A Writer's Journey to Lisbon, Portugal...

Greetings friends and family! As some of you may know, I've have been writing creatively for the better part of my life, and my admittance to the DISQUIET International Literary Program in Lisbon, Portugal has been a long time coming!

I recall so vividly the epiphany I had in third grade while writing a journal prompt that my teacher, Mrs. Teague, had fielded to her class: What would you do if a giant black cloud covered the sun? An innocuous prompt to be sure, but something stirred within me that day. From scratch, I drafted a story about a fictional superhero that would save the day and make everyone happy by removing the cloud and bringing back the sun for all to enjoy. It was during those brief 10 minutes that I realized the power of storytelling, and it was from then on I became addicted to the writing process and the joy it brought to me and those around me. Every journal prompt thereafter was my opportunity to create a new story with new characters and elements, a feeling and practice I carried well into my adult years.

As we grow older, life gets in the way, and writing has been harder and harder to focus on, especially creative writing. However, in the year of 2024, I was compelled by the spirit once again to chase my dream and fulfill the innate desire to create. So, I applied to the DISQUIET Program in an effort to see if I have what it takes...I am happy to announce that I have been accepted to their summer program this year.

The twelfth annual DISQUIET International Literary Program will be held in Lisbon in 2025. Run by a group of North American writers with ties to Portugal, the program aims to deepen mutual understanding among writers from North America and writers from Portugal. The program takes its inspiration from The Book of Disquiet, the great Lisbon poet Fernando Pessoa’s masterpiece; from the city of Lisbon itself; and from the late Portuguese poet Alberto de Lacerda, who believed above all in the importance of literary community.

While I have been accepted, I must cover the entry fee, travel, lodgings, and day-to-day expenses in Lisbon. I am able to cover the cost of travel and lodgings, but I am asking for donations to help cover the entry fee. Anything and everything helps, and even if I do not make my goal, I still plan to attend as I believe this will be a life-changing experience.

I appreciate any and all donations, big and small, and I am compelled to give back to those who support my journey. So, all donators will be added to weekly newsletter (via email). I plan to produce weekly write-ups (12 in total) leading up to my trip, and then daily write-ups while I am in Portugal (14 in total). I hope to inspire conversations, stir new thoughts, challenge perspectives, but most of all I wish to create a community.

Entrance Fee: $2200

Travel: $1400 approximately

Lodging: $900 approximately

Day to day expenses: TBD

Stay well, friends! Here's to excitement of the unknown. In the meantime - remember to always stay writing ;)