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Teresa Cutler
BA - English/Anthropology
MA - Cultural Studies/Comparative Literature
PhD - American Studies/Media as Truth - in progress





Our Scrivere in Italia! cultural writing workshop & retreat was amazing. Here are a few responses from writers and speakers:


Teresa Cutler hosted the workshop through her company, Inkwell International. I knew it was the first of its kind and knew, from previous experiences (not with writing, but other types of new workshops) that a first of its kind event might have a lot of unexpected issues arise. So, I was prepared for anything and everything.

So, apparently, was Teresa Cutler. Things could not have gone smoother, even the unexpected things were dealt with in such a way as to seem intended. Teresa never missed a beat.

The speakers were all wonderful. Each had a different way of relating to the group and each met, or exceeded, my expectations in ways that have already improved my writing. Teresa’s input and feedback, her writing exercises and her style of teaching not only helped me immensely, but I knew from talking with others that she had helped them break through to new levels in their own writing. I watched as blocks became unblocked. It was great fun to see others blossom under her caring and sensitive tutelage.

In addition to the actual workshop activities, there were tours planned to help us experience Italy in ways that most travelers will never experience. I was quite nervous about being in a different country, where I did not know the language or the customs. Teresa carried us through it all seemingly without effort. That, I think, is the sign of someone who knows how to plan and organize an event such as this.

I look forward to attending Inkwell’s workshops in the future. Teresa, and her partner in Italy, Life In Italy’s Paolo Nascimbeni, were great hosts: accommodating, attentive and relaxed. Their humor and professionalism created the perfect balance of structure, activity, work and play. It all ended too soon, and I can’t wait for the next one!

Maggi Petton - writer



Boating around the mysterious islands of Lake Bolsena, invitations into the homes of Italian and ex-patriot authors to share meals and ideas, incredible behind-the-scenes excursions.

Scrivere in Italia was filled with adventures that took root in our imaginations, inspiring our writing and great conversation over fabulous dinners. Writing prompts and exercises allowed us to integrate what we saw, heard, felt and tasted into our own inner processes while one-on-one discussions with Teresa and other writers gave us each the insight and encouragement we needed.

It was the ideal balance of inspiration, support and practical application. I would love to return to the retreat next year and recommend it to writers of all levels looking for a creative adventure.

Barbara Howington - Writer



Dear Teresa,

I want to express my appreciation for all the hard work and organizational skill you put in to make my speaking role at the Scrivere in Italia retreat (October 2008) so memorable. The blend of day trips with discussions about writing was clearly an inspiration to the participants and a pleasure for me to attend. Furthermore October in Italy is clearly the new August - the weather was extraordinary. This made the day sailing on the lake, the trip to Vivo d'Orcia and the porcini mushroom festival, and the day in Rome with Pasquale teaching his travel photography class unforgettable experiences. I can only presume the rest of the retreat was as good as the first part.

Thank you,

Rob Swigart - Speaker



Teresa Cutler did a great job of keeping me informed on every development of the scheduled conference at Palace Cervini in Vivo d’Orcia, Tuscany making it possible for me to organize my conference speech for the visiting authors long in advance.

The group of authors arrived relaxed, having already clearly developed strong friendships amongst themselves – they were extremely comfortable indeed! Receiving a group of enthusiasts was as much an inspiration for me as it seemed to be for them with a shared common passion such as writing. We ate a wonderful and typically Tuscan lunch of porcini mushrooms and various local wild game dishes and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

The exceptional surroundings of Palazzo Cervini, with its Renaissance Castle, Renaissance Palace, hermitage and 13th century chapel set the perfect scene for this enterprising writing workshop in Italy. As I spoke, the group took notes and asked questions, and visibly enjoyed the experience, the atmosphere and the direct participation of the Cervini family themselves, who are the direct descendants of the 16th century Italian Pope Marcello II. Countess Cervini gladly led the group around her impressive Renaissance Palace and revealed the stunning formal garden behind the Palace for the first time in many years and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it herself.

The whole day’s agenda had been carefully chosen by Teresa and the results spoke for themselves. When the writers left, I waved them off from the ancient stone bridge, hoping they'd be back soon.

Jonathan Radford - Speaker 2008

{For writers wishing to get away to finish (or start) that latest project, it will be possible to rent houses on the Cervini estate. The estate has inspired countless artists of all kinds, and been home to Italian Popes, over the five centuries since its creation. Contact Teresa for more details.}



Dear Teresa, It was a great pleasure to meet you and your students during my visit in beautiful Bolsena. Although mine was only a short stay, I had the chance to see the wonderful surroundings, and experience your company as well as meet other writers and Italophiles, like Mary Jane Cryan, a writer living in Italy for over 35 years. I thoroughly enjoyed the delightful lunch at her home in Vetralla, the food was exceptional and so were our hosts.

Your writing program is a great way to introduce Italy and its culture to aspiring and experienced writers, and people like me, an Italian born living in Hawaii with many places yet to discover in Italy.

I am sure that the next "Scrivere in Italia" will be even more popular and successful. Keep up the good work!

Ciao,
Ercole - www.italiamia.com


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