Get away from the grind to write and be inspired. The dramatic mountains of Snowdonia offer a beautiful sanctuary for writing, relaxing and exploring this spectacular, lesser known Celtic gem.
Have you resolved to make writing a priority this summer? Push your writing to the next level with Myth, Mountain & Imagination.
Peter Murphy, whose unique assignments have helped thousands of writers find voice and direction, will lead this Wales Getaway. He will challenge you to stretch your imagination by exploring your personal myth to produce new poems or prose based on life experiences, fantasies and dreams. All genres & levels.
WORKSHOP
August 18-24, 2012
Snowdonia, Wales
Join Peter Murphy in the country of his birth for an extraordinary writing getaway. You will have a chance to write, immersed in the breathtaking landscape which inspired the legend of King Arthur and the Welsh epic The Mabinogion. Peter, whose unique assignments have helped thousands find voice and direction, will challenge you to stretch your imagination by exploring your personal myth to produce new poems or prose based on life experiences, fantasies and dreams.
Each morning you will join Peter and the other writers to discuss craft issues around a packet of stories, poems and essays. Then Peter will give you one of his imaginative assignments and send you off to work. These writing prompts are designed to challenge you whether you are starting a new poem or prose piece, or working on a long-term project such as a novel, memoir or other nonfiction manuscript.
Peter’s writing prompts are effective at connecting with all genres and levels of writers. If you are a beginner, they will get you started. If you have decades of experience, they will compel you to go deeper, take more risks and experiment with form and content.
“The workshop was stimulating and encouraging. I enjoyed the opportunity to think and exchange ideas and opinions with other writers in an environment of trust. The feedback was real and truthful, as well as sensitive. I got every penny of my money’s worth.”
~ Gretna, Somerset, NJ
- Afternoons are free for you to use as you wish. Possibilities include:
- Continuing writing,
- Relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery,
- Exploring Trigonos’ 18 acres and farm.
- Walking the hiking trails adjoining the property,
- Swimming in Lake Nantlle,
- Joining us on excursions to visit castles or ride the train up Mount Snowdon.
Evenings will offer opportunities to share your new writing in supportive feedback sessions, time to socialize and meet with a local writer. Or you can always choose to keep writing.
Whether you write poetry or prose, you will return home from this adventure energized by the magical setting and excited to continue writing.
Schedule
You may use your writing time however and wherever you like, in the library or any of the sitting rooms, in our meeting room or in your own room. If you prefer to venture outside, be sure to look for benches by the meadows and stream as well as the working sundial and path down to Llyn Nantlle, the lake.
Optional Feedback Sessions are not a workshop per se, but will provide an opportunity for you to reflect on what you wrote during the day and get responses on what worked well and suggestions for the next draft. These sessions are optional, so if you prefer to keep writing or revise what you wrote, you may.
Day 1 (Saturday)
| TBA | Pick up at Bangor Rail Station |
| TBA | Settle in at Trigonos |
| 7:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Opening – Welcome to Wales |
View the full schedule (PDF).
“Peter, you strike a balance I find most helpful and enjoyable, between drawing out our responses and knowledge and offering your own input. Thank you so much for another wonderful week in Wales. I hope it’s not the last!”
~ Bobbie, Chatham, NJ
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 cab. He is the author of ten books and chapbooks including two books of writing prompts and Stubborn Child, a finalist for the Paterson Poetry Prize. More than a dozen excerpts of his memoir-in-progress, You Go To My Head, have been published as standalone pieces in literary magazines including “Looking for Thelma,” winner of the 2018 Wilt Nonfiction Chapbook Prize. 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. Enjoy a brief interview with Peter and read some of his work at peteremurphy.com.
Setting
Croeso i Cymru! Welcome to Wales! While Wales is often thought of as one entity with the rest of Britain, it is different in landscape, culture, tradition and language. Most people in North Wales are bilingual, speaking both Welsh and English. The Welsh take great pride in their country’s history which consists mainly of fighting to retain their independence. Wales was invaded by Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Normans and finally the English.
Remember Owain Glyndwr (Owen Glendower) who led the Welsh forces in the rebellion in Henry IV, Part 1?
Shakespeare didn’t much like him, but he’s a hero to the Welsh and is considered the father of Welsh nationalism. After leading an independent Wales for a dozen years or so, he was defeated in 1412 and disappeared. While his final years are a mystery, I thought I spotted him a few years back operating an amusement ride at Barry Island Pleasure Park near Cardiff, but I can’t verify it.
In 2000, celebrations were held all over Wales to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Glyndwr rising and he has been voted 23rd in a poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. What would George Washington say about those numbers?
