February 23, 2012

Paris Writers' Workshop

Do you have a novel or short story in progress (or the glimmer of an idea that keeps tugging at you to start typing)? Are you a poet looking for ways to shape and share your work? Are you an aspiring children's book writer, or do you have a memoir burning deep inside? Do you want to publish articles about people, places, and things that would interest a wide reading audience?

Whatever your passion, the 2012 Paris Writers' Workshop offers a creative week of practical guidance and inspiration, as well as real-world tools for the craft of writing, staying current in publishing trends, getting noticed ... and getting published.

Join us in Paris from June 24–29 for this exceptional opportunity. PWW is the longest running (22 years!) and most well-respected creative-writing workshop of its kind.

Here's what you'll experience during the week:

  • Morning small-group workshops with the writer-in-residence of your choice, depending on your genre. You'll work with this writer/group every morning, with discussions, writing exercises, and review/critique of your work in progress. 
  • Afternoon panels and workshops for the entire workshop community, focused on the tools of writing and paths to publishing (tools of the trade—a panel with our writers-in-residence, a step-by-step workshop to getting published, plot structure, eBooks, self-publishing, blogging/social media, creative nonfiction, and the role of the agent).
  • Private consultations with writing coaches and literary agents (sign up early, as these book up fast). 
  • Networking opportunities all week ... with receptions and readings to add to the fun of our PWW community. 

Samantha Chang
PWW is truly honored to have such an outstanding group of award-winning writers-in-residence this year. They not only have talent and command of the craft but also have a gift for teaching and years of experience in creative-writing workshops. They will provide you with the tools and guidance needed to shape your manuscripts and skills in practical and rewarding ways.

We welcome:
Samantha Chang (Novel)
Kate McMullan (Writing for Children/Young Adults)
Mimi Schwartz (Creative Nonfiction)
Kathleen Spivack (Poetry)
Christopher Tilghman (Craft of Fiction)

Christopher Tilghman
Find out more about their published work and experience by clicking here.

Our afternoon presentations offer the best of the Paris/New York/London writing communities. Come and hear Lorella Belli, Jami Bernard, Samantha Chang, Stephen Clarke, Sion Dayson, Mary Duncan, Gretel Furner, Terrance Gelenter, Adrian Leeds, Alexander Lobrano, Kate McMullan, Paul Schmidtberger, Mimi Schwartz, Kathleen Spivack, Christopher Tilghman, and Thirza Vallois. These presentations are free for workshop attendees and are also open to the public for a fee. For more information, click here.

Mimi Schwartz
Join the fun and meet writers from all over the world during this value-packed week. The workshop will be held this year at the American University of Paris (centrally located in the 7th arrondissement).

Find out more at www.pariswritersworkshop.org or email pww@wice-paris.org. The special discounted early bird rate is available until March 31, and the workshops are filling fast ... so don't delay.

(Please note that the PWW website does not work with some versions of Internet Explorer. We're sorry for this temporary inconvenience.)

Kate McMullan
Kathleen Spivack
We thank WICE and our sponsor OIC Books for their support of the Paris Writers' Workshop.

Posted by Meredith Mullins

February 16, 2012

Salon de l’Agriculture 2012


The annual Salon de l’Agriculture is one of the world’s largest agricultural events and it takes place right here in Paris.  Mark your calendars - it runs from February 25th until March 4th at Paris's Porte de Versailles.  

Google images
Think of it as part state fair, part trade show, and part blue-ribbon competition.  However, if you’re imagining one of those boring, old-fashioned state farm fairs, think again.  Does your state fair have over 650,000 people attend, over 3,000 animals on display, or offer foie gras sandwiches for sale?  I think not.  That’s because this is one of the world’s largest, and most important, agricultural shows.

 The Salon de l’Agriculture is all about featuring the best of France’s farms, farmers, animals, food and drink products, and the agricultural way of life.  The show occupies seven massive halls and is broken down into four aspects: live animals, crops-plants and gardening, gastronomy in France and abroad, and agriculture-related services and businesses.  

from AFP
It’s true when they say it takes days to see the whole thing.  But don't worry, because no matter how much time you have to visit, you will find something for everyone in the family - kids and adults alike.  There is an incredible variety of activities from animal competitions to gardening workshops, and even live traditional music and dance performances. 
from Small Bites




You will discover halls full of animals where the country’s premiere livestock will be on show including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and more.  You will find an amazing variety of top quality food and drink products by region (meats, sausages, ham, pates, foie gras, cheeses, wine, beer).  And just in time for spring, discover everything related to plants, flowers, gardening and farming.  Plus, you can meet the fascinating people responsible for all of these amazing things.


Check out the event's website in English here:  http://en.salon-agriculture.com/ 

The 2012 International Salon de l’Agriculture will take place from 25 February until the 4th of March at the Paris Porte de Versailles, daily from 9 am to 7 pm.  On Friday, March 2nd, it will be open until 11 pm.  

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes... and go hungry.  

Inspired to learn some new French dishes?  Then check out WICE's next cooking class on March 14th:   French Sausages & Lentils, plus Tarte au Citron Cooking Class


Submitted by Mary O'Leary, WICE cooking course director

February 9, 2012

The Red Clay of Roland Garros

No, it's not too early to start thinking about the red clay of Roland Garros. The French Open tennis tournament has become one of the "destination" spots of tennis lovers everywhere. From May 27 to June 10, you'll find all the stars ... and rising stars ... lots of red dust, and tennis fanatics from around the world.

The players work hard at Roland Garros. The slow courts and clay surface (on which you must learn to slide) make for grueling matches that tend to favor baseliners and those with stamina (and heart). Last year's winners, Rafael Nadal and Li Na showed those qualities. Rain delays are also an expected nuisance, given Paris' frequent weather changes. (Get ready to huddle with the masses under the few overhanging parts of Roland Garros, or, take the more civilized route and demand a pass to go to a nearby café.)

Tickets go on sale for the general public on February 15th. (If you're a member of the FFT—French Tennis Federation—you can buy them now.) Take a look at the schedule online and decide which days you want to go and which court you want to sit in. You can also buy just a grounds pass ... less expensive and a good investment in the first days of the tournament, as you can see some great matches on these outer courts. Ticket prices range from 17–125 euros, depending on the day, court vs grounds pass, and court #.

Poise yourself at your computer and be prepared to wait a bit, as thousands of people try to buy tickets at the same time. You'll be happy you persisted, though. It's fun to be at the stadium for all the excitement. However, if you prefer to watch at home, French television expands their channels and covers matches on almost every court.

If you just can't wait until May, you can also take a tour behind the scenes at Roland Garros. The museum is closed at the moment for renovations, but you will see the stadium, locker rooms, press room, and the temporary exhibition.

Posted by Tennis Lover Meredith Mullins