Archive for December, 2011

“Travel Writing: Enriching your Travels Through Writing” Class

February 8-March 14, 2012, in San Francisco.
Diane will be teaching this course for  the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, San Francisco State: Wednesday 3-5 p.m. Registration begins after January 3, 2012, on line at Olli.sfsu. edu. (415) 817-4243 Limited enrollment. Please share this invitation with friends and colleagues.

Class Description:
From earliest times, humans have been drawn to stories, adventures, and wanderings. In this era of globalization, more and more people are traveling and recounting their experiences, as well as exploring varieties of approaches to travel and writing. During our six weeks together, we’ll examine techniques and ideas to make your travel and writing even more meaningful and enjoyable. From pre-trip planning, fishing for details and story ideas while on the road, to crafting a well-told tale—whether for publication, friends and family, or your own pleasure and memories—we’ll work together to share ideas regarding travel and writing, workshop our writing, and enjoy turning our adventures into stories.

Reader’s Comments

Here’s what readers have to say about Diane’s work.

Afghan articles:

insightful writing

It’s easy to see why your story was honored: so poignant and such a gifted insight into a situation that was alien on so many levels.  The ending must have been apt: I wept.  Jay Gordon.

excellent piece of writing. Positive images of Afghans simply are too few and far between — but this is a truth that certainly needs to get out. Thanks! Veterans from Afghanistan

It’s one thing to give money (what my Mom called “checkbook-generosity”) like I do, another altogether to give up your time and energy like you do to promote a cause. Linda

Just read your amazing story “At Home in Afghanistan“.  I admire your courage to travel there and to help the brave Afghanistan women! I wish more travel stories were like yours.

Your Cajun Country article is wonderful! Your writing is tremendously full of life and great scenes — a delight to read! (BR)

Bhutan: I love how you weave a mystical tapestry of observations with practical information and the contrast of ancient stories with present experience.  Now, back to the mops and dust cloths. AK, Garland, Texas

Greece: A Love Story

“I am very impressed about how accurate and detailed the material in your story is regarding the archaeology, history, mythology. I’ve never read anything like this before!” Wow! I guess a zillion years of teaching and studying pays off.   S.F. Greek Consul General

Honduras: A place that honors goddesses and chocolate.  Has to be a fascinating destination.  ’Course, the visual of you pushing the Jeep was my favorite. Jay Gordon

France:

I have read your story in FRANCE - A Love Story. It is like a chocolate raspberry truffle. I pick it up, take a morsel, and then put it down again.

Wow! Such passion for life! And you share it so well. Thanks. Bev

Diane LeBow Awards

2011 Solas Silver Award, Best Women’s Travel Writing, “My Dinner with Terrorists.”

2010: Solas Gold Award, Best Women’s Travel Writing, “At Home in Afghanistan.”

BATW Best Bronze, Internet Travel, “A Visit to Palau.”

Writer’s Digest, Magazine Feature Article, “Maya Mysteries Revealed

2008: BATW Best Gold Web Site

BATW Best Bronze, Essay in an anthology, “Dancing on the Wine Dark Sea.

2007: Solas Gold Award, Best Love Story on the Road, “The Trout Baron.”

2005 BATW Silver Award, Afghan Woman in Window

Ford Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities grants

Venezuela Photo Gallery

Photos from Diane’s trip to Venezuela

Paris Photo Gallery

Photos from Diane’s trips to Paris.

Libya Photo Gallery

Photos from Diane’s trip to Libya.

Afghanistan Photo Gallery

Diane Lebow’s photos from her most recent trip to Afghanistan.