Filmmaker Pan Nalin (Samsara; Valley of Flowers; The Art of Being) at the 2009 Paris Writers Retreat, speaking about adapting books for film and story development. Nalin will also appear at the 2010 conference.
Paris Writers Retreat, 2009. Next conference takes place Sept. 2010.
The next 12-week online Book Development course begins August 1, 2010. To download the class syllabus, go to the Courses & Events page. To enroll, go to the Register page.
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The next Paris Writers Retreat takes place September 2010. Or join us in Provence, also in September.
NEWS FLASH:
Our guest artists Peter Nichols, Pan Nalin, Kathleen George, Hilary Masters, and others joined us for the Spring 2010 Paris Writers Retreat. Our next Paris conference takes place Sept. 27 - Oct. 1, 2010.
Join us Sept. 6 - 10, 2010, for the 5-day workshop in Provence. We can accept only 20 writers, so be sure to register early.
International bestselling author
Peter Nichols, among others, appeared
at the April 2010 Paris Writers Retreat.
We have a number of surprise guest artists at each conference. This year, international bestselling author Peter Nichols was part of the April 2010 conference, talking about his new book and other journeys in narrative nonfiction and fiction. Nichols books include Evolution's Captain (Harper); A Voyage for Madmen (Harper) ; Sea Change: Alone Across the Atlantic in a Wooden Boat (Viking/Penguin); and the forthcoming Oil & Ice : A Story of Arctic Disaster and the Rise and Fall of America’s Last Whaling Dynasty (Penguin, Sept. 2010).
He has taught fiction and nonfiction writing at New York University and Georgetown University, and has been a guest lecturer at The Smithsonian and other organizations worldwide. Nichols' articles have appeared in The New York Times, GQ, Men's Journal, The London Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The London Review of Books, Outside, and Salon.com, among others.
***
Do your most
authentic work
in Paris.
Story and manuscript development come alive at the Paris Writers Retreat, a five-day intensive. To register, email Margaret@ParisWritersRetreat.com, or enroll instantly via our Register page. You may also call (US) 1-646-845-9185..
The September 2010 conference takes place at a 4-star hotel in Paris' literary and arts neighborhood, steps from the Louvre. (Download the complete schedule from the Schedule page on this site.)
Develop your book, fine tune your manuscript, and perfect your writing in progress. Writers of all levels attend to generate new material, develop ideas, or perfect works in progress.
Led by NY Times bestselling author and literary agent Wendy Goldman Rohm, this retreat has been held since 2002 worldwide, originally inspired by Rohm's Masters Tea at Yale University.
The September 2010 conference takes place at a 4-star hotel in Paris' literary and arts neighborhood, steps from the Louvre. (Download the complete schedule from the Schedule page on this site.)
Develop your book, fine tune your manuscript, and perfect your writing in progress. Writers of all levels attend to generate new material, develop ideas, or perfect works in progress.
Led by NY Times bestselling author and literary agent Wendy Goldman Rohm, this retreat has been held since 2002 worldwide, originally inspired by Rohm's Masters Tea at Yale University.
At the Paris Writers Retreat, participating writers are guided through the creation process, fine tuning and perfecting their manuscripts--from the seed of an idea to a high-quality draft.
The Paris Writers Retreat includes continental breakfast, lunch, the five-day conference sessions (see Schedule), and an optional group dinner and cocktail reception / networking soiree every evening.
Wendy Goldman Rohm, New York Times bestselling author and literary agent, has taught and lectured for MediaBistro, Yale University, onboard the QEII, and numerous universities and organizations in the US, Europe and Asia. She has presented her writing and book workshops in person and online since 2002, in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and India.
Rohm's work has been published by Random House, The New York Times Syndicate International, Wired magazine, Tina Brown's Talk magazine, Men's Vogue, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Financial Times of London, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and many others. She's also been a literary agent and author for Sterling Lord Literistic, New York; The Waxman Agency, New York; Waterside Productions; and founded the Rohm Agency to represent emerging authors of fiction and nonfiction.
The Paris Writers Retreat includes continental breakfast, lunch, the five-day conference sessions (see Schedule), and an optional group dinner and cocktail reception / networking soiree every evening.
