We hope you'll find your question addressed below. If not, feel free to shoot us an email to have your specific question answered.
What is the schedule for the weekend?
The days will be divided into workshop sessions, solo writing time, and group activities. Participants will receive a detailed schedule upon acceptance.
How much writing experience do I need?
We're looking for participants who are already familiar with writing workshops and who have had their work discussed in craft-focused settings because there won't be much time to orient you to that experience.
You don't need to have been published, but it helps if you're in a place where you're ready to submit work for publication or are working on a project with publication in mind.
Established or emerging, we want participants who enjoy thoughtful craft discussions and whose work moves us.
What is included in the cost?
450 euros includes food, lodging, and administrative fees. You take care of travel. Coming from within Europe or the UK to the Montpellier airport or by train, plan for around 200 euros for travel, which is a very high estimate.
What if I can't afford it?
If you are concerned about cost, please let us know. We are working hard to make this affordable!
We are in the process of seeking funding from sponsors to lower the cost for participants but each person should expect to pay 450 euros or less.
Are there payment plans?
We will send a payment schedule to each participant that will detail when the deposit and balance are due.
Again, we are hoping to secure additional funding from sponsors which will lower the cost of the weekend. We can also discuss payment plans, in the event that we ask you to join but you find the price prohibitive.
Will I have to share a room with others?
The small number of participants will allow each person to have their own bed but does not guarantee that each person will have her own room. Expect lots of space even if you share a room. We will be in a big, gorgeous house with a swimming pool, half an hour away from the beach, and 15 minutes away from the center of Montpellier. Think slumber party!
Will there be accommodations for people with disabilities?
Bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the ground floor of the residence and do not require stairs, but we are unfortunately not equipped to provide assistance to someone with disabilities traveling alone.
Will I have enough time for solo writing?
The days will be structured to allow several hours for solo writing.
What type of writing sample should I submit?
Please submit 10-15 pages double spaced of fiction or prose that best showcase your writing. It doesn't have to be the manuscript that you'll workshop on site.
Who will lead the workshop?
Joy and Jeannetta will alternate workshop leadership. We are heavily inspired by the insights offered by Felicia Rose Chavez in The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: How To Decolonize the Creative Classroom and Matthew Selasses in Craft in the Real World. Joy is also influenced by The Amherst Writers and Writers Method which prioritizes positive feedback in workshops.
What will the workshop format be?
Workshops will be discussion-based and will center what the writer seeks to accomplish in her work. You will not be asked to remain silent while your work is being discussed. Expect a lively conversation and practical revision tips as well as to be encouraged to trust your intuition.
What is your refund policy?
If you cannot participate or change your mind, please let us know at least one month in advance and we will issue a full refund. Only 50% will be refunded with less than a month's notice.
How do I contact you?
We can be reached at joyjeannettabwwe@gmail.com