Workshops in Provence
Is This For Me?
As with any creative endeavour, no one can answer this question in advance.
We can, however, offer reflections on the past and comments from past participants.
Participants backgrounds have been diverse, including nurse, teacher, actor, lawyer, doctor, businessman/women, professor. A span of ages, they’ve come from across Canada, as well as Europe.
The common denominator has been a readiness to get serious about writing, flee the pressures and distractions of daily routine. A hunger for a stretch of sustained writing. Our goal is to offer guidance and encouragement.
The La Roque Alric Workshop is designed as an inspired vacation. We believe creativity is the highest form of enjoyment.
In the words of previous participants …
Ruth Lawrence, writer and actress, Newfoundland:
“After one week in gobsmackingly beautiful La Roque, working with the incomparable Kent Stetson, I returned home with a full treatment for the work I began there, notes from a reading of another work, as well as a constructive critique of yet another work. Add in amazing food, fabulous conversation, daily walks in wine country… and I want to go back as soon as I can.”
Martha Prytula, grandmother, world traveler, Victoria BC:
“Your workshop rekindled a writing flame in me that had been slowly spluttering and dying. Since getting back home, I polished up what I had written and submitted it to my sponsor and to others and they can't wait to see more. I can't wait to complete more of what I started. My week at la Roque Alric was like a bright, shining beacon that helped carry me through. The atmosphere, the countryside, the meals, the people and the inspiration of that one week is one I wish that all writers and would-be writers could experience at least once in a lifetime. So to anyone who is standing on the brink of hesitation regarding registering for this year, I say: Get with it before I win Lotto 649 and register half of my family!”
Tracey McAulay, language teacher, Prince Edward Island:
“I enjoyed the experience thoroughly, from start to finish - the atmosphere, the food, the writing advice...the wine. Everything was lovely, thought-provoking. La Roque Alric is breathtaking, and long walks around vineyards provided fresh air and contemplative time.
I began writing anew and found a writing sensibility I never knew I had. The writer's retreat gave me a new start to my writing, one that will have an impact on my life for a very long time. I would recommend this retreat to anyone with a story to tell.”
A. Colin Wright, Kingston, Ontario:
"As a participant in Kent Stetson's playwriting workshop at La Roque Alric in May 2006, I can honestly say that the week was of tremendous value. With a group of onlyfive, we were all able individually to explore our own needs and, in my case, develop a new approach for generating plays. Moreover, in a tiny French village up in the mountains, it was tremendous fun."
Brenda Wright, New Brunswick:
"I spent a week in La Roque falling in love with France, and life again, while dipping my whole heart in the ink pot. My inner artist continues to blossom in ways I could never have anticipated."