This history of constant struggling against invaders left Wales with more castles per square mile than any other European country. What I realized on a recent trip is that these castles were built to conquer the Welsh (duh!), but they love them anyway. And they are magnificent! Today, tourists from England (but virtually none from the States) continue the invasion.
Consider visiting one of these nearby castles, all different and hauntingly beautiful.
• Beaumaris Castle ̶ a “concentric” castle on nearby Anglesey Island
• Caernarfon Castle ̶ restored in 1969 when Prince Charles was invested
• Conwy Castle ̶ “one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe”
Did you know?
- Wales has 641 castles, more per square mile than any other country.
- Wales’ rich literary heritage includes connections to Dylan Thomas, William Wordsworth, Roald Dahl and Hay-on-Wye (Known as “The Town of Books”).
- Wales was a pioneer of the “Eat Local” movement, and restaurants are proud to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Wales has 3 million people and 11 million sheep. Bah…
- Mount Snowdon at 3,560 ft. is the tallest mountain in England and Wales.
- Sir Edmund Hillary’s team practiced on Snowdon before conquering Mt. Everest.
- J.R. Tolkien is said to have based the Mountains of Mordor [In The Lord of the Rings] on the Snowdon range.
- The Welsh name for Snowdon is Yr Widdfa, meaning “tomb.” Legend has it that King Arthur slayed a vicious ogre on its summit.
WEATHER
The weather tends to be cooler and damper in than the typical muggy Mid-Atlantic summer, and it’s always refreshing. You’ll want to pack your “Mackintoshes” and “Wellies” just in case.
ACTIVITIES + EXCURSIONS
Mini-adventures will include visits to castles, mountains and more. Details will be shared with registered participants as the Getaway gets closer.
Accommodations
Lodging
Myth, Mountain & Imagination will be held at Trigonos Retreat Centre, which offers modest but very comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park’s rugged mountain landscape.
The property has many secluded places for quietness and reflection. Trigonos’ 18 acres include walled gardens, meadows, woodlands, streams and magnificent views of Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in England and Wales. Be sure to look for benches by the meadows and the stream as well as the working sundial and the path down to Llyn Nantlle, the lake.
If you prefer writing and relaxing inside, you will enjoy the sitting room, with its open fireplace, and the library, with its comfortable couches. All of Trigonos’ workspaces and meeting rooms get excellent natural light.
Single and double guest bedrooms are available with lake or garden views. Most rooms have twin beds and their own private bathrooms. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to get your first choice!
Amenities
Trigonos is a retreat centre committed to environmental preservation and sustainable land use. Your comfortable room will be made up with fresh sheets, blankets and towels. Trigonos doesn’t have maid service so if you haven’t made a bed in a while, better practice ahead of time. Most rooms have a chair and table or desk, and the earlier you register, the more amazing your view of the lake and mountains will be. View more interior photos of Trigonos.
There are no televisions or radios to distract you, and cell phone reception is limited so even if you have an international phone, you may not get a signal. There is a pay phone for incoming and outgoing calls (we’ll give you the number later). Wi-fi is available in the visitors’ office and a computer and printer can be used for a nominal fee.
Remember, this is a getaway. You will be far from the distractions of your regular life and immersed in your writing.
Meals
You will dine on nutritious, tasty meals with an emphasis on fresh, unprocessed ingredients, whenever possible prepared with vegetables and salads grown in Trigonos’ gardens without the use of herbicides, pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The dining room, with its beautiful handmade furniture, looks out on the meadow and the lake and offers stunning views of the mountains. Tea and coffee are available at all times so you can make yourself at home. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
“I got to really see a country I knew very little about and find inspiration in the setting. I ended up with some great starts for poems and made several new friends. Thank you for this priceless opportunity.”
~ Martha, Colonia, NJ
Pricing + Registration
“re-PETERS” save $75!
- $75 discount if you’ve attended any of our other programs
Program Fee Includes
- The workshop
- 7 days and 6 nights at the retreat centre
- All meals
- Transportation to/from the Bangor Rail Station.
This Getaway will begin with dinner on Saturday and conclude after breakfast on Friday morning. Fees do not include transportation to Wales, optional excursions or gratuities.
Room Package Options
- Double Room Package — $1,695*
- Single Room Package — $1,995
- Shared Room Package (with non-participating guest)** — $2,795
*A double room can be a great way to save money. Let us know if you’d like us to try and match you with a roommate.
**Non-participating guests are welcome to share your room which, in most cases, will have two twin beds.
Coming from outside the US?
You can pay with your credit or debit card when you register on our secure online site. Check the current exchange rate. Or, if you prefer to pay by bank cheque, contact us for prices and payment options: info@murphywriting.com. or (+1) 609-626-3594
Registration Options
Or, mail your check or purchase order with this registration form.
