Challenges for the Delusional: Sample Writing Prompt
Joisey Adapted from Challenges for the Delusional “Susan, we thought you wuz dead.” “I was. I was in Joisey.” ~ Desperately Seeking Susan “Not going to New Jersey isn’t procrastinating. It’s common sense.” ~ Igby Goes Down Poetry Prompt | Fiction Prompt | Nonfiction/Memoir Prompt | Requirements Poetry Prompt Using the requirements below, write a poem... Continue Reading
Murphy’s Roof Preading Tips (a.k.a. Murphy’s Proofreading Tips)
Why You Should ProofRead Why is the new year celebrated on January 1st when everything is dead or frozen? For me it begins on the first day of spring, and one of my rituals is to take inventory of the stupid things I’ve done lately. Misspelling Hemingway (I still think it should have two m’s) in my February newsletter on revision rises to the top. I know, I know, I... Continue Reading
10 Ways to Avoid Writing
From the July 2011 Murphy Writing newsletter. 10 ways to avoid writing It’s summer! The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, but the mosquitoes have been snorting Red Bull, and depending on where you live, dust storms, fires or floods are trying to kill you. How can you concentrate on those neglected poems or the novel you abandoned last August? Better put off your writing for two or three... 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
Finding a Flight to Spain – 2017
If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to start thinking about traveling and what to do when you arrive at your destination. For maximum flexibility, airfare is not included. You will be responsible for making your own round-trip travel arrangements which will allow you to choose your airports and make it easy to extend your trip. We will assist you in identifying budget-conscious flights.... Continue Reading
Passports, Visas, etc. for entering Spain – 2017
Passports (For US Citizens) **Passport: It is essential that your passport does not expire until after January 2018 or Border Control may not allow you to enter Spain. Please check and renew it today!** In the coming weeks and months, we will post information to help you plan your trip safely and economically. The first thing you should do is make sure your passport is in order. The process is... Continue Reading
Welcome travelers to Spain – 2017!
Welcome travelers! This group is designed for the poets and writers attending the Get Away to Write – Spain program in July 2017. We will post travel recommendations and other trip news as we prepare for this exciting trip. ... Continue Reading
Scotland Participant FAQs – 2016
Q: Should I bring a laptop? A: Most of our participants bring laptops or tablets, but it is certainly not required. It’s best for you to consider your writing process and how you will work most effectively. If you are used to doing all of your writing on a computer, then it’s a good idea to bring one with you. If you are happy writing long hand and wish to... Continue Reading
Do you believe in magic? Try this writing prompt
Writing is usually a lonely task, but when we do it in a supportive community, something enchanting happens. We had a magical time on Saturday at the Shore Thing Writing Getaway at the beautiful Dante Hall Theater in Atlantic City. Dozens of poems, mountains of stories, oceans of nonfiction and at least one chapter from a novel were conjured into existence. In case you couldn’t be there with us,... Continue Reading
Using Your Electronics in the UK – 2016
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
