The Rewrite Mentor

Just got back from the villa in Cortona. I’m still suffering a little bit of jet lag, but the overall euphoria of the experience is getting me through it. The whole thing exceeded my expectations: the people, the food, the villa, the countryside, the small towns in Tuscany. Our first two days were consumed by reworking our stories, and we discovered that this group of people was able to communicate ideas and stories at a professional level. It was exhausting mental work, but so very, very fruitful.

As is usually the case in a rewrite, some people practically abandoned their old stories and rewrote their scripts from the ground up. And they were greatly improved! Others reworked extensively the scripts they came with and also made them sing. Lots of work to be proud of.

Everyone vowed to come back next year, but we may add another seminar either at the villa or in Spain or France. Start thinking about it. One participant called it a life changing experience. Another said it was the best money she’d ever spent. It was referred to as a religious experience by more than one. All I know is, we were focused and we produced!

One more note: Our cook, Tina, who lives on a farm down the road, made the best lasagna I have ever tasted. Then, the next night, brought in a vegetarian lasagna - even better! Then a truffle lasagna. And let’s not get started on the tiramisu…