In late September / early October each year Ways With Words organises art and writing workshops and discussion groups in Italy. These are relaxed, informal holidays. There are taught courses for beginners as well as the more experienced and visits to nearby cultural centres. There's lots of flexibility and choice, swimming in the pool, boules, walking, mushrooming and of course, wonderful Italian food usually eaten al fresco.

Nothing is compulsory; participants can use the time and place as they wish. We want everyone to find the right pace for themselves, to be able to savour the beautiful environment and to go home totally refreshed.

Dates for 2013 are 21 - 28 September and 28 September - 5 October.

Course details and tutors:

ART TUTOR (BOTH WEEKS) - MARY KNOTT
Mary is a painter, illustrator and experienced teacher. Her exuberant, colourful and humorous work reflects her warm and generous teaching style.

WRITING TUTOR (BOTH WEEKS) - MARK McCRUM

Mark’s work spans a wide cross-section. He has been a travel writer (Happy Sad Land, and No Worries), written a number of articles for a variety of national newspapers and magazines, and been a ghost writer for several different books. His first project as a ghost writer was Jack and Zena, the true story of a mixed race couple who eloped to escape Zena’s arranged marriage.

After writing companions to various TV series including Castaway and 1900 House Mark then went on to write Somebody Someday, the official biography of Robbie Williams, and Tribe, a companion to Bruce Parry’s TV series of the same name. His most recent book, Walking With the Wounded, follows the adventures of four wounded ex-servicemen as they take on an incredible challenge: walking unaided to the North Pole.

TALKING IDEAS & BOOK GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Each week there will be two book groups and two ideas-based discussion groups. These will be run by a combination of writing tutors and the Ways With Words’ directors: Kay Dunbar and Stephen Bristow. The books and discussion topics will be sent to you well in advance of the holiday so that you have time to read the books and gather your thoughts.

DAY TRIPS
During the first week of the holiday there will be a day trip to San Sepolcro, Anghiari and Monterchi. For the second week there will be a day trip to Florence. Transport to and from these places is included as part of the package, but you will be responsible for covering the cost of your meals on these trips.

To find out more about this holiday course and to make a reservation please contact us on (01803) 867373 or go to our Contacts Page where you can send us an email.