Join us for this five-week online poetry workshop to expand the geography of your imagination and create new poems that will surprise you. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Online WORKSHOP
Led by Peter E. Murphy
Five Sundays: May 9, May 16, May 23, June 6, June 13, 2021
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. EDT
No meeting on Sunday, May 30 (Memorial Day)
Limited to 12 participants
Following Anne Sexton’s admonition, “Whatever you do, don’t be boring,” this workshop will encourage you to take imaginative and linguistic risks to write poems that are original, interesting and true.
Each week we will discuss craft questions based on a selection of poems that invite you to expand your ideas about what’s possible in poetry. Inspiring prompts will challenge you to think about craft elements like beginnings, endings, line breaks and voice to write poems that are alive on the page.
You will also receive feedback on your poems from your workshop leader and your peers, which will help you learn how your writing resonates with others and give you ideas to take it to even more surprising places.
Beginning and experienced poets are welcome.
“I have a tendency to write with the emergency brake on, but your exercises provided me with some wonderful new tools for freeing my imagination. I really appreciate the amount of thought you put into the program.”
~ Mary, Bala Cynwyd, PA
FACULTY
Workshop Leader
Peter E. Murphy was born in Wales and grew up in New York City where he operated heavy equipment, managed a nightclub and drove a taxi. He is the author of eleven books and chapbooks of poetry and prose including The Man Who Never Was, Mean Time and two books of writing prompts. More than a dozen excerpts of his manuscript-in-progress, Next: A Memoir, have been published as standalone pieces in journals, including “Looking for Thelma,” winner of the 2018 Wilt Nonfiction Chapbook Prize and “Storming the Castle,” winner of the 2019 First Chapter Memoir Prize sponsored by Arch Street Press. The founder of Murphy Writing of Stockton University, Peter has received dozens of awards and fellowships and has led hundreds of workshops for writers and teachers. Read an interview with Peter and an excerpt from his memoir in The Lightning Key Review.
“Peter Murphy truly cares about others’ writing. This shines through in all of his teaching, and in the program as a whole.”
~ Rich, New Paltz, NY
How It Works
Schedule
The course will be held over Zoom for five Sundays 7:00-8:30 p.m. EDT:
- Sunday, May 9
- Sunday, May 16
- Sunday, May 23
- Sunday, June 6
- Sunday, June 13
*The group will not meet on Sunday, May 30 in observation of Memorial Day.*
Each week’s materials will be made available beforehand so you have a chance to review them ahead of time.
You will receive further details about each deadline and assignment once you enroll in the course.
technical requirements
Materials for the course will be shared using a free online platform called Canvas. You will need a computer or tablet and internet access in order to use Canvas. You will also need access to word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
To fully participate in the weekly Zoom sessions, you will need access to a webcam and microphone. Those built in to a laptop, tablet or smart phone will do.
Pricing + Registration
Tuition — SLIDING SCALE: $350-$450
Tuition for this program is based on a sliding scale between $350 and $450. If you are able to pay at the higher end of the scale, you will help Murphy Writing offer affordable programming and scholarships for writers.
Tuition INCLUDEs
- A curated selection of readings, craft notes and prompts to inspire you each week
- Access to a private space for sharing your writing with workshop participants
- Personalized written feedback from your workshop leader
- Five 1.5-hour Zoom calls with your workshop leader and fellow participants
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, email us at info@murphywriting.com.
The Fine Print
- By registering for this program, you are agreeing to uphold our Code of Conduct
- Full fee due upon registration
Cancellation Policy
“Peter pinpoints exactly what needs attention in your writing, and then suggests effective ways to address the weaknesses. He is also unfailingly supportive.”
~ Ernestine, Appleton, WI
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! Our experienced workshop leaders plan their courses to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
I’ve taken dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
Our faculty challenges experienced writers to push beyond their usual limits. If you have been writing for decades, they will compel you to go deeper, take more risks and experiment with form and content. We know that experienced writers benefit from our programs based on the fact that hundreds of “re-PETERs” have attended three or more of our writing getaways.
I’ve never taken an online workshop before. Do I need special equipment?
No. If you’re reading this website, you probably have everything you need to take this course. You can participate using a laptop or desktop computer, or even a tablet or smart phone.
I’ve already taken this course. Can I take it again?
You can take this course again; however, please be aware that the prompts and readings will largely be the same. If you are looking for community and would like to write new material to the same prompts, you are absolutely welcome back.
meet our community
View our full collection of Writing Getaway photos.
Questions?
Call 609-626-3594 or email info@murphywriting.com.
Write with us.