Wendy Goldman Rohm, New York Times bestselling author and literary agent, has taught and lectured for MediaBistro, Yale University, onboard the QEII, and numerous universities and organizations in the US, Europe and Asia. She has presented her writing and book workshops in person and online since 2002, in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and India.
Rohm's work has been published by Random House, The New York Times Syndicate International, Wired magazine, Tina Brown's Talk magazine, Men's Vogue, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Financial Times of London, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and many others. She's also been a literary agent and author for Sterling Lord Literistic, New York; The Waxman Agency, New York; Waterside Productions; and founded the Rohm Agency to represent emerging authors of fiction and nonfiction.
Ms. Rohm's writing workshops have been held in the US, India, France, Ireland, and Thailand, and have featured guest artists including Pulitzer Prize finalist Suketu Mehta (Maximum City; Knopf); Broadway producer Brian Swibel; screenwriter and film director Pan Nalin ("Samsara," and "Valley of Flowers"); Obie-award-winning playwright Robert Auletta; legendary literary agent Mr. Sterling Lord (who represented authors Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey, among others); playwright Fabrice Rozie(Transatlantic Liaison); acclaimed fiction and nonfiction authors Hilary Masters and Kathleen George; author Sarayu Ahuja (Where the Streets Lead; Out of God's Oven; The Last Pretense); international bestselling author Peter Nichols; Emmy Award winning writer Alan Cooke; journalist/author Victoria Clarke (A Drink with Shane MacGowan); children’s author Sonja Chandrachud (The Potion of Eternity; Penguin India), British screenwriter Jane Hawksley (Je T’aime Paris) and many others. Rohm also hosts ongoing online Book Development Classes for authors worldwide.
Other news:
Author Suketu Mehta, who has been a regular guest artist at Ms. Rohm's conferences, has sold film rights to his bestselling book Maximum City, to Danny Boyle of Slumdog Millionaire. He's been a guest speaker at the Paris Writers Retreat, along with other surprise guest artists, talking about his recent film deal and other
literary adventures.
*****
For the September 2010 Paris Writers Retreat, go to the Schedule tab on this site to download the full schedule. You may register online through our secure site by clicking on Register and choosing your preferences. Or if you prefer to register by phone or would like additional information, write to Margaret@ParisWritersRetreat.com.
Unable to attend in person? Be part of Ms. Rohm's 12-week online Book Development Class, or individual online seminars, with writers from all over the world. See the Courses & Events page on this site for online courses, or go to the Register Online page. You may also write for more information:Margaret@ParisWritersRetreat.com
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Praise from participating authors worldwide for Ms. Rohm's workshops and classes:
“I just accepted an offer on my book from St. Martin's Press (New York)! Publication date in April 2010. In this economy as a first time non-celeb or no major platform writer I'm very excited to get this opportunity. I wanted to thank you for your help!!! I used a lot of your lessons in my editing!” --Melissa Malamut, author
“I just accepted an offer on my book from St. Martin's Press (New York)! Publication date in April 2010. In this economy as a first time non-celeb or no major platform writer I'm very excited to get this opportunity. I wanted to thank you for your help!!! I used a lot of your lessons in my editing!” --Melissa Malamut, author
"Wendy Goldman Rohm's students get published! Three writers in my group alone got major publishing contracts after taking her course!"-- Bess Gallanis, author, Chicago
"Wendy ran the best workshop ever! The classes are exceptional. I have done the Iowa Workshops for non-fiction books, and although they are excellent, Wendy's are more helpful and inspirational, i.e., they translate into moving projects forward with a lot of creative intensity." -- Darcy Evon, author, Smithsonian scholar, Chicago Sun-Times columnist
"A brilliant retreat. Having arrived at the April 2010 retreat with just one simple sentence, I departed five days later with a fully-fledged main character, complete with voice, as well as most of the plot. Unheard of for me (and I suspect most normal writers) as plot and voice usually take months to materialise." --Hattie Edmonds, London, England
"I am an aspiring novelist. I took Wendy's course last June (2009) in Paris and I found it very useful and practical on many levels -- well worth the cost of admission. The others who were taking the course were also aspiring writers, with a great deal of writing skill among them, and they were good colleagues and very positive critics. The whole dynamic was excellent, and I was sorry, but wiser, when it was over." --Dr. Gordon Black, Paris
“The 12-week Book Development class really energized the writing of my novel. I have gone through the completed manuscript more and am finding it harder to find sections that need tweaking. I spent some time on a new novel and like the direction that it is headed in. Then I picked up an old story that I worked on for a good while and absolutely figured out how to make it work!!! I can't tell you how excited that made me. I worked on the first novel for about 8 months and couldn't figure out how to tie it all together. Now I have and can't wait to do just that. Your class feedback has been amazing. Thank you for that!” ---Jon Pendergrass, Little Rock, AK
"The Paris Writers Retreat has literally changed my life in many ways. I knew I had stories to tell but I also knew I didn't have the tools to create a gripping narrative. Attending the Retreat, listening to Wendy's sage advice and following her practical guidance, has been a godsend. An unexpected bonus was how warm, intelligent and helpful the other members of the group were. I really didn't expect to have the privilege of feedback from such educated, experienced and wise classmates.
