This workshop is for experienced (though not necessarily published) writers who would like an unhurried, relaxing, but serious atmosphere to write stories from their life experiences–whether travel, memoir, personal essay, or family history. We will work on loosening up your writing, paring it down, finding themes, structuring your piece, and polishing your prose into something you might publish. While the workshop will mainly focus on writing, Laura will also discuss the practicalities of publishing personal essays, and finding an agent, editor, and publisher, as well as self-publishing.

Each student should come prepared with a piece of writing of up to 1500 words to workshop. During the week, you can revise your work, talk about a larger structure for a memoir or book, or write a new piece. Each student should bring a laptop computer to email their work to other students (email Laura if that is a problem).

Between workshop sessions, there will be plenty of time to explore the colonial artists’ town of San Miguel de Allende, to wander its cobblestone streets, and visit its galleries, restaurants, and live music venues. We will have several meals and excursions planned, but plenty of free time for writing or sitting in the sun on one of Villa Clara Bella’s many terraces, or right next door in the Parque Juarez.

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Payment options

Deposit for workshop $500.00 Entire workshop $875.00 Pickup/dropoff BJX airport $60.00 Pickup-dropoff MEX airport $150.00

About Villa Clara Bella:
This luxurious villa is inside a gated community right next to San Miguel de Allende’s lovely Parque Juarez, and just four blocks from the central jardin and Parroquia church. The villa has sumptuous gardens and terraces, with all kinds of private nooks for writing or dreaming. The workshop sessions will be held in the formal, Spanish-style dining room, or outdoors on a terrace. The rooftop terrace is planted with olive trees, herbs, and flowers, and has a stunning 360-degree view of San Miguel de Allende. There are three bedrooms with private baths in the villa for those who are first to register; otherwise, there are plenty of nearby accommodations. The villa has wireless internet, a Vonage phone line (free calls to the US for all students), and loads of amenities. We’ll have a couple of receptions and private dinners in the house as well. For those nights that you’re on your own for dinner, Laura will make suggestions or reservations at her favorite local restaurants.

The workshop fee is $875, and includes five days of writing workshops, a reception, coffee and pastries in the morning, cooking class and lunch in the country, an excursion to a private folk art museum and hot springs, a reception at Casita Laurita, and a final celebratory dinner. Airfare and accommodations are not included. Fly to Leon and take a 1 1/2 hour shuttle to SMA or Mexico City and take a 3 1/2 hour comfortable bus).

The workshop is limited to 12 students. To register, please send Laura a  non-refundable deposit of $500. Please write with any other questions or concerns.

There is a 10% discount for the workshop only for students who spend $50 at the Booksmith.

For airport transfer, add $30 per person each way to/from Leon Airport, and $100 per person each way to/from Mexico City.

Schedule (subject to changes):

Sunday, Oct. 17: Arrival and reception at Villa Clara Bella

Monday, Oct. 18: Workshop in the morning, Mexican cooking class and lunch in the country, workshop in the early evening, dinner on your own (Laura can make reservations).

Tuesday, Oct. 19: Workshop in the morning, all day for wandering and writing time, workshop in the afternoon, dinner on your own.

Wednesday, Oct. 20: Workshop in the morning. Afternoon visit to hot springs and private folk art collection, early evening reception at Casita Laurita.

Thursday, Oct. 21: Workshop in the morning, all day for wandering and writing time, workshop in the afternoon, dinner on your own.

Friday, Oct. 22: Workshop in the morning. Afternoon individual conferences with Laura. Dinner at Villa Clara Bella and celebratory reading after dinner.

Saturday, Oct. 23: Departure

Accommodations:

San Miguel has lovely boutique hotels to fit any budget. Please make arrangements for these accommodations on your own via email (please email Laura with any questions).

These hotels are near the workshop:

Budget: * La Mansion del Bosque
www.infosma.com/mansion
23 charming, unique rooms around garden patios across the street from the Parque Juarez and across the park to the workshop. Rates include breakfast and a unique, gourmet dinner nightly. An old SMA favorite. Rates from $70 with meals in high season. Mention workshop for 10% discount.

Boutique Luxury: Casa Schuck. Casa Schuck is one of San Miguel’s oldest and most elegant boutique hotels, about a 15-minutes walk to the workshop. Casa Schuck is offering a ten percent discount to workshop members; let them know you’re taking the workshop when you book.

Moderate/High: * Casa de Liza en el Parque
www.casaliza.com
Six individual, stunningly designed and decorated casitas with kitchens and fireplaces built around gorgeous, lush gardens, pools and an orchid greenhouse. Near Parque Juarez. Excellent breakfasts (try the chilaquiles) and exceptionally friendly staff and owners. On site massage therapist, Lisol, is the best in town. Rooms from $150/night.

Luxury: Casa de Sierra Nevada

Go to Portal San Miguel for other accommodation options, and find a place near Parque Juarez.

Villa Clara Bella packages–ONE LEFT

There are three luxurious bedrooms at Villa Clara Bella, with private baths and terraces.

• Guest bedroom (1st floor): $900 for the workshop, $300 additional for partner/spouse (includes breakfast, meals and excursions):
  • Adjacent to the outdoor sala.
  • King size, hand-carved four poster bed.
  • Gas fireplace
  • Sitting area with flat screen TV.
  • Private bath with shower/tub.
• Master bedroom suite: (2nd floor): $1000 for the workshop, $300 additional for partner/spouse (includes breakfast, meals and excursions)
  • Outdoor covered sitting area with fireplace.
  • King size poster bed.
  • Gas fireplace and Ceiling fan.
  • Satellite TV.
  • Private bath, whirlpool tub and separate shower.
  • Gas fireplace in the bathroom.
• Guest bedroom: (2nd floor): $800 for one person, $1000 for two people.
  • Two full size (double) beds.
  • Private bath with tub/shower.
  • Gas fireplace and ceiling fan.
  • French doors lead to a Juliet balcony.

Other nearby accommodations:

Budget: * La Mansion del Bosque
23 charming, simple rooms around garden patios across the street from the Parque Juarez. Rates include breakfast and a unique, gourmet dinner nightly. An old SMA favorite. Rates from $33 for a single without meals in low season, to $88 for a double suite with meals in high season. Ten percent off for workshop participants.

Casa De La Noche Affordable, lovely accommodations in an historic building that used to be a brothel. About a half-hour walk from the workshop villa, or a quick cab ride. Ask Barbara for the workshop discount.

Moderate/High: * Casa de Liza en el Parque
www.casaliza.com
Six individual, stunningly designed and decorated casitas with kitchens and fireplaces built around gorgeous, lush gardens, pools and an orchid greenhouse. Near Parque Juarez. Excellent breakfasts (try the chilaquiles) and exceptionally friendly staff and owners. On site massage therapist, Lisol, is the best in town. Rooms from $150/night.

Boutique Luxury: Casa Schuck

Luxury: Casa de Sierra Nevada

Go to Portal San Miguel for other accommodation options, and find a place near Parque Juarez.