Description of Course

Mornings begin with a topic to stimulate thought and discussion, such as:

Each topic is presented as a balance of discussion, examples, practical exercises and, most importantly, fun.

After lunch thre will be time for some all important writing/thinking/reading and a chance to chat individually with your tutor.

We will meet in the late afternoon for readings and sharing of thoughts generated by the day’s topic.

There will also be opportunities to visit Vaison-la-Romaine or take walks or cycle rides to stimulate the imagination.

Lin Anderson

Lin Anderson began her writing career in the late 1990's and is a graduate of the The Scottish Screen Academy. The script of her first film, Small Love (broadcast on Scottish Television in 2001 and 2002, earned her a TAPS Writer of the Year Award 2001 nomination. Some of her African short stories were published in the 10th Anniversary Macallan collection and broadcast on BBC and European radio.

DRIFTNET, introducing Forensic Scientist Rhona MacLeod, was her first novel and was a summer 2003 best seller. The second Rhona MacLeod book, TORCH, was chosen as WH Smith's September 2004 Book of the Month for Scotland, and was published in paperback by Hodder on 19th April, 2007. The third book in her sequence, DEADLY CODE, was published in 2005. The latest Rhona MacLeod novel DARK FLIGHT was published in hardback by Hodder on 26th July, 2007. In 2005 her first non-fiction book 'BRAVEHEART - from Hollywood to Holyrood' was published. It takes a wide-ranging look at the movie, and what became known as the 'Braveheart Phenomenon'.

Read about Lin on www.lin-anderson.com/ and at www.femmes-fatales.info/

10 - 15 May 2008

Where will it be held?

Saint Romain en Viennois, Vaucluse (northern Provence), France

It will be held in a recently renovated medieval house in the village of Saint Romain en Viennois. Saint Romain is 3 kilometres outside Vaison La Romaine, about 40 kilometres northeast of Avignon.

Address: Les Colonnes, rue Belles Fleurs, 84110 Saint Romain en Viennois, Vaucluse, France

Who is it for?

Any adult who is interested in developing their creative writing skills or dipping into the techniques of crime or screen writing.

What does it cost?

£500 plus accommodation.

What's the timetable?

• Saturday evening: aperitif and introductory session at Les Colonnes
• Sunday: writing class,
• Monday: writing class,
• Tuesday: visit to the famous market at Vaison La Romaine. writing class,
• Wednesday: writing class,
• Thursday: plenary session and final class before departure at midday.

What is included in the package?

• 5 writing classes
• Lunches and dinners as well as coffees and teas
• A shopping expedition and a visit to medieval Vaison La Romaine
• A tutored wine tasting
• Note: transport is provided for these activities, to and from Les Colonnes.

What is NOT included?

• International travel
• Airport pick-up and return
• Local transport to and from your hotel (in the village it's a quick walk).
• Note: On request we are happy to assist in booking accommodation and travel. We can also arrange for transport to and from the airport.

How Do I Find Out More?

Email us at cw@tandem.demon.co.uk or phone us on +44 (0)141 576 1612.

Accommodation

There is accommodation available in the village within 1 - 2 minutes' walk of Les Colonnes. La Calade is a charming B&B with four double rooms, all ensuite. La Route des Vins, upstairs from our local restaurant, offers 4 double rooms. Hotel Le Viennois is a 2-star hotel offering 10 rooms, most with ensuite facilities. They also have ground floor rooms available if easy access is required. Prices range from 44 - 70 euros per room in the different hotels. Breakfast will be included in the price. There are also several houses and gites that can take 2-4 people, available on a self-catering basis.

These hotels do not take credit card payments. Outside of Saint Romain there are many hotels available within a distance of about 2-3 miles. However, if one of these is preferred, then a hire car will be needed to get to Saint Romain as there is no suitable public transportation.

Booking Your Accommodation

We can make your accommodation booking for you (see course booking form) or we can send you a list of accommodation.

When booking with us, you must specify how many nights you wish to stay at which hotel. We book on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is in advance with the course fees. Payment will vary according to which hotel you choose and how many nights you wish to stay. You may come early or stay late to continue a holiday or your own quiet writing in the area. The cost per night is by room so two people can share a room and keep the accommodation costs down.

Transport

The nearest airports are Marseille Marignane (served by Ryanair, KLM, EasyJet, and British Airways), Nimes (served by Ryanair) and Avignon (served by Jet2). From Marseille there is a frequent connection to the TGV railway station. From here you can take a TGV (fast train) to Avignon or a local train to Orange.

Important Information

Please advise us of any special dietary needs or requirements.

Please also note that Les Colonnes is an ancient 3 story house with two very steep staircases. It is not suitable for participants with major mobility restrictions, such as wheelchair use. If in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact us, to discuss your needs.