The 5th Edition of the
Paris Poetry Workshop
May 14 - 19, 2006
With Cecilia Woloch

Dear Friends and Fellow Poets,

It's a pleasure to invite you to join me to my favorite city in the world for the 5th Paris Poetry Workshop, May 14 - 19, 2006!

Over the past four years, the workshop has become a tradition in the English-speaking Paris poetry community, offering poets from the U.S., Canada and Europe the opportunity to come together for a week of intensive workshops, lectures and readings. Anyone who's been to Paris already knows about the inspiration and stimulation of the senses the city affords -- this is a chance to see and experience, to absorb and be absorbed, by a side of Paris not readily accessible to the average tourist...an opportunity to spend time in Paris as a poet among poets.

Participants generate new work, hone their craft, share and support one another's creative endeavors, make new friends and expand their literary horizons. I invite you to become part of this exciting and vibrant community.

Here are the plans as they've come together thus far ...

This 5th Paris Poetry Workshop will begin with a welcoming reception and dinner on Sunday evening, May 14th at the private home of Adrian Leeds, situated in a 17th-century building in the historical Marais district. This informal gathering will give you all a chance to meet one another and to meet many of my Paris-based writer-friends and mingle with the local literati -- English-speaking poets who make their homes and their poems in Paris. Long time resident Adrian Leeds will be on hand to help orient you to the city, how to get around easily and how to get along happily with the French! I'll distribute copies of the full schedule for the week's activities.

I'll will personally lead daily workshop sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The workshop will meet in a private apartment in the lively and very Parisian neighborhood of the 3rd arrondissment. Participants will be guided through a series of writing exercises designed to generate new work specifically related to the sights and sounds of Paris and each poet's experience there. The group will provide feedback on the new work, and we'll also conduct close-critique of works-in-progress participants will bring along with them for that purpose.

We'll break for lunch at 1 p.m., so that participants can explore the neighborhood and enjoy a mid-day meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area, or simply pick up a baguette sandwich at a boulangerie and head to the park.

In the late afternoon, we'll gather again at the beautiful Rose Thé tea room for a series of craft talks led by Paris-based poets and writers such as poet/memoirist Jeffrey Greene, poet and Paris Editor of "Tin House," Heather Hartley, poet/novelist Jennifer Dick, poet/essayist Ellen Hinsey, and others who'll share their work and their personal and creative relationships to Paris. You'll also have a chance to sample some of the best desserts you've ever tasted, so bring an appetite.

Mid-week, on Wednesday, we'll break from the regular workshop schedule so that participants can relax and enjoy a free day in Paris. Canadian poet/journalist and long-time Paris resident Lisa Pasold will offer an optional walking tour of literary Paris for those who would like to see the haunts and homes of such literary luminaries as Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, James Baldwin and Collette.

In the evenings, there will be readings at venues throughout the city, including the famous and historical left bank bookstore, Shakespeare & Company. Readings will feature Paris Poetry Workshop faculty, poets from the Paris poetry community, and the poets of the Paris Poetry Workshop -- i.e. you! All readings are open to the public, and the audiences these past five years have been increasingly large and diverse and appreciative.

Paris Poetry Workshop Schedule
(Subject to Change)

Sunday, May 14
Opening Cocktail and Dinner Chez Adrian Leeds
7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 15
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop with Cecilia Woloch
1 p.m. Lunch
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lecture by Paris Writer at Rose Thé
7:30 p.m. Reading by Cecilia Woloch and Workshop Faculty

Tuesday, May 16
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop with Cecilia Woloch
1 p.m. Lunch
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lecture by Paris Writer at Rose Thé
Free Evening in Paris

Wednesday, May 17
Walking Tour of Literary Paris with Lisa Pasold (optional, but you must reserve by Sunday evening; small additional fee required)
7:30 p.m Reading by Paris Poets

Thursday, May 18
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Workshop with Cecilia Woloch
1 p.m. Lunch
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lecture by Paris Writer
7:30 p.m. Slideshow/Reading with Poet/Photographer Margo B

Friday, May 19
1 p.m. Lunch
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lecture by Paris Writer
7:30 p.m. Reading by Workshop Participants and Farewell Dinner

Workshop limited to 12 participants
Open to poets at all levels of development

I'm personally extending this invitation to poets who have worked with me previously; however the workshop is open to all interested poets on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who haven't participated in my workshops are requested to submit three sample poems prior to registration via e-mail to CeciWo@AOL.com

Cost

$835/person (cash or check only)

The workshop will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A
$200 deposit will hold your place in the workshop, and full payment will be due by March 15, 2006.

Includes all workshop fees, afternoon and evening lectures and activities, welcoming cocktail and dinner. It does NOT include other meals, local transportation, air fare or lodging. Participants in afternoon sessions at Rose Thé will be expected to purchase their own coffee or tea, as well as dessert, if so desired.

Please bear in mind that keeping the workshop this affordable for participants means that I'm not able to get involved with making travel arrangements or serving as a tour guide. I will, however, do all I can to help you have a great time in the city I love best...

I strongly suggest that you plan to arrive in Paris on the Saturday prior to the workshop, so that you have time to rest and relax and overcome jet-lag before the activities begin, and that you plan to stay through the Saturday after the workshop ends, so that you'll have another full day to enjoy Paris before flying home on Sunday.

Recommendations of inexpensive hotels, short-term rental apartments and restaurants can be provided, as well as information on getting from the airport (Charles de Gaulle, airport code "CDG") into the city. Reservations for accommodations can be requested for a fee of $25/person.

Travel Arrangements

You are free to make your own travel arrangements, however, we recommend that you contact:

Michael Roomberg
International Travel Consultant
Flight Centre
1229 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Ph: (310) 458-3310
Fax: (310) 458-1150
michael_roomberg.ca@flightcentre.us

Flight Centre guarantees to beat any genuine international airfare, and Michael has always found great fares for me. Tell him you're a participant in one of Cecilia Woloch's workshop and I know he'll work hard on your behalf.

Registration/Deposit

The workshop will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A
$200 deposit will hold your place in the workshop, and full payment will be due by March 15, 2006.

Early Registration Discount

If you choose to register and pay in full by March 1, 2006, you'll receive a $100 discount, making the total fee for the workshop $735 if paid by cash or check.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received on or before April 1, 2006, will receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. From April 1 through 15, 2006, a refund of 50% per person will be given. After April 15, 2006, the workshop fee is non refundable. Please call, fax, or email our offices immediately to avoid any unnecessary charges if you are unable to attend. If you cancel due to medical reasons that are covered by your purchased travel-insurance policy, we will advise the insurance company that your travel and conference or seminar fees are non refundable. Any refunds issued by the insurance company will negate any credit due.

Register Now

To register, or for further information, please write to me at CeciWo@AOL.com with "Paris Poetry Workshop" in the subject line.

To pay by check, make your check payable to Cecilia Woloch and mail to:

Cecilia Woloch
5921 Whitworth Drive, #201
Los Angeles, CA 90019

For further information and regular updates, please go to /parlerparis/poetry/parismay2006.html
Looking forward to seeing you in Paris!

Cecilia Woloch
CeciWo@AOL.com
http://www.ceciliawoloch.com