Writing Master Classes in Tepoztlán: Fiction, Memoir and Poetry - December 30, 2011-January 8, 2012
A weeklong immersion for experienced writers with manuscripts ready for
critique. Separate workshops limited to eight writers each make our master
classes an instant community of readers unusual both for its diversity of
origin and the literary caliber of its members. Participants to date have
come from Mexico and across the US as well as elsewhere in the English-speaking world,
and have consistently praised not just our faculty but the quality of the
interaction with the other writers in their workshop. We also accept a small
number writing in Spanish, provided they have a deep enough knowledge of
English to insure full participation in the group. UTV director Magda Bogin, translator of Isabel Allende's House of the Spirits, works closely with all participants whose work is either in Spanish or bilingual.
Workshops typically meet every morning for 2-3 hours; individual follow-up conferences are
normally scheduled later the same day, often over coffee or a
drink at a local café. With the middle of the day
unscheduled, there are ample opportunities throughout the week for
writing, relaxation (see program overview) and for exchanging
manuscripts across the separate workshops. After-dinner readings by
faculty and workshop participants are held alternate evenings in local
bars and restaurants. Work to be discussed in Tepoztlán is
submitted in advance to all participants by email, with hard copy
distributed on site. In order to make the most of this unique
convergence in time, participants are encouraged to think
strategically about the work they select, and to include a cover
letter to their fellow writers highlighting their aims, concerns and
questions.
Our week begins with a sunset reception on arrival and culminates with
an optional group climb to the pyramid at the top of the Tepozteco and
a gala reading and dinner.
Registration for our writing master classes
is by submission only.
Please read our guidelines carefully before applying.
UNDER THE VOLCANO MASTER CLASSES
December 30, 2011-January 8, 2012
Bilingual Fiction/Memoir: Magda Bogin
Fiction (TBA)
Poetry (TBA)
Cost: $1195 plus lodging
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Year-Round Cyber Workshops with Magda Bogin
The success of Under the Volcano's writing master classes, along with the advent of Skype, prompted several alumni to request a way to continue their writing with the same kind of support and critique they found in our Mexico retreats. Thus our beautiful ongoing Pods were born. The name was the inspiration of talented memoirist David Friedlander, who imagined three writers as close as peas in a pod while also invoking the cyber image of a small workspace where writing could thrive.
Pod members have come from all walks of life and have worked on projects ranging from memoir to short stories to essays and novels. A minimum commitment of three months is required, although members typically remain much longer as their work unfolds and their connection to the others in their Pod grows stronger. Occasionally, Pod members have arranged to meet face to face for a more intensive and real-time retreat, either in our village base of Tepoztlán or elswhere, by mutual agreement. Pod members convene twice a month via Skype, with email submissions to all members in advance. Each participant also has twice monthly phone conferences with workshop leader Magda Bogin.
JOIN A POD!
Email us for application guidelines.
Cost: $500/month with three-month minimum commitment
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The Shape of An Idea
A writing lab specifically designed for professionals with ideas that
are still in a relatively early stage, The Shape of An Idea is
an ideal program for those prepared to commit themselves to a week of
intense, highly focused work. While projects brought to this workshop
may ultimately turn into fiction, the operating premise is that
participants will bring the seeds of articles, proposals, memoirs,
even books.
The program begins with a weekend of brainstorming that segues into
five days of workshops and writing, with continuous opportunities for
criticism and revision. Workshops convene each morning, with
afternoons devoted to writing and individual editorial conferences.
The combination of group and individual critique is intended to yield
each participant 15-20 pages of throughly revised work. Depending on
the nature of the project, the result may be the final draft of a
short work or a significant portion of something larger. Our sessions
culminate with a group climb to the pyramid above the village and a
gala evening at the Posada del Tepozteco.
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"One of the most stimulating aspects was the diverse and talented mix
of participants; as a group we made up a whole range of ages,
backgrounds, outlooks, so there was never a lack of lively
conversation or interesting viewpoints."
"I came away with a great many new insights not only on the craft of
writing, but also on techniques for teaching my own classes, which
was an unexpected plus."
"I'm still suffused with the warmth of Tepoztlán and the
support of the group. The schedule offered just the right blend of
work and holiday, and the right balance of group and independent
meals. Best of all was the good will and generosity of all involved
— the faculty as well as the participants."
"As a mother and a teacher constantly stretching to take care
of others, I felt incredibly nourished and cared for, leaving me
free to read, write, walk, swim, explore, immerse myself in the week
in Tepoztlán."
"What stands out: your incredible attention to details —
everything from the sign our driver would hold at the airport to the
lovely folder of info by our bed, to the basket of nuts and sweets,
to the backpack lunches."
"The unexpected beauty of the village and the Posada left me
spellbound; I'm still walking those cobblestoned streets, up the
steep hills, turning a corner and stopping, dumbstruck at the bright
colors of the 'papel picado' paper streamers festooning the streets
and houses, hearing the electronic christmas carols chirruping out
of one small backyard nativity scene after another. All of it an
enormous gift."
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