After you register
We will follow up with you within three business days to answer any questions you may have. If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, call us at 609-626-3594 or email us at info@murphywriting.com.
The Fine Print
- To receive the Early Bard Discount ($75), you must register by May 31 & pay in full within 1 month of registering
- To receive the “re-PETER” Discount ($75), you must have attended at least one of our other programs
- 50% deposit due upon registration
- Balance due in full by June 15
Cancellation Policy
- On or before Feb. 10 — 100% refund minus nonrefundable $250 deposit
- Feb. 10-June 15 — 50% of total fee refunded
- After June 15 — partial credit contingent on filling your space
TRAVEL
You can fly non-stop to London Heathrow (LHR) from almost anywhere in the world. However, if you fly directly to Manchester (MAN) you will be a few hours closer to North Wales.
Airline prices can fluctuate daily. You can usually get a better price if you book at least 2 or 3 months ahead. You may want to keep track of a particular flight’s price for a week or so before booking if see if it changes in your favor. We will share lots of other travel tips with registered participants.
We have had great flights on British Air, US Airways & Virgin Atlantic on our 10+ trips over the last few years. Sometimes you can include a night or two at a London hotel for a minimal increase.
Other airlines to consider are:
Flight Bargains
You might find a bargain on other airlines as well. Start off by getting a sense of the market by visiting a site like Fly.com or Kayak which compares prices for many airlines. If you see a flight you like, try the individual airline to see if you can get a better deal.
Travel sites with email newsletters of more bargain flights & travel deals:
Traveling To Wales
Public transportation in the UK is efficient and easy to use. You can get to Wales by train or bus, or for the more independent minded, by renting a car. We will share lots of travel suggestions with participants as the Getaway gets closer.
Trigonos, is in northwest Wales, in the village of Nantlle.
extend your stay
in europe
Ever wanted to visit London or Paris? They’re closer than you think. Extend your trip and enjoy!
- London is 2 hours by train
- Paris is 5 hours by train
or 2 hours by plane
or in wales
- Cardiff — Europe’s youngest capital city, source of Cool Cymru, the artistic and cultural explosion of Welsh talent
- Swansea — Birthplace of Dylan Thomas & home of the Dylan Thomas Centre
- Laugharne — Visit the boathouse where Dylan Thomas wrote Under Milkwood and other works
- Tintern Abbey — Inspiration for one of Wordsworth’s greatest poems.
“This was just the boost I needed to get experimental, take risks and discover more of what’s inside that could become interesting writing. A valuable exploration of perspective and surprise. Thank you!”
~ Ida, Los Angeles, CA
Special Preparations
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Make sure your passport is up to date. If not, renew it today!
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When comparing flights, make sure you include all surcharges, taxes and fees.
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Sign up for email newsletters from the airlines you are considering to learn of sales and special promotions. We have gotten some incredible deals this way.
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Arrive in the UK a day or two early to adjust to the time change and jet lag.
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If you would like extra time to settle in and relax, you can arrive before the workshop begins or extend your stay. We will give you the contact info for Trigonos and you can pay them directly for your extra days.
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We will post information on our Google group with suggestions on what to visit in Wales and London as well as sightseeing tips you will not find in most tourist guides.
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If you are not an experienced overseas traveler, you can use our our Google group to connect with others and make plans to explore together.
Note: We have created a Google discussion group to give participants the opportunity to connect with others beforehand. Each year this leads to people traveling and sightseeing together before and after the retreat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I write both poetry and fiction. Do I need to have a project in mind to attend?
A: No, a number of our participants write both poetry and prose. It’s not uncommon for someone to decide what form their writing will take after Peter gives the prompt.
Q: How big will the workshop be?
A: Our international writing retreats generally have 17-22 participants. Plus, sometimes travelers bring non-participating guests.
Q: I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
A: Absolutely! Peter’s unique prompts will allow this supportive program to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
Q: I’ve been to dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
A: Peter challenges experienced writers to push beyond their usual limits. If you have been writing for decades, he 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. Try one of Peter’s prompts from Challenges for the Delusional.
“Attending was a big deal for me since I’d never been to a writing retreat before. It turned out to be fabulous—the atmosphere was perfect for writing and Peter was an excellent teacher. His lessons were unique and helped uncork my writing, getting me to think and use my writing time wisely. I would recommend a Murphy Writing retreat to absolutely anybody, whether a novice or pro.”
~ Michelle, Huntsville, TX
Photo Gallery
View our full collection of Writing Getaway photos.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDITS
Stockton University is recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education to provide professional development credit hours, which are accepted by many other states. You will receive a certificate of participation for each program you attend. Check with your school district or employer to see if it will benefit you.
Questions?
Call 609-626-3594 or email info@murphywriting.com.
Book your slice of inspiration.
