The 1st three day residential creative writing course in the Fayoum oasis last weekend was amazing! What beautiful serendipity that 11 people could come together and harmonise in such a wonderful way and produce great work too.
The daily workshops were focused and intensive, the social 'chill out' times were inspiring, easy and fun, the food was great (!), the location was perfect and the nights were trimmed with readings of work and sharing stories.
Thank you Mostafa, Zeinab, Nawara, Nariman, Amany, Amira, Passant, Dalia, Nick and Ismail; I got a lot of love for you guys! :-))
Testimonials here:
The course was truly an amazing experience for me and as brief as it was, was an eye opener for me in reference to things I should work on and in terms of trying to explore my potential and stretch my writing, versus, sticking to doing what I have always done.
The workshop, has also helped me identify my strengths as a writer, which I have come to conclude lies is in my ideas, and not in the eloquence of my writing. Having said that, I still will work on my writing, to make it more “powerful” with creativity and possibly by utilizing more subtle forms of expression.
Amany Eid
It's been an unforgettable experience, one that I will constantly look back on and smile.
Passant Rabie
I'm truly grateful to have attended this creative retreat with such a genuine group of people. I would do this again anytime without a moment's hesitation.
There are two complementary sides to Linda's creative writing course, each of which is reason enough to take the course over and over again. The first is that it opens up your writing in the way that it needs; if you often get blocked then you will learn to inspire inspiration, and if you often use the same clichés then you will learn to construct new forms of vivid and poetic images. The second side is the profound human experience that the course offers; the mere meeting of aspiring souls with common interest who share and interact and find refuge in their collective understanding is empowering, to say the least. Thank you Linda!
Mostafa Hashish
I signed up for this course not knowing what to expect. At most I was hoping to learn a couple of techniques that I could maybe use and,like the shy student I always was in class, hoped that I wouldn't be called on too much to read. Of course it turned out to be so much more -- a truly profound experience on all fronts. Eye-opening, inspiring,constructive, delicious, relaxing (a bit itchy at times)...and to share it with a group of people like all of you, it just couldn't have been more perfect.
Linda you are a truly inspiring and amazingly talented woman! Thank you for guiding us through this profound experience.
Amira Ahmed
Like everyone else, I'm still on a Fayoum high. It's funny how I'm having a hard time putting into words the way I felt about a writing course!
You should know that signing up for this course was completely out of character. Breaking my routine and spending a weekend away with 10, well 8, people I've never met is so unlike me. Little did I know that it would be the most amazing, inspiring experience and that I would grow so attached to the group. We are a very diverse group of people and to me that is what made us special.
I'm glad we were the first 10 students to go on this residential course and I don't know how anyone can follow that :)
Dalia Rabie
Maybe we don't know that much about each other, but we have reached a place, a sanctuary, where we know we can always be, and where no one else will fit the bill, except us The Ghosts of Fayoum, in that island of creativity.
I came to the course as a suffocating petrified writer. My words were stifled, unwilling to be uttered. They evaded me, almost like they disapproved of me, and so were punishing me by not being there. With the first assignment they seemed to group together and decided to give me another chance.
As the minutes went by and the written pieces kept coming, my words have finally forgiven me I think, for letting them be stifled, and by my own hands.
On a more down to earth note, Linda, you have opened a new window in my form of expression. As a writer, I was more concerned with structure, plot and story-line. You opened the window onto a vast universe of words, forms and a new fusion thereof. You have set me free.
Zeinab Mubarak
It's so hard for me to express how I feel because I'm in a state of mind where if I really think about in depth about that amazing weekend I would be incapable to face the facts I'm dealing with now. It has left a huge impact on my life and perspective. Bless you.
Nawara Belal
Friday 1 October 2010
Wednesday 22 September 2010
2 days to Go!!
In two days I will be taking the 10 participants of the first Residential Oasis Creative Writing course to Zad al Mosafer in Fayoum and we are all very excited :-)
Abdo Gobair, the proprietor of Zad al Mosafer, has been wonderful and we are looking forward to a comfortable stay in the stunning natural beauty of Tunis, Fayoum.
I will post photos and notes on the course next week!!!
Abdo Gobair, the proprietor of Zad al Mosafer, has been wonderful and we are looking forward to a comfortable stay in the stunning natural beauty of Tunis, Fayoum.
I will post photos and notes on the course next week!!!
Saturday 21 August 2010
September Course!!! Places limited!
