Learning about Writing?

I don't have another Big Blog Tour Stop until 26th October, so that gives me time to pause and tell you - or remind  - you about the  courses I'm teaching in the  near future.

I've just realised that if it's almost the end of October then this time next year I will  (sadly)  be back home after a week in the glorious countryside of Tuscany where I will have been running a one week course on writig romantic fiction.

Just this week I had a note from Bill Breckon one of the owners of  the fabulous Watermill at Posara reminding me to let you know that  they are offering  a fabulous    £75 Early Bird discount for everyone who books before the end of the year.

Date: October 6^th -13^th 2012

Location: The Watermill Fivizzano, Italy.

Course Description: Romantic fiction writing is big business, making up almost half the paperback fiction sold and generating billions in sales worldwide. This course is intended to provide information and advice for anyone who wants to learn how to write a popular genre novel. It gives an introduction to all the skills needed for success, from initial research to the final submission of the typescript. With advice and exercises, I'll guide you through creating realistic characters, sustaining pace and conflict, packing emotional punch, writing sex scenes and crafting a satisfying ending. If you're just starting out writing romantic fiction, or you've written a manuscript or two but are not yet published and are interested in honing your skills, this course is for you.

The course is intended to cover the main aspects of writing romantic fiction that from my experience of teaching over the years seem to create the most problems for unpublished writers. While the focus may be on romance novels, the techniques – dialogue, characters, tension, pacing, settings, hooks etc will also be relevant to all forms of popular fiction. I also hope to have plenty of time to discuss your own work with you either in one to one sessions or in an open critique forum with the rest of the group.
Would you like to learn about writing romantic Fiction in this wonderful setting?

Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany.
Set in a gentle valley with mountain peaks in the background, the mill is a peaceful spot, yet is within easy reach of the sea and the tourist attractions of Tuscany.

Full details and booking enquiries from The Watermill site: http://watermill.net/

And just so that you're sure what's on offer - here's what Bill has to say:

We should emphasise that EVERYTHING is included in the cost of your course:

• all tuition fees
• accommodation in bright, well decorated bedrooms with traditional features in an elegant Tuscan house complex around a courtyard
• all meals, including pre-dinner aperitifs, including meals served at several small and friendly local restaurants offering regional Italian dishes and wines. (Vegetarians can be catered for on request.)
• local transportation (including transfers to Pisa airport; including our mid week excursion when everyone goes by train to Lucca or to the Cinque Terre)

All you have to do is to get to Pisa and we do the rest!

I'm so looking forward to this  -  apparently there are bookings already - so  I'd love to see you there!