The Peripatetic offers the most generous critique of any conference bar none in terms of page count, covering up to 60 double-spaced pages, plus offering private tutorials on additonal pages for a nominal fee.
Known for small intimate groups and warm yet rigorous critiques of novels, short stories, memoirs and other creative nonfiction, the Peripatetic workshops meet three hours during six mornings, break for lunch, then retire to private rooms for structured quiet time to write and read. Late afternoons, the writers reassemble for writing exercises, tailored to individual needs. In the evenings the faculty and participants often eat together, then gather for refreshments, readings, discussions about publishing, craft and other writing issues.
The workshops focus on elements of writing, such as point of view, settings, character development, dialogue, the importance of theme, plot development and creation of tension in fiction and nonfiction writing. When possible, writing exercises are tailored to problems evident in the work presented each day.
Participants mail work a month before the Peripatetic begins so that manuscripts are read in advance by the writers and faculty. This advance reading guarantees good, thoughtful critiques during the workshops, as well as freeing up afternoons and evenings for writing, rewriting or exploring Deal.
For writers interested a more extensive critic of their manuscripts, Martha will offer tutorials at a discounted rate (see costs page). To receive her critique while the Peripatetic is in session, pages must be submitted a month in advance.
The workshops are based on Martha's and Maureen’s experiences leading the Peripatetic for 32 years, as well as from years of teaching writing at NYU, NY Writers Workshop and other organizations. This year we are pleased to add Charles Salzberg to the faculty. He is an award-winning mystery/crime author, a veteran writing instructor with NY Writers Workshop and The Writer's Voice. Maureen and Charles will lead the workshops; Martha will offer the individual tutorials.
“The way (they) read people, anticipate needs, calm anxieties and listen to their stories is invaluable.”
Rick Connor, Siracusa, Sicily
“Provocative and inspiring…I got so much out of the small group of intelligent people and left with incredible ideas how to proceed.”
Ann Vachon, Antigua, Guatemala
“What surprised me most was how well the writing excercises tied in to each individual's work. I got serveral new and usable scenes from them.”Norma Schofield, Deal