Murphy Writing Seminars offers challenging & supportive workshops

Home

Workshops & Getaways
    Winter Getaway
   
Scotland Getaway
   
Wales Getaway
   
New Hampshire Getaway
   
Ocean View Poetry Getaway
   
Quickie Poetry Getaway
   
Approaching the Poem

About Murphy Writing

About Peter E. Murphy

Challenges for the
    Delusional

Calendar

Writing Tip Archive

Resources

Testimonials

Inservice Solutions

Get Connected

Don't miss out!
Sign up for our
email newsletter



Bookmark and Share



 


3rd Biennial
Live Free and Write

June 23-27, 2013
Dexter's Inn, Sunapee, NH
**Endorsed by New Hampshire Writers' Project**

Join us in New Hampshire for a supportive writing workshop in "Beginning Your Novel" or "The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction." This retreat blends our trademark challenging and supportive workshop experience with plenty of free time for you to enjoy the refreshing New England summer.

The week will include plentiful writing time, supportive feedback sessions, good meals and good company. During your free time you may continue working, wander the tranquil grounds, hike, play tennis, explore the quaint New England countryside with its antique shops and unique covered bridges or simply relax by the pool.

Whether you are a beginning or experienced writer, you will return home from this vacation energized by the tranquil setting and excited to continue writing.

Limited to just 10 writers per workshop.
     Our programs fill quickly. - **Only 2 seats remain in Creative Nonfiction**
          Register today. You won't regret it.


Workshops

You'll spend the retreat working in one of the following workshops:

Beginning Your Novel
   **No seats remain**
This workshop will help you begin the novel you've always wanted to write. Come with ideas and notes, and develop a plan for writing a must-read book. Learn how to structure your plot, develop your characters, explore different points of view and improve your dialogue-writing skills. Discussions, writing prompts and supportive feedback will get your big project off to an energized start.
     Limited to 10 participants - Led by Michelle Cameron

The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction
   **Only 2 seats remain**
We all have true stories to tell: about worlds we know well and new worlds we discover daily. This workshop shows how to capture both, using the power of voice, storytelling, memory and grace of language to make nonfiction writing come alive. Using in-class exercises as springboards, participants explore strategies for turning fragments of memory and observation into memoir, personal essay, profiles and narrative journalism.
     Limited to 10 participants - Led by Mimi Schwartz


Faculty

Michelle Cameron's debut historical novel, The Fruit of Her Hands: the story of Shira of Ashkenaz, was published by Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books in September 2009. Publisher's Weekly praised the novel's "powerful immediacy" and Library Journal its "rich details." Michelle's novel in verse, In the Shadow of the Globe, was published by Lit Pot Press in late 2003. It received excellent critical reviews, was named the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's 2003-4 Winter Book Selection, and was dramatically performed in several venues, including the Stella Adler School of the Arts and the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway. Michelle is also Associate Director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing workshops for children and adults. Read an excerpt of Michelle's writing.


Mimi Schwartz, a veteran teacher and writer for over 35 years, has published five books including Good Neighbors, Bad Times - Echoes of My Father's German Village (University of Nebraska Press), now out in paperback and on Kindle. Other recent books include Thoughts from a Queen-Sized Bed and Writing True, the Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction (with Sondra Perl), used in over 250 undergraduate and MFA programs nationwide, which is now out in its second edition. Her short work has appeared in Best American Essays, Creative Nonfiction, Fourth Genre, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, The Writer's Chronicle, The Writer, among others. She is Professor Emerita at Richard Stockton College in New Jersey and teaches at writer conferences, libraries and teacher institutes across this country and abroad. Read an excerpt of Mimi's writing.


Getaway Hosted By:

Peter E. Murphy was born in Wales and grew up in New York City where he operated heavy equipment, managed a night club and drove a cab. He is the author of Stubborn Child, a finalist for the 2006 Paterson Poetry Prize, and a chapbook of poems, Thorough & Efficient. His unique poetry writing assignments have been collected in Challenges for the Delusional (2012), published by Jane Street Press. In addition to receiving a 2009 Poetry Fellowship from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, he has received awards and fellowships from The Atlantic Center for the Arts, Yaddo, The Folger Shakespeare Library and the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. He directs the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway and other programs for poets, writers and teachers. Read The New York Times article about Peter, Revise! Revise! Revise!


Location

Our Writing Getaway will take place at Dexter's Inn, a country resort-inn, set on an idyllic hilltop estate in the lovely and unhurried Lake Sunapee region. The panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee and the surrounding countryside will provide a private, peaceful backdrop for our workshops.

The guest rooms are warm, welcoming and comfortable.
Each uniquely decorated room has a charming New England colonial feel and private bathroom. On-site amenities include:

  ●  free wi-fi internet access
  ●  cozy common rooms with fireplaces including a library
  ●  swimming pool and tennis courts
  ●  outdoor activities including hiking trails and a host of sports
  ●  indoor recreation room

Chef Rolf serves up delicious homemade meals, served buffet style with vegetarian choices. If you have dietary restrictions, you'll be able to note them during the registration process.

Dexter's Inn is close to I-89, I-91 and to the Amtrak train station. It is located just 30 minutes from Hanover and Lebanon, 45 minutes from Concord, 60 minutes from Manchester, 90 minutes from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York and North Jersey. The address, directions and a suggested packing list will be emailed to registered participants approximately one week before the retreat.