"The Paris Writers Retreat has literally changed my life in many ways. I knew I had stories to tell but I also knew I didn't have the tools to create a gripping narrative. Attending the Retreat, listening to Wendy's sage advice and following her practical guidance, has been a godsend. An unexpected bonus was how warm, intelligent and helpful the other members of the group were. I really didn't expect to have the privilege of feedback from such educated, experienced and wise classmates.
In addition to learning how to write my best and in my best voice, I also acquired a new circle of friends. So, what can I say about having attended the Paris Writers Retreat? I guess 'Lucky me!' says it all."
-- N.Lane, Paris, France
“Having worked in the media business (television, magazines and newspapers) for twenty years, my wings are broken and my writing voice cut in pieces.
After the Paris Writers Retreat with Wendy Goldman Rohm, I can almost fly again and sing from my inner, true voice. Thank you ever so much." --Ingrid Maria (Werner) Ericsson, Paris
(Swedish journalist, writer & illustrator)
“The Paris Writer's Retreat was very powerful. As a somewhat resistant writer, I felt overwhelmed by my book project and wanted help. Since the group was small, I was immediately comfortable with Wendy and the others. One of the most helpful exercises for me was a guided meditation that took us from writing in the first person to writing in the third person. It completely surprised me that I could bring in such diverse emotions from the two different perspectives. That exercise alone will make my book far richer. The workshop on Publishers, Literary agents and Editors was also very important. Staying at a fabulous hotel in Paris gave it an almost magical quality, but having an intelligent, talented and fun loving facilitator made it completely worthwhile. Wendy Goldman Rohm is precious and I couldn't have planned out, or asked for, a more delightful, fulfilling week. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my book's progress.”
---Glenda Bloom Ackley, Idyllwild, Calif.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. This has really inspired me to work on getting everything together to try and solicit interest from an agent and a publisher. The whole goal of getting an advance; to stop working in this vacuum, and just write, is such a tantalizing goal... I mean, wow! I was really startled by people's reaction to my story. I have always thought of it as a dark and frightening passage in my history, I never considered that people might actually be eager to hear about something that gruesome. I am so glad I came to this event. It was very well executed, and it has given me a lot of hope. Where before I was feeling like I needed to write my personal story, just so I could get it out of the way and start writing something else, I now almost feel like everything happens for a reason, and I am getting closer to my true calling. Thank You Wendy!"---Andy Alper, Chicago
"Great workshop ... I learned a ton, and met some wonderful people.Take care and thanks again for a terrific weekend."--James Roswell Quinn, Chicago
"A big Thank You to Wendy Goldman Rohm for her excellent Writers' Retreat at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin yesterday (Sat. 25 April 09). I personally got a lot from the day from the advice from Wendy and from meeting other writers on the course. I hope to keep in contact with as many of my fellow 'retreaters' as possible." --Paul Fitzsimons, Dublin, Ireland
"The Writers Retreat in Mumbai was fabulous and probably the first time such an even was held in India for writers. I don't know if that's a fact but thats what I think. One thing is for sure, from the feedback I got it was evident that your being here gave a lot of hope to those who attended. For me your presence was a blessing. I had submitted my query letter by email to many Literary Agents but got no interested responses. Suddenly you were here, you understood what I had to say, you were interested and once again hope came back letting me know that one day these precious words that have moved my soul and changed my life will somehow make their way into print and be read by people all over the world. Thanks for everything. "
-- Dr. Rohit Juneja CHt., R.H., R.M.P (A.M)
Spiritual Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Corporate Trainer
