Under the Volcano is a working break designed for writers who are ready to come up for air in an atmosphere of focused and generous critique. Convening in the foothills of central Mexico, in a setting of great beauty and cultural depth, we spend a week together outside ordinary time, in a program designed to stimulate both mind and heart. All our workshops combine high-level literary interaction with ample opportunity for relaxation, discovery and solitude.
Our roots in the village of Tepoztlán enable us to offer our participants an insider's look at one of Mexico's most beautiful and historically rich pueblos, one that has maintained its pre-Hispanic dignity through an impressive array of traditions and proud resistance to over-development.
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Philosophy
Our workshops are led by recognized writers with a commitment to the art of teaching and an ear for the individual voice of each participant. Our aim is to invite substantive, useful critique based on each person's artistic intent, not to impose aesthetic choices of our own. The members of each workshop are expected to respond to one another's work in the same spirit. While our workshops differ in format, they share a common goal: to offer highly motivated individuals an intensely sympathetic reading of their work, with strategic suggestions for revision. |
All Under the Volcano Programs Offer:
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Writing Master Classes
Like musical master classes, our master classes assume a high degree of talent and accomplishment in every member. Participants have significant experience as writers, with many if not most already published. UTV master classes are intended for advanced writers eager for professional critique and the response of peers & colleagues. While the emphasis is on fiction and poetry, we also welcome participants from the realms of memoir and non-fiction prose. Workshops meet every morning for two hours, with individual conferences scheduled throughout the week. Read more...
Participation by submission only.
Workshops limited to 8.
The Shape of an Idea
An intensive lab for professionals from any field with ideas whose narrative shape would benefit from a process of discussion and editorial critique. Participants meet every morning as a group, then write on their own each afternoon, revising and generating new work for distribution later in the day. Individual conferences are held as needed throughout the week. The Shape of an Idea is designed to yield each participant 15-20 pages of thoroughly revised work. The result may be the final draft of a short work or a significant portion of something larger. Read more...
Cover letter required with application.
Workshops limited to 6.
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Questions? Email us at info@underthevolcano.org