Murphy Writing of Stockton University

Here are tips and tricks for success at the Midsummer Online Writing Getaway. Even if you attended the Winter Getaway in January, it will help you to review this info.

Zoom / Tech Tips

1. Make sure you have internet access, a webcam and a microphone. To fully participate, you’ll need a computer or tablet, internet access, and access to a webcam and microphone. Those built in to a laptop, tablet or smartphone will generally work. During workshop time, we encourage you to use a laptop, desktop computer or tablet rather than a smartphone. Your workshop leader may share their screen with you or ask you to share your screen, which will be more difficult to see/navigate on a smaller screen. You may find it easier to focus and to listen to others if you use headphones, so keep a pair handy if you have them.

2. Get comfortable with Zoom. Create a free Zoom account and use this test link to try it out. We will also offer Zoom instructions and orientation sessions for participants, but you’ll feel more confident going in to the getaway if you try it out ahead of time.

3. Check your internet:

a. Restart your router. Best practice is to restart your router once a month for optimal internet connection. Here’s a helpful how-to. Try this well in advance and call your internet provider if you need help. Plan to restart your router for the last time a few days before the Getaway to be sure you’re running at an optimal speed.

b. Maximize your internet speed. If you live with other people who share your internet, you may want to temporarily upgrade your internet and/or ask others to use the internet minimally during your workshop time. Depending on your set-up, you may also be able to try using an ethernet cable to connect your computer to your modem directly.

Tips to Stay Focused

1. Review the schedule ahead of time so you get a good sense of what to expect each day. Make a plan in advance for which sessions you would like to attend in addition to your workshop. Write this down on paper, if that usually helps you. *Note: All times on the schedule are EDT. If you don’t live on the East Coast, be sure to check the time difference in advance. Setting a specific watch or clock in your workspace to EDT might help.*

2. Stay organized.

a. Clear off a workstation in your home that can be used as your central hub for writing and workshopping. Even if you don’t normally have a dedicated writing zone, see if you can find somewhere to set one up. Surround yourself with whatever best helps you feel inspired and focused: favorite books, treasured objects or just an uncluttered space free of distractions.

b. Keep a clean screen by keeping open as few browser tabs as possible. Keep handy the online event page and the schedule, both of which contain all the links you’ll need.

c. Organize your files so they’re easy to access and share. If you don’t already have a system you swear by, try keeping your writing files in a separate folder right on your desktop.

3. Minimize distractions. Try:

a) Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb during writing and workshopping time
b) Keeping the TV turned off
c) Working in an isolated part of your residence, if possible

4. Take a stretch break. While we know your creative muscles will be working hard, don’t forget about your other muscles. Take regular breaks when you can to stretch, go for a quick walk or at least move around a little bit.

5. Tell your friends and family you’re “away.” We know this isn’t possible for everyone and every living situation, but see if you can make arrangements for others to help with childcare or any other caregiving responsibilities you usually have. Let your spouse know you won’t be available to take out the trash or cook dinner, and tell your friends you might not return their calls for a couple of days. You deserve to make time for yourself and your writing, so ask your friends and family in advance for the support and understanding you’ll need to make your at-home getaway as much of a retreat as possible.

What to “Bring”

1. Wear something comfortable—jeans, sweatpants, fuzzy socks, your favorite ratty cardigan. We’re here to write, not to impress. Just be sure to wear something so no one catches a glimpse of your unmentionables if you get up for a bathroom break during the workshop.

2. Prepare your meals in advance. Whether you cook and refrigerate meals, stock your freezer with frozen meals or treat yourself to take-out every day, the goal is to maximize your writing time. This means you should also stock up on items like coffee, snacks and chocolate. Make sure you already have enough of anything you might need from the store!

3. Keep creature comforts like these within reach during workshop time:

a) Water bottle
b) Notebook
c) Sweater or blanket
d) Yoga mat for a quick stretch break
e) Etc.

4. You will not need to print anything; however, if your eyes are easily fatigued by screens, you may wish to invest in a small printer for prompts and other materials to help rest your eyes. A quick Google search will show you some inexpensive options.

5. If you signed up for add-on sessions, such as a One-on-one Tutorial or From Daydreams to Drafts: A Pre-Getaway Writing Workshop, be sure to refresh your memory of the guidelines and times.