"Great workshop ... I learned a ton, and met some wonderful people.Take care and thanks again for a terrific weekend."--James Roswell Quinn, Chicago
"A big Thank You to Wendy Goldman Rohm for her excellent Writers' Retreat at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin yesterday (Sat. 25 April 09). I personally got a lot from the day from the advice from Wendy and from meeting other writers on the course. I hope to keep in contact with as many of my fellow 'retreaters' as possible." --Paul Fitzsimons, Dublin, Ireland
"The Writers Retreat in Mumbai was fabulous and probably the first time such an even was held in India for writers. I don't know if that's a fact but thats what I think. One thing is for sure, from the feedback I got it was evident that your being here gave a lot of hope to those who attended. For me your presence was a blessing. I had submitted my query letter by email to many Literary Agents but got no interested responses. Suddenly you were here, you understood what I had to say, you were interested and once again hope came back letting me know that one day these precious words that have moved my soul and changed my life will somehow make their way into print and be read by people all over the world. Thanks for everything. "
-- Dr. Rohit Juneja CHt., R.H., R.M.P (A.M)
Spiritual Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Corporate Trainer
"I had a marvelous time and truly enjoyed the workshop. My only regret was that I could only attend one day. Wendy you area fabulous mentor. Thank you ever so much." --Sharon Lang, Chicago
"Thank you Wendy. Your workshop was inspiring, exciting and stimulating. It gave me faith that if I really do want to write a book, start today, which I did. Anyone who wants to express their inner voice in the written word really has an obligation to do so. And so I look forward to another workshop or a weekly or monthly gathering to get into the habit of writing, get feedback and produce. I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your very positive feedback. I thank the group as well for being so supportive." --Ros Kaspi, Chicago
"Wendy is a fantastic instructor and this course is a great starting point for someone who is thinking about getting a book published, but just doesn't know where to start. Wendy was down-to-earth, accessible and honest - the class encouraged me to keep working on my writing, and helped me know what to expect from the literary industry." - Marthe Druska
“If you have a great idea for a book and need a primer on how to shop the idea and develop a great book proposal, this is the class. Wendy offers great advice and walks you through the process of getting your nonfiction book idea published. She's very approachable and makes time to help you. I'd like to take a longer workshop with her as I develop my book proposal! I thought it was time and money well spent!” --Mike Reilley
“Wendy Goldman Rohm offers insider information about the publishing industry, both from the standpoint of an agent and an author. Her stories are entertaining and informative, and her interest in learning more about the participants and their book ideas is refreshing and makes for an engaging seminar.”--Susan Blumberg-Kason
“Wendy was very forthcoming about the publishing industry and her experience as both an author and an agent. She was interested in the participants' book ideas, which I thought was very encouraging. The course content was appropriate. Some people knew more about proposal writing than others, but the instructor covered the material so that it appealed to both the novice and the seasoned agent-seeker. She also tailored what she spoke about according to our interests.”
“The course content was excellent. Wendy proved to me that I have a lot of work ahead to achieve what I am after. She has done a fine job of introducing me to this next adventure. Keep her around!”
“Wendy was great. Full of tips and great advice. She was very relaxed and the time flew by. We were there for 3 1/2 hours and it felt like half that. If you have a great idea for a book and need a primer on how to shop the idea and develop a great book proposal, this is the class. Wendy offers great advice and walks you through the process of getting your nonfiction book idea published. She's very
approachable and makes time to help you. I'd like to take a longer workshop with her as I develop my book proposal! I thought it was time and money well-spent!”
