Writers' News - World of workshops

World of workshops

Bringing an international flavour to MembersÍ News, a member who divides her time between Santiago, Chile, and Toronto, Canada, writes to tell us of her foray into the world of writing workshops.

When Susan Siddeley, a subscriber since 1992, lived full-time in Chile where her husband worked as a geologist, WN was an invaluable aid for learning the craft of writing.

ïI read all the stories you tell of persistence and achievement; of the struggles people go through to get into print. Then I studied the articles, combed the columns for tips, and, stirred by winning names, sometimes entered the competitions,Í says Susan.

But, after all these years, it hasnÍt been ïmotivated, energised writingÍ that has brought brilliant reward... it was hosting a writing retreat.

A ïwonderful weekÍ on a residential course in rural Ontario in 2003 inspired her to try a similar event on her small vineyard in Santiago.

ïPablo Neruda house tours, endless Merlot and Chardonnay, a blue pool under a blue sky in southern summer (January-March) when all is flat and grey up North, would be added treats for willing participants,Í she explains.

The Los Parronales Writing Retreat has provided an unexpected swerve in her writing career: ïPrompts, critiques and gatherings round tables with like-minded people have always worked for me,Í she says, adding, ïIn 2006 my husband and I hope to host three more workshops; one for poetry and two for fiction writing.Í

For more details, e-mail Susan at: motocad@rogers.com

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