Join us for this five-week online memoir workshop. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Online WORKSHOP
Sunday, March 28 – Sunday, April 25, 2021
Each Sunday, 7:00-8:30pm EDT
Limited to 12 participants
Led by Peter E. Murphy
“Very well then I contradict myself;
I am large, I contain multitudes.”
~Walt Whitman
Be large. Contradict yourself. In this workshop, we will flirt with contradictions to discover and reveal the many truths and many lives within us. After examining different kinds of memoir, we will write stories that work as standalone essays or as part of a longer, braided piece that pushes the limits of what memoir can accomplish.
Each week, you will receive an online lesson with readings, craft notes and a prompt that will challenge you to discover an aspect of your life that needs to be revealed. Feedback from both the other participants and the workshop leader will help you polish what you write into a more complete and satisfying piece. Designed for beginning and experienced writers, this workshop will help you start something new or complete a work-in-progress.
“Peter Murphy’s instruction and readings really helped me to think out of the box in my approach to writing memoir.“
~ Christine, Manasquan, 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 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 memoir-in-progress, You Go To My Head, have been published as standalone pieces in journals, 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. Read an interview with Peter and an excerpt from his memoir in The Lightning Key Review.
“Peter established an environment of respect, professionalism and motivation. I appreciated the resources and the Zoom sessions. I also felt very fortunate to receive individualized feedback on my writing.”
~ Dana, Cedar Grove, NJ
How it works
Schedule
The course will be held over Zoom for five Sundays 7:00-8:30 p.m. EDT.
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).
There will be weekly conference call sessions held over the platform Zoom. To fully participate in these, 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 feedback from your workshop leader on what you write each week
- 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 is simply one of the finest writing teachers I have ever encountered.”
~ Patty Paine, Doha, Qatar
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 challenge 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.