***
The Press on Rohm's
Writers Retreat in Mumbai:
Hindustan Times, Feb. 14 2009:
Aspiring Writers Flock for Author's Tips
MUMBAI--- Heartened by the success of Slumdog Millionaire, The White Tiger and The Sea of Poppies, a group of aspiring writers took a leap of faith and enrolled for a Writers Retreat organized by New York Times bestselling author Wendy Goldman Rohm, in Mumbai.
The inaugural session of the two-day retreat and workshop in Powai saw journalists, screenwriters, lawyers, boxing coaches, diamond merchants, IT professionals and TV directors spare their weekend to gather tips on writing, getting published and being successful, from Rohm, a literary agent who has been conducting such sessions across the US and Europe since 2002.
"I had all this knowledge from being in the publishing business and have been on both the writer's and agent's side of the spectrum," said the author of narrative nonfiction.
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found author and dear friend Suketu Mehta urged Rohm into hosting her first workshop in India, for which majority attendees got word through Facebook.
"After my father was diagnosed with cancer, I started mulling over my purpose. I want to write to bring meaning to my life," said 30-something Nihar Mehta, a diamond merchant.
Rohm's session in Mumbai featured guests such as writer and Broadway director Brian Swibel and Jane Hawksley (Je T'aime Paris), via audio conference.
"Good writing transcends cultural backgrounds. I tend to lean towards stories riddled with odds and attempts to overcome them. Slumdog..is a watershed film and indicative of the changing times," said Swibel.
The session packed in established writers with ready scripts, first-time directors and ghost writers-all of whom seeking information specific to their genres.
"It's quite broad-based right now. I am hoping to get tips on specifically how to write and publish a novel," said TV director Reshma Ghosh.
Mingling genres and basics and more advanced aspects of writing was a deliberate move of Rohm. "I have initiated an online digital course, which the Mumbai participants can dial into next week for a one-on-one with Suketu and [Slumdog Millionaire author] Vikas Swarup as they couldn't be here [in person]," Rohm said.
Writers Retreat in Mumbai:
Hindustan Times, Feb. 14 2009:
Aspiring Writers Flock for Author's Tips
MUMBAI--- Heartened by the success of Slumdog Millionaire, The White Tiger and The Sea of Poppies, a group of aspiring writers took a leap of faith and enrolled for a Writers Retreat organized by New York Times bestselling author Wendy Goldman Rohm, in Mumbai.
The inaugural session of the two-day retreat and workshop in Powai saw journalists, screenwriters, lawyers, boxing coaches, diamond merchants, IT professionals and TV directors spare their weekend to gather tips on writing, getting published and being successful, from Rohm, a literary agent who has been conducting such sessions across the US and Europe since 2002.
"I had all this knowledge from being in the publishing business and have been on both the writer's and agent's side of the spectrum," said the author of narrative nonfiction.
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found author and dear friend Suketu Mehta urged Rohm into hosting her first workshop in India, for which majority attendees got word through Facebook.
"After my father was diagnosed with cancer, I started mulling over my purpose. I want to write to bring meaning to my life," said 30-something Nihar Mehta, a diamond merchant.
Rohm's session in Mumbai featured guests such as writer and Broadway director Brian Swibel and Jane Hawksley (Je T'aime Paris), via audio conference.
"Good writing transcends cultural backgrounds. I tend to lean towards stories riddled with odds and attempts to overcome them. Slumdog..is a watershed film and indicative of the changing times," said Swibel.
The session packed in established writers with ready scripts, first-time directors and ghost writers-all of whom seeking information specific to their genres.
"It's quite broad-based right now. I am hoping to get tips on specifically how to write and publish a novel," said TV director Reshma Ghosh.
Mingling genres and basics and more advanced aspects of writing was a deliberate move of Rohm. "I have initiated an online digital course, which the Mumbai participants can dial into next week for a one-on-one with Suketu and [Slumdog Millionaire author] Vikas Swarup as they couldn't be here [in person]," Rohm said.
New York Times best-selling author and literary agent Wendy Goldman Rohm will be hosting the next Paris Writers Retreat in Sept. 2010. She also hosts the June 5 - 6, 2010, workshop in Provence, and the Sept. conference in Provence. See the Schedule page.
2010 Winter Retreat in Thailand
