Comments from Workshop Participants

On Cecilia Woloch

Cecilia has a rare gift for lovingly yet relentlessly coaxing a poet's best work out of hiding. She is the best teacher I've ever had.

The third and final day was a good finale. Among all her other gifts, Cecilia Woloch has as a teacher, inspiration, command of poetry resources, a sure touch at critique -- pacing is I think a forte. She ended with an exercise of the poem as manifesto which brought for the uniformity strong poems which were a consoling outlet offering closure or an opening to express our feelings against a background of start of war.

Ms. Woloch is an exceptional and gifted teacher. Her instincts for promoting creative dialogue and encouraging new artists is exciting to watch. She was a true delight.

Cecilia is an amazing teacher - specific and clear in her direction. She also creates a very safe environment in which to work and to risk - keeps it encouraging.

I felt she had a good handle on all the goings on and kept on top of everything, plus she is an excellent teacher. She is very personable and works well with speakers and students. I would consider coming again.

On the Reading at the Café de Flore

All top-of-their-form writers with a nice variety of long, short, serious and humorous. I laughed, I almost cried from being moved. Nice to hear fiction as well from the poets. The historic setting was wonderful and the talk by Reichert a beautiful setting for the jewel of the reading.

Ethan was exciting and dynamic and cute. As always Cecilia was magnificent.

Day 3 was even better than day than days 1 and 2.

I was particularly touched by James Baker Hall's sacramental relationship to his work. Both he and Mary Ann Taylor Hall transmitted a beautiful commitment to the writing life. It has been a privilege and a deepening to be around them.

Sarah Luczaj was a wonderful writer; I am so glad she spent two mornings in workshop with Cecilia so we could experience her work intimately.

Today the war began and I know I made absolutely the right decision to be out of the country receiving a foreign culture in solidarity with other poets during this difficult time.

On the Farewell Dinner

Intimate, comfortable and the perfect way to end the workshop.

Loved the manifesto poems! An excellent assignment.

On Adrian Leeds

Very well organized and personable. The final dinner was wonderful especially being in an authentic French apartment.

Adrian did a fabulous job organizing the events - I can tell because they were seamless - and she is very welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. Maps, etc., very helpful.

Ms. Leeds is a force of nature. I cannot remember being so well looked after in a travel workshop environment. She makes you feel celebrated. She makes you feel at home.

Adrian, again thanks for everything! Do it again next year. On the book I'm compiling, I am writing "The First Annual Cecilia Woloch's Paris Poetry Workshop."

Considering the price of the workshop, all the activities made me feel like I was getting a good "bang for my Euro."

Workshop Schedule • Faculty and Presenters • Farewell Dinner and Reading
Reading at the Village Voice • World Poetry Day • Survival French Course
Literary Tour • Tsigan: The Gypsy Poem • Accommodations
Comments from Participants