- Lodging in your own room at Villa Sabolini for 6 days, 5 nights.
- Daily free Breakfast.
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by program faculty.
- Critical feedback on writing submissions Daily craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars.
- One-on-one conference with faculty.
- Siena Walking Tour on Saturday, a Volterra Cooking Class on Sunday, and a Tuscan Winery Tour and Tasting on Monday.
- Transportation to and from the Pisa International Airport (PSA). We will provide airport pickup from Pisa International Airport (PSA) on Friday, September 20th at 1:00PM. Writers may consider arriving the day before (9/19) and staying in a nearby hotel in Pisa if possible. We will also provide dropoff at Pisa International Airport (PSA) on Wednesday, September 25th, departing from the hotel at 8:30AM. We do not recommend any flights that depart before 1:00PM on September 25th unless you provide your own transportation.
- Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
Are Payment Plans Available?
Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this workshop. However, we do have payment plans available.
Where is the hotel and workshop venue?
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Villa Sabolini, a historical residence of the 15th Century that has been transformed in the last 10 years into a stunning 4-Star Hotel.
What is your COVID policy?
Itis the responsibility of attendees of Writing Workshops Tuscany to havethe appropriate documentation required and to meet any COVIDvaccination requirements implemented by the country of Italy.
Ifthe country of Italy forbids entry to their country for the dates ofSeptember 20th - 25th, 2024, Writing Workshops will offer a full refundfor program fees. Writing Workshops will not reimburse for any airlinetickets or additional trip-related expenses incurred. If the Tuscanywriting workshop takes place on the dates planned, no program fees willbe reimbursed, regardless of attendance.
What will you do with my email?
We respect your privacy. We won't sell or rent your email to other organizations.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly.
Terms & Conditions
Our September 2024 in-person Writing Workshop in Tuscany for fiction and nonfiction writers is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants and is not a place for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. WritingWorkshops.com defines inappropriate behavior as any conduct that undermines the integrity of the workshop, including written, verbal, or physical abuse or threats, the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions, any form of harassment, racism, sexism, or any other targeted comments which may violate any local, state, federal, or international laws, or cause harm to another participant before, during, or after the workshop, whether in-person in Tuscany, at associated events, through the WritingWorkshops.com website or social media channels, during any online component of the workshop, or through any other method of communication. WritingWorkshops.com reserves the right, at its discretion, to take appropriate action against any individual(s) or group(s) it believes do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, revoking the violating parties' admission without refund. During in-person sessions, WritingWorkshops.com expects all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, hand washing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. Should you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact WritingWorkshops.com. WritingWorkshops.com is committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying WritingWorkshops.com does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected violations of the law. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. For non-emergencies, local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the workshop materials. By registering for the workshop, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
By participating in the WritingWorkshops.com September 2024 In-Person Writing Workshop in Tuscany for fiction and nonfiction writers, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication, irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by WritingWorkshops.com or the person or entity designated to do so by WritingWorkshops.com. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the WritingWorkshops.com September 2024 In-Person Writing Workshop in Tuscany. By registering for this workshop, you agree to these terms.
By paying your tuition to attend the September 2024 Writing Workshop in Tuscany, hosted by WritingWorkshops.com, for fiction and nonfiction writers, you hereby acknowledge your participation in the event. You understand and agree that WritingWorkshops.com, its organizers, affiliates, and agents (collectively, the "Organizers") are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, damages, theft, or loss of life that may occur during the workshop or as part of any related activities. You recognize that participation in the workshop involves certain risks and you engage in these activities voluntarily, at your own risk. You hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Organizers from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, rights, or causes of action that arise from or are in any way related to any injuries, death, or damages, both physical and emotional, that may occur during or as a result of your participation in the workshop. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering and participating in the Writing Workshop in Tuscany, September 2024, organized by WritingWorkshops.com. By paying your tuition, you explicitly agree to these terms. For more information or inquiries, please contact WritingWorkshops.com.