Testimonials

"A wonderful and deeply enriching experience…"

Novelist Lucretia Grindle participates in the Paris American Academy reading series at Shakespeare & Co. Books.

A month at the Paris Writer's Workshop is a wonderful and deeply enriching experience. The program stands out from others of its kind in several important ways.

For a start, it runs for a full month. This is both rare and important. It not only allows students and professors to come to know one another, but also allows for deep and genuine exploration both of students' writing and of the various texts used for study. In addition, the time allows for significant interaction amongst students and for a series of one-to-one conferences with professors, both of which add significantly to the whole experience.

The second great strength of the Paris American Academy writing workshop is its interdisciplinary approach. The Workshop welcomes both fiction and non-fiction writers as well as poets. While it is not mandatory for students to take all the classes offered, it is a real advantage if they choose to do so. The program is designed for the instruction in each discipline to complement the others. Taking advantage of them not only exposes students to different teachers and approaches, but gives a deep and well rounded experience in creative writing. In addition to classes and workshops, the teaching modules are complimented by specially designed field trips and practical instruction in public reading, an aspect of writing all too often ignored. Weekly student-led readings and a final public reading at Shakespeare and Co. are an additional highlight.

The format of the Paris Writer's workshop means that it is ideally suited to writers of all abilities. I had already published when I decided to attend, but others who were there had not. The quality of the teaching and the structure of the course was such that we all benefited equally. The whole experience was enriched by both the outstanding quality of the teaching, and the diverse background of the students, all of whom brought something different to the experience.

I came away from the month I spent at The Paris Writer's Workshop invigorated, inspired, and humbled. I am very much looking forward to coming back!

—Lucretia Grindle (PAA '08), author of The Villa Triste, The Nightspinners, and other novels

"The perfect way for an aspiring writer to experience Paris…"

Joe Masterman (left) chats with fellow 2009 student Louise Easson before a workshop class in the Schola Cantorum.

The creative writing class at the Paris American Academy was the perfect way for an aspiring writer like myself to experience Paris. The writing tutors were better than any teachers I have ever had at my university in America. They are insightful and passionate about helping students of all experience levels, and our work in seminars and one-on-one meetings profoundly improved my approach to writing. The program cultivated a stimulating and lasting community of writers — the students and tutors I met in Paris continue to communicate and support one another in all of our new writing endeavors.

Aside from the writing classes, the American Academy itself could not be more perfect. The building is located in the heart of Paris's historic writing culture. Every day I walked the same streets and wrote in the same cafes that Ernest Hemingway frequented when he lived in Paris. Furthermore, the American Academy is the most economic way to study writing in Paris. The Academy's students receive the same opportunities offered by other English-based writing courses for about half the price.

As usual, Hemingway said it best: "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." Studying creative writing in Paris was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The American Academy was integral in providing me a feast of memories and experiences that I will carry forever.

—Joe Masterman (PAA '09), Harvard University, Class of 2012

"The intelligence, creative energy, and camaraderie reinforced my drive…"

Julia Moore (right) relaxes with fellow 2009 student Gabe Moseley on the Pont des Arts over the Seine.

Being six years post-undergrad, the prospect of applying to MFA programs this fall felt daunting. I figured that a summer workshop would be the best way for me to fine-tune both my writing portfolio and literary volition — and I might as well do so in Paris.

As it was, this somewhat whimsical decision turned into among the better experiences of my life. Beyond issuing a depth of knowledge concerning the craft of writing in all its forms, the faculty managed to communicate their varied experiences in instructive and compassionate ways. They did what all good teachers are meant to do, reminding and inspiring their students about the purpose of the subject, and the moment at hand.

Of course, what really made this workshop a profound experience was the interaction with my peers. The intelligence, creative energy, and camaraderie I found in the others at the program reinforced my drive toward graduate studies. Being around a community of writers is what it's all about, and I cherish the friends I made at the Paris American Academy writing workshop.

—Julia Moore (PAA '09), 28 years old, USA

"Unusual is the faculty interaction with students…"

Cass McGovern reads an essay during the American Academy's weekly reading series at Café Universel.

I have great things to say about all the teachers at the Paris American Academy writing workshop. John Biguenet is brilliant at modeling story construction and analyzing a poem, and he reinvigorated my efforts at writing poetry and fiction. Rolf Potts is a marvel at teaching how to sculpt a travel essay to its critical core. Guiding us through Pere Lachaise cemetery and other Parisian quarters, Lauren Grodstein taught us how to better observe details, which we evolved into short pieces.

Unusual, too, is faculty interaction with students over a wine or beer at a café, or John and his wife leading a group on art or shopping quests. The pinnacle? The weekly readings, especially at Shakespeare & Co.!

—Cass McGovern (PAA '07 and '08), 64 years old, USA

"A single month at the PAA took my craft to a whole new level…"

Mike Fong (left) shares a story during the Paris Journal class in the American Academy garden.

In the summer of 2006, I quit my job as a Chicago stock exchange trader and moved to Europe. My first stop was at the creative writing workshop at the Paris American Academy.

I had taken a number of writing courses as an undergraduate at Northwestern University, and was very impressed that a single month at PAA took my craft to a whole new level. The teachers — Rolf, John, and Lauren — were passionate about their work, and more importantly, passionate about their teaching. They consistently put in extra time in order to help me develop as a writer and discover and refine my style. The month in Paris in a supportive community of writers was a great start to my expatriate life.

For the following three years, I continued to live abroad, accumulating stories and life lessons. When it came time to write about them, I could not think of a better place to do so than at PAA. I returned in July 2009 to complete the program for a second time, and was pleased once again.

—Mike Fong (PAA '06 and '09), Chicago

"I cannot imagine a better way to experience Paris…"

Misha Habib (right) tours Paris with fellow 2009 student Penny Newell.

The Paris American Academy and its writing professors showed me the magic of living and writing in Paris. From the moment I landed to the day I left, the PAA provided all the instruction and guidance needed to make my stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Paris has so much to offer in and of itself, but the PAA writing workshop is what made my sojourn in the city truly unforgettable. I cannot imagine a better way to experience Paris.

—Misha Habib (PAA '09), Islamabad, Pakistan

"We had a 'community of practice'…"

Darelle Duncan (right) visits Paris art attractions with American Academy art instructor Agnes Rannou.

A Recommendation

I had a wonderful time in Paris
At the Academy’s writing workshop
I found that I could write some poetry
Meter, rhythm and rhyme were fine by me.

We had a 'community of practice'
Where we critiqued, supported and talked
Rolf, John and Lauren guided and mentored
And our work was read at a famous place.

We were welcomed in the Latin Quarter
By good people in the bars and cafes
Where we ate and drank, or simply just sat
Made notes and regarded the populace.

So spend a good month at l'academie
Listen to, and learn from the creative muse
Work with others and established authors
And write your compelling, definitive piece.

—Darelle Duncan (PAA '09), retired school principal, Australia