
Rhys Bowen 2018:
Novel in a Week
This intense and hands on workshop is designed to jump-start that stalled novel, or to bring that idea well on the way to fruition with lectures, exercises and plenty of one-on-one opportunity. Rhys Bowen is a New York Times and Kindle #1 bestselling author and winner of multiple awards. Her expertise is in historical novels, mystery and thrillers but the topics and approach are relevant for any type of creative fiction.
Tentative Schedule: May 29-June 7, 2018
A detailed schedule will be administered to all participants upon acceptance to the seminar. Note that this schedule is tentative and may be adjusted as needed by Ms. Bowen.
Day 1
Arrival, Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport.
Transfer to Castellina in Chianti.
Social – Meet Rhys and the staff.
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori
Day 2
Breakfast
Lecture/Discussion with Rhys: “Intro to mystery. What the heck am I writing?”
Rhys: Writing assignment.
Lunch
Writers work on individual assignment.
Departure/Walk to Castellina for Wine Tasting in Medieval wine cellar.
Dinner at Antico Ristorante La Torre.
Day 3
Breakfast
Morning Walk: Country Market Day in Castellina in Chianti (for those who are interested).
Rhys meets individually with writers.
Lunch
Rhys: "Plotting the mystery, structure, pace, POV"
Writers work on writing assignments.
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 4
Breakfast
Morning hike to local Etruscan underground tomb (for those who are interested).
Workshopping assignment drafts
Rhys: "First line, first para, first chapter"
Lunch
Writers work on individual assignment.
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 5
Breakfast
Excursion to Siena. Guided tour, sightseeing, lunch in the Orto dei' Pecci (a Medieval home farm restaurant). Return to hotel late afternoon.
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio.
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 6
Breakfast
Individual writing
Lunch
Rhys: "Character: Protagonist, villain, secondary characters"
Writers work on writing assignments.
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio.
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 7
Breakfast
Walk to Castellina for gelato demo and tasting at the Gelateria Antica Delizia.
Lunch
Rhys: "Dialog"
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Rhys: “Setting: The historical mystery"
Writers work on writing assignments.
Predinner aperitivi and socializing on the patio.
Dinner at Il Fondaccio dei Dottori.
Day 9
Breakfast
Individual writing
Lunch
Rhys: "Creating suspense, mood, research”
Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Il Re Gallo, and Certificate of Completion Award Ceremony.
Day 10
Breakfast
Departure for Florence Train Station/ Airport Amerigo Vespucci.