3 Day Creative Writing Course - Residential
Start Time: Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 10:00am
End Time: Monday, September 27th, 2010 at 11:00am
Location: Zad al Mosafer, Tunis, Fayoum
Description
The Course
3 Day Course in Creative Writing – LE 1000
An extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
The Place
The course take place at Zad al Mosafer, Tunis village, Fayoum.
(Transport from and to Cairo can be provided)
As well as daily classes, you will receive accommodation and two meals per day.
Zad al Mosafer is an ideal Western Desert Gateway situated in the quiet and picturesque village of Tunis in Fayoum, 104 km from Cairo, surrounded by Olive and Palm Grows, melding smoothly into the breathtaking surroundings of the Western Desert.
The eco lodge is a wonderful place to 'just be'. You can explore the village around the lodge such as the Pottery School and walk to the lake and the orchards and also choose a number of optional extras such as: desert excursion, horse and camel riding, waterfalls, Whale Valley excursion and on-site reflexology and massage treatments.
The Tutor
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK. She has been delivering workshops in creative writing, related arts and theatre for many years; working in Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, UK and Egypt and is currently the director of an artists' residency in Cairo.
Her own performance poetry and style has been seen as unique, strong, raw and challenging; 'Powerful, uncompromising, rhythmic verse. Tough, lyrical beauty. Packs poetic punches with aching sensitivity. A unique new voice. If you need a comparison, think; a young Joolz Denby, laced with Patti Smith overtones.' (Apples&Snakes – UK)
For registration and booking contact Linda Cleary: lindawildfire@hotmail.com
Places limited to 10 people
Start Time: Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 10:00am
End Time: Monday, September 27th, 2010 at 11:00am
Location: Zad al Mosafer, Tunis, Fayoum
Description
The Course
3 Day Course in Creative Writing – LE 1000
An extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
The Place
The course take place at Zad al Mosafer, Tunis village, Fayoum.
(Transport from and to Cairo can be provided)
As well as daily classes, you will receive accommodation and two meals per day.
Zad al Mosafer is an ideal Western Desert Gateway situated in the quiet and picturesque village of Tunis in Fayoum, 104 km from Cairo, surrounded by Olive and Palm Grows, melding smoothly into the breathtaking surroundings of the Western Desert.
The eco lodge is a wonderful place to 'just be'. You can explore the village around the lodge such as the Pottery School and walk to the lake and the orchards and also choose a number of optional extras such as: desert excursion, horse and camel riding, waterfalls, Whale Valley excursion and on-site reflexology and massage treatments.
The Tutor
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK. She has been delivering workshops in creative writing, related arts and theatre for many years; working in Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, UK and Egypt and is currently the director of an artists' residency in Cairo.
Her own performance poetry and style has been seen as unique, strong, raw and challenging; 'Powerful, uncompromising, rhythmic verse. Tough, lyrical beauty. Packs poetic punches with aching sensitivity. A unique new voice. If you need a comparison, think; a young Joolz Denby, laced with Patti Smith overtones.' (Apples&Snakes – UK)
For registration and booking contact Linda Cleary: lindawildfire@hotmail.com
Places limited to 10 people
Sunday 11 July 2010
Tuesday 6 July 2010
Oasis Residential Creative Writing Courses
Creative Writing Courses
Residential courses in Fayoum
The Place
The courses take place in an eco lodge in Tunis village, Fayoum. 104 km from Cairo, surrounded by Olive and Palm Grows, melding smoothly into the breathtaking surroundings of the Western Desert.
As well as daily classes, you will receive accommodation and two meals per day. Tunis is a wonderful place to 'just be'. You can explore the village around the lodge such as the Pottery School and walk to the lake and the orchards and also choose a number of optional extras such as: desert excursion, horse and camel riding, waterfalls, Whale Valley excursion and on-site reflexology and massage treatments.
The Courses
3 Day Course in Creative Writing – LE 1000
An extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
5 Day Course in Creative Writing and Writing a Short Story – LE 1700
*the Creative Writing course with an added section of : working with further expansion techniques, reading published short stories for discussion and understanding format and focusing on the necessary elements to produce a final draft of a 1000 word narrative.
5 Day Course in Monologue and Short Plays in Various Formats – LE 1700
We look at the format of writing monologue and plays for stage, screen and radio and how to capture a character's authentic voice, find the central message of the text and prepare it for presentation.
