Nomad with a Notebook: Introduction to Travel Writing

“Ten years ago I stepped out of my life in San Francisco and spent a month in Chile,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “I wandered the hills of Valparaiso, the rocky beaches of Isla Negra, and the lyrical and eccentric houses of Pablo Neruda, my notebook always close at hand. Now I don’t travel any other way.”

Whether you’ve recently returned from Paris or Sacramento or you’re dreaming of a trip, this online class will help you transform your observations into vivid and lasting images. Katharine will provide tips on how to carefully observe and record your impressions of new places and cultures. In-class writing exercises will guide you in identifying themes, composing scenes, and cultivating your distinct voice.

During class sessions, you’ll draw inspiration from seasoned essayists and travel writers, such as Pico Iyer, Joan Didion, Ann Patchett, and Geoff Dyer. You’ll have short weekly out-of-class writing assignments with the goal of completing a rough draft of a travel piece or personal essay/memoir by the end of the course.

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon has moved all spring classes to a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the web. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your home office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.