We are pleased to offer the Patchwork Farm Manuscript Series. The Manuscript Series is a 12 month program for writers with projects which call for critical response and new writing including novels, short stories, poetry manuscripts and creative non-fiction.
FRAMEWORK
Program Guidelines: Participants are writers who have made substantial headway in a writing project and are motivated to make significant progress toward its completion. They agree to meet the deadlines for manuscript submission, to read and critique in advance the manuscripts of the other group members, and to discuss them at the 3-day intensives. Please see below for full calendar.
The basic framework of the Series includes four 3-day writing and critique intensives, and four individual manuscript consultations with Patricia Lee Lewis. The series is limited to 9 writers, who make a commitment for the full year. Intensives take place at SpiritFire; a small, private retreat center in western Massachusetts. Individual consultations include comments on the page, by email and by telephone. Participants may write in the same genre or in different genres, according to the applicant pool and Patricia's judgment.
Manuscripts for each session include up to 40 pages of prose (320 total pages) or 7 poems (56 total poems) and are sent to group members 2-3 weeks ahead of each scheduled intensive. As appropriate, members may review a manuscript in its entirety.
Application Period: generally from mid February to mid March for a Mid-May start
Cost: $3,500, includes tuition, materials and all meals and accommodations at intensives. $500 non-refundable deposit is required. While you will be obligated to pay the entire tuition if you are accepted into the program, you may arrange to pay the tuition in installments to suit your needs.
How to apply: Write a 1-2 page letter to Patricia, describing your project, your progress to date, your short and long-term goals, and why you believe the Manuscript Series is the right program for you. Send the letter along with 10-20 pages of your prose manuscript, or 6-10 poems by email.
When applying, please mail your deposit of $500 to Patricia at Patchwork Farm, 292 Chesterfield Rd, Westhampton, MA 01027. If you are accepted, the deposit is not refundable. If you are not accepted, it will be refunded in full.
Truly, this is a wonderful, memorable, rejuvenating experience for me. What a group you've pulled together! I cannot thank you enough. -- S. L. 2005-2006
Patricia's Manuscript Intensive is a gift to writers desiring to develop and polish their chosen projects in a safe, generous, and productive environment. I have found Patricia's critiques--and those of every member of our group--to be insightful and specific. The process has helped me to advance my craft and sharpen my critical skills in reading both poetry and prose. -- R. M. 2005 - 2006
.... with real gratitude to you and the process you have led us in through the year. What a difference it has made for me. The structure of it, the deadlines, coupled with the careful attention from you and the circle of wonderful companions -- what a soul nourishing and expanding experience. -- S. B. 2005-2006
SAMPLE CALENDAR
February 15 - March 15 Applications accepted
May 22
Manuscript packet #1 due to members
June 8-10
Intensive I on manuscript packet #1 *
July 9
Manuscript packet #2 due to Patricia
July 27-Aug 2
Manuscript packet #2 due from Patricia to members
August 30
Manuscript packet #3 due to members
Sept 14-16
Intensive II on manuscript packet #3
October 8
Manuscript packet #4 due to Patricia
October 22-28
Manuscript packet #4 due from Patricia to members
November 12
Manuscript packet #5 due to members
December 1-3
Intensive III on manuscript packet #5
January 7
Manuscript packet #6 due to Patricia
January 19-24
Manuscript packet #6 due from Patricia to members
February 25
Manuscript packet #7 due to Patricia
March 4-8
Manuscript packet #7 due from Patricia to members
April 15
Manuscript packet #8 due to members
May 3-5
Intensive IV on manuscript packet #8
May 19
Celebration and Public Reading at Smith College
Contact Patricia if you are interested in the Manuscript Project Series