Please note other residential courses are also available in;
Presentation of written word; bringing developed pieces of text to peformance level; working on voice, rhythm, projection, stance and movement, character, direction, re-writes and edits.
Work on review and critique; getting past our own opinions to be able to appreciate what is valuable. We read several published texts for discussion and written comment and explore the steps to be able to review and critique work. Participants can also apply this to their own work.
Poetry; from a plethora of ages and movements. We discuss content and form and work on writing poetry that emulates certain styles as well as looking at one's own poetic expression and the form, rhythm and imagery that it takes.
The Tutor
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK. She has been delivering workshops in creative writing, related arts and theatre for many years; working in Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, UK and Egypt and is currently the director of an artists' residency in Cairo.
Her own performance poetry and style has been seen as unique, strong, raw and challenging; 'Powerful, uncompromising, rhythmic verse. Tough, lyrical beauty. Packs poetic punches with aching sensitivity. A unique new voice. If you need a comparison, think; a young Joolz Denby, laced with Patti Smith overtones.' (Apples&Snakes – UK)
For all information and booking contact Linda Cleary
email: lindawildfire@hotmail.com
http://www.artsresidencycairo.blogspot.com/
www.lindacleary.co.uk
www.facebook.com/linda.cleary
Residential courses in Fayoum
The Place
The courses take place in an eco lodge in Tunis village, Fayoum. 104 km from Cairo, surrounded by Olive and Palm Grows, melding smoothly into the breathtaking surroundings of the Western Desert.
As well as daily classes, you will receive accommodation and two meals per day. Tunis is a wonderful place to 'just be'. You can explore the village around the lodge such as the Pottery School and walk to the lake and the orchards and also choose a number of optional extras such as: desert excursion, horse and camel riding, waterfalls, Whale Valley excursion and on-site reflexology and massage treatments.
The Courses
3 Day Course in Creative Writing – LE 1000
An extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
5 Day Course in Creative Writing and Writing a Short Story – LE 1700
*the Creative Writing course with an added section of : working with further expansion techniques, reading published short stories for discussion and understanding format and focusing on the necessary elements to produce a final draft of a 1000 word narrative.
5 Day Course in Monologue and Short Plays in Various Formats – LE 1700
We look at the format of writing monologue and plays for stage, screen and radio and how to capture a character's authentic voice, find the central message of the text and prepare it for presentation.
Please note other residential courses are also available in;
Presentation of written word; bringing developed pieces of text to peformance level; working on voice, rhythm, projection, stance and movement, character, direction, re-writes and edits.
Work on review and critique; getting past our own opinions to be able to appreciate what is valuable. We read several published texts for discussion and written comment and explore the steps to be able to review and critique work. Participants can also apply this to their own work.
Poetry; from a plethora of ages and movements. We discuss content and form and work on writing poetry that emulates certain styles as well as looking at one's own poetic expression and the form, rhythm and imagery that it takes.
The Tutor
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK. She has been delivering workshops in creative writing, related arts and theatre for many years; working in Holland, Czech Republic, Australia, UK and Egypt and is currently the director of an artists' residency in Cairo.
Her own performance poetry and style has been seen as unique, strong, raw and challenging; 'Powerful, uncompromising, rhythmic verse. Tough, lyrical beauty. Packs poetic punches with aching sensitivity. A unique new voice. If you need a comparison, think; a young Joolz Denby, laced with Patti Smith overtones.' (Apples&Snakes – UK)
For all information and booking contact Linda Cleary
email: lindawildfire@hotmail.com
http://www.artsresidencycairo.blogspot.com/
www.lindacleary.co.uk
www.facebook.com/linda.cleary
Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome!
I am very pleased to be able to introduce this new venture and collaboration with Tunis Village, Fayoum.
ARC is now able to offer her resident artists the opportunity to take part (or all) of their residency in the beautiful oasis location of Tunis, Fayoum; where you will experience something completely different from the city buzz of Cairo.
I am also offering residential Creative Writing courses at an eco lodge in the village, of 3 day and 5 day duration (see posting above) giving participants a unique opportunity to take specialised tuition whilst enjoying the oasis surroundings.
ARC is now able to offer her resident artists the opportunity to take part (or all) of their residency in the beautiful oasis location of Tunis, Fayoum; where you will experience something completely different from the city buzz of Cairo.
I am also offering residential Creative Writing courses at an eco lodge in the village, of 3 day and 5 day duration (see posting above) giving participants a unique opportunity to take specialised tuition whilst enjoying the oasis surroundings.
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