How to Make the Most of Your Online Getaway
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,... Continue Reading
Important Information for Midsummer Getaway Participants
The Midsummer Online Writing Getaway will take place July 7-11, 2021. Below is a list of things you need to know about the Midsummer Getaway, including tips and tricks to set you up for success. Please read this carefully. *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... Continue Reading
Things to do in Scotland – 2019
We are excited for the adventures we’ll all be having together in Scotland this summer. We’re also making plans to make the most of our time after writing together in Dundee. Here’s what we’ll be doing: Scottish Highlands Tour – Taylor, our program coordinator, will be extending her trip for a chance to see the Loch Ness monster, among other Scottish wonders. Edinburgh Fringe –... Continue Reading
Using Your Electronics in the UK – 2019
Chances are you’ll be bringing items on your trip that you will want to charge like a laptop, phone, tablet or camera. Most newer devices are dual-voltage and will work with the UK’s 220/240 Volt standard. Here are the steps you should take to determine how to prepare for your trip. Verify your equipment supports the 220/240v standard. (Look at the battery, charger or documentation that came... Continue Reading
Currency Exchange – $ to £ – 2019
The British pound (£) is the official currency of Great Britain. It is also referred to as the pound sterling and informally as the “quid.” The pound is divided into 100 pence or “p.” Coins are used in the following denominations: 1 p, 5 p, 20 p, 50 p, £1 and £2. Bills are used for £5 and higher. Have a look at your new best... Continue Reading
Murphy’s Laws for Writers (Part I)
Poor Murphy. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. You know you’re having a Murphy day when things go from bad to worse to terrible. What you may not know is that there are Murphy’s Love Laws (If he isn’t taken, there’s a reason), Murphy’s Military Laws (The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire), Murphy’s Laws of Sex (If... Continue Reading
Dodge Foundation Interview with Peter Murphy
This interview, conducted by Rebecca Gambale of The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, originally appeared on The Dodge Blog on June 28, 2013. When did you first discover poetry? What poets made you want to write poetry? My aunt claimed that I wrote a poem when I was seven years old, “The Smells in Grandmother’s Kitchen,” that was published in the School Bank News, but I don’t... Continue Reading
5 Questions with Peter Murphy
This interview, conducted by Jennifer DeWitt of Playwrights Theatre, originally appeared as a part of the NJ Literary Artists Fellowship Showcase on the Playwrights Theatre Blog on October 15, 2013. 1. You were born in Wales and grew up in New York City. Does this make you an aggressive, yet polite poet? I’m not usually a rude guy and don’t believe in shocking an audience for the sake of... Continue Reading
Have you “Reader Tested” your writing?
I lead lots of workshops and classes for poets and writers each year. It’s usually a pleasure, especially in extended courses when I can see each writer grow over a period of time. One thing I tell my students is to make believe they must pay their reader one dollar a word to read their story or other prose. This shakes them up. Then I tell them to make believe... Continue Reading
