For Love of Positano

Off to Sirenland in five short days, where I'll meet 29 other writers and three instructors -- Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, and Ron Carlson -- as well as Hannah Tinti and Michael Maren, and where we'll hunker to read, write, listen and learn.

The workshop is held on the Amalfi Coast in Positano -- one of those picturesque villages situated on the face of a cliff, and where shops and houses are painted in shades of the sea. Writer Elizabeth Berg spent some time here recently, attending cooking classes, which she recounts in her essay, "Amalfi Coast: A Moveable Feast." I'm a mediocre cook (at best), and until I read this essay, not particularly interested in learning to become a better one. But having read of Berg's experience, I'm inclined to improve not only my writing, but my cooking, too, at this class in Positano.

Maybe we'll meet there?

Photo by Massimo Bassano

Story of the Week Hits Narrative Mag

Narrative Magazine is running my short story, "Farallon," as a Story of the Week beginning today, March 8, through Saturday, March 13. Take a look here. After March 13, readers may access the story via Narrative's archives. (I workshopped this story last August at Squaw Valley, with Ron Carlson as my workshop leader, so I owe a special shout-out to Ron and my workshop-mates. Thank you, writing friends!)

I'll have a chance to work with Ron again in Positano, Italy, at the Sirenland Writers Conference, and, I hope, to meet Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, Hannah Tinti, and Michael Maren. Workshop of a lifetime!