Schedule (Tentative)

The program starts with dinner on Sunday night and concludes on Thursday morning before lunch. You can check in anytime after 3 p.m. on Sunday. If you are bringing a guest, they may join us for meals and all non-workshop activities which may include a faculty reading, open mics, discussion on publishing, films and games. If you decide to commute, your registration option includes the workshop, lunches and snacks.

Sunday

  3:00 p.m. Check in anytime before dinner and settle in
  6:30 Dinner
  8:00 Welcome, Orientation and Craft Discussion
   with Peter, Michelle and Mimi

Monday - Wednesday

  8:30 a.m. Breakfast
  9:30 Workshop and Writing Time
  12:30 p.m. Lunch
  1:30 Free Time for Writing, Relaxing and Exploring
  5:00 Optional Feedback Session
  6:30 Dinner
  8:00 Free Time for Writing, Relaxing and Socializing
   (Optional activities some nights)

Thursday

  8:30 a.m. Breakfast
  9:30 Workshop and Closing
  11:30 Depart


Registration

-+- Click here to go directly to the registration form -+-

Limited to 10 writers per workshop.
     Our programs fill quickly.
          Register today so you're not disappointed!

**Only 2 seats remain in Creative Nonfiction**

All Inclusive Fee
This Getaway will begin with dinner on Sunday and conclude on Thursday morning before lunch. The packages include 5 days, 4 nights at Dexter’s Inn, the workshop, accommodation with a private bathroom, three meals/day, snacks, all taxes and most gratuities.

  ●  Double Room Package - $945*
  ●  Single Room Package - $1,245
  ●  Shared Room Package (With non-participating guest) - $1,545
  ●  Commuter Option - $645 (Includes workshop, lunches, snacks, gratuities, all taxes.)
         *A double room can be a great way to save money. Let us know if you'd like us to match you with a roommate.

Take advantage & save:
    ● "re-PETER" Discount ($50) if you've attended any of our other programs!

-+- Register now -+-


Registration Options
 
     ● Register online on our secure site to pay by credit card.
     ● Fill out our registration form* and mail it to us with your check or purchase order.

* You will need to have Acrobat Reader installed to open it. Download it for free here.

Please note: If you have trouble registering online, or if you don't receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, call us at 609-823-5076 or email us at info@murphywriting.com.

Unfortunately, we do not currently have scholarships available for Live Free and Write.

The Fine Print

  ●  "Early Bard" Discount ($50) if you pay in full on or before May 1
  ●  "re-PETER" Discount ($50) if you've attended any of our other programs
  ●  50% deposit due upon registration
  ●  Balance due by May 15

Cancellation Policy

  ●  By April 15 — 100% refund minus a $50 processing fee
  ●  By May 15 — 50% credit
  ●  After May 15 — Sorry, no refund will be issued

-+- Register now for Live Free and Write -+-


Photo Gallery

Take a look at the photos from one of our previous Live Free and Write programs or view our full collection of Writing Getaway photos.


Travel

Driving Directions
Dexter's Inn is close to I-89, I-91 and to the Amtrak train station. It is located just 30 minutes from Hanover and Lebanon, 45 minutes from Concord, 60 minutes from Manchester, 90 minutes from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York and North Jersey. Click here for driving directions.

Public Transportation
Your best bet is to take Amtrak to Boston’s South Station or fly to Boston's Logan Airport. From there, you can take Dartmouth Coach to New London, NH, which is about 10 minutes from Dexter’s Inn. We can arrange to have someone pick you up there if you let us know the times in advance.
   Recommended Stations/Airports
   ● Bus: New London, NH (Served by Dartmouth Coach)
   ● Train: Boston’s South Station
   ● Airport: Boston's Logan Airport

Note: Other public transportation options may be available, but the routes recommended above are the most direct options for getting to the program without a car.


Testimonials

"From the moment we arrived, the tone you set established an extremely supportive environment—enough structure and focus to keep us invested in our work, yet flexible enough to foster creativity and enjoyment. Thank you!"
   ~ Susan R., River Edge, NJ

"Live Free and Write is brilliantly organized. Freedom is offered to just write, talk about writing, think about writing and read others' writing–so refreshing, restorative and encouraging. Amanda is hardworking and delightful. And Peter, how he puts us all at ease, so inclusive and open, such an energetic thinker, an enthusiastic and experienced teacher. He creates an atmosphere of friendliness that makes the whole thing work. Thank you!"
   ~ Jerri D., Meyersdale, PA

"I've never done an over-night writing seminar before, and I was amazed at how much writing happened just being away from home. The pacing was just right—enough personal time and a balance of sharing and feedback. The atmosphere was perfect: it was open, honest, sincere and so encouraging, making everyone in our group feel comfortable exploring and sharing. Definitely worth the money, the drive and the time!"
   ~ Anne S., Belmont, MA

Read more testimonials.


For Educators

  ●  Earn Professional Development Credit
Murphy Writing Seminars, LLC is recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education to provide Professional Development credit hours which many other states are willing to accept. Check with your school to see if it will work for you. Participate in either workshop to earn Professional Development credit.
  ●  Your school may pay for you
Many educators are sponsored or reimbursed by their school districts and colleges for our workshops. Purchase orders are welcome.


Questions?

Call 609-823-5076 or email info@murphywriting.com.

 


-+- Register now for Live Free and Write -+-

**Only 2 seats remain**