Sean Murphy


Books

The Time of New Weather
New Mass Market Paperback version on sale April 08 - $6.99
"A blend of Herman Hesse, Tom Robbins and Kurt Vonnegut." Washington Post
The Finished Man
"Amusing and amiable....Murphy has a deft, light touch." Kirkus Reviews
The Hope Valley Hubcap King
"A rich, vast, and slyly comedic novel that leaves you laughing and weeping. Read and rejoice." Malachy McCourt, author of A Monk Swimming
One Bird, One Stone: 108 American Zen Stories
"The reader will be delighted and entertained by these teachings, and this beautifully written book will open the Zen world to everyone". Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones
Zen Resources
More Information on Zen



Find Authors

Big Sky
Writing Workshops


Sean is delighted to be organizing the Sacred Activism workshop below for Andrew Harvey, who is making a special visit to Taos to help launch Sean's new project: the Creativity and Consciousness Institute. Full info on this and other Creativity and Consciousness Institute seminars.

Sacred Activism with Andrew Harvey

July 7-11, 2009 at Historic Ft Burgwin, Taos

Five day workshop for activists, creatives, and spiritual seekers searching for an inspiring, hopeful vision of action. Including creative writing, contemplative practice, and the teachings of poet-mystics Rumi and St John of the Cross to explore how the 'dark night' of our current crises provides opportunities for personal & global transformation.

Led by:

Andrew Harvey: Internationally renowned author of 30+ books, mystic, Rumi translator, and founder of the Institute for Sacred Activism. Harvey's books include The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism, The Direct Path: Creating a Journey to the Divine Using the World's Mystical Traditions, and the memoir A Journey in Ladakh: Encounters with Buddhism. He co-edited Sogyal Rinpoche's bestselling The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

Mirabai Starr: author and translator, whose books include Dark Night of the Soul and Teresa of Avila: The Book Of My Life.

This workshop is open to all, with credit options for college students. Find info on this and other programs, including Meditation and Creativity, Yoga and Meditation, Conscious Relationship, and Writing with Taos Authors, at
Creativity and Consciousness Institute.

* * * * * * * *
All groups below led by Sean with Tania Casselle.

* STRAIGHT TO THE HEART - ONLINE SHORT FICTION AND FLASH FICTION GROUP. An 8-week workshop for short fiction writers, including feedback on your stories. Everything is done by email, so you can take part wherever you are. Next start date September 09. Email me for info.

* WRITING GROUPS - We also offer workshops tailored to the needs of existing writing groups, either in person or long-distance by email/phone conference. If your group is interested in working with us, get in touch and we'll talk about it.

Previous participants on Big Sky Workshops said:

"I loved, loved this course. I learned a tremendous amount, was extremely productive, and took courageous chances that paid off. One of the best courses I've ever taken."

"Tania and Sean are a great team: insightful, generous, funny and tough. This is one of the best workshops I've ever taken."

"This course far surpassed my highest expectations... organized to perfection and completely comprehensive. Tania and Sean provide a safe supportive environment for writers of all levels to work together, share ideas and help each other to grow. They are unbeatable. If you are looking for an extraordinary writing experience, you have come to the right place."

"I didn't want it to end. It was just such a remarkable and helpful experience… You challenged us, made us laugh and laughed with us, made us think, taught us ever new ways to feed the writing beast."

"At the start [of Write to the Finish] I had a hazy idea of what the book might cover. At the end, I had a 72,000 word first draft. The exercises, seminar weekends, advice from Sean and Tania, and support from the entire group, were the catalyst I needed. So thank you for helping me get there! I genuinely wouldn't have done it without you."

"Tania and Sean make an amazing team and it's wonderful to have both of their (sometimes different) perspectives on my work."

"Your enthusiasm for writers is infectious."




Look out! for the idea Tania and I contributed to the Tarcher book: NOW WRITE! Fiction Writing Exercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers

Wilderness Retreat:
Sit, Walk, Write
Natalie Goldberg & Sean Murphy

A deeply meditative writing retreat, enjoying the silence of New Mexico's wilderness. 2008 retreat completed. For advance info for 2009, please Email me

Write to the Finish
Long-distance 9-month course for writers working on a book-length project, by email/phone, so you can take part wherever you are. Full MS critique. Sean Murphy & Tania Casselle. 2008 Course full/in progress. For advance info for 2009, please Email me
* * *

Comments from participants on previous workshops:

"Truly one of my best writing experiences ever!"

"Your enthusiasm for writers is infectious."

More comments Here


Sean teaches creative writing/literature at University of New Mexico-Taos, & leads writing workshops around the US and in Europe. He co-taught for 4 years with Natalie Goldberg (Writing Down the Bones) in her writing/meditation seminars.
He has been a Visiting Writer for UNM-Albuquerque and Naropa University in Boulder, CO, and has taught at:
Taos Writers Conference
Tony Hillerman Writers Conf
North Carolina Writers
Network conference
Taos Institute of Arts
Southwest Writers
Word Harvest of Santa Fe
SOMOS
Recursos of Santa Fe
Taos Art School
Boulder Community Schools
Summit Huts Association, CO
Zen Mountain Monastery, NY
Murie Center, Jackson, WY
Franklin College, Switzerland

The emphasis in my workshops is on the creative process, providing an opportunity for all writers, beginning or experienced, to explore new approaches and increase their skills within a supportive and inspiring environment. Please email me at the link on the left of this page if you have questions, or contact the organizers directly.