Alumni

One of the core ideas behind DISQUIET is that a community supports and sustains writers. And you’ll have plenty of time–whether it’s in workshop or on a walking tour of Cascais or over a morning coffee or a late dinner in a courtyard cafe–to get to know the many writers of all levels that come to the program.

Many lasting friendships have formed over the course of DISQUIET, sparking creative collaboration and generating new ideas. For example, Presence/Presença is a Luso-American/Luso-Canadian writers collective that formed during 2011 program and is now over 300 members strong.

Here’s what some of our past participants have to say about the program:

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The program exceeded my expectations by ten times or more. Georges Benay, 2016 Participant




World's best writing program. Denis Johnson, 2014 & 2016 Guest Writer




I've been a few places as a writer at this point, but I've been nowhere more rewarding. All that saves me from burning up upon re-entry right now is the thought that I need to go back--that I want to be a part of this thing and this place. Casey Walker, 2016 Participant




The BMW of writing programs. Padgett Powell, 2014 & 2016 Faculty




I really appreciated the genuine effort to create a cultural exchange and immersion here—the mixture of Portuguese and American writers at every reading, the variety of venues and beautiful places, and above all the pervasive enthusiasm and love of literature. Gabe Moseley, 2016 Participant




I was inspired by Disquiet's excellent instructors, supportive peers, and gorgeous setting. It was a wonderful writing adventure. , Carolyn Kras




Disquiet is an audacious writing adventure, a heartfelt community, an opportunity for cross cultural understanding, an explosion of literary talent. If you are related to Portugal in any way (or want to be), you’ve found home. Elaine Ávila, 2015 Faculty




Disquiet is community, is learning from strangers, friends, in markets, cafes, museums, and bars. Disquiet is Lisbon, and the city colors every workshop and every meeting and meal. You don't ever want to leave. Stefan Kiesbye, 2015 Faculty




I had just finished my MFA and needed some inspiration to keep working on my thesis. The air, wind, light, cobblestones, tiles, sounds, tastes, music, and most of all the people of Lisbon, along with the camaraderie of my fellow 'Disquieters' was exactly what I needed. Anne Silva, 2015 Participant




It only took me half a day in this labyrinthine literary dream of a city to realize that Disquiet was wonderful. My workshop teacher, Stephanie Timm, certainly played a huge role in my positive experience--her generosity and commitment in the room was outstanding. She's a close second to your stellar set of readings/lectures and of course, Lisbon itself. I wish the sense of wandering and lack of urgency I felt while I was there was somehow commodifiable, a thing I could stuff in my carry-on. Although, now that I'm home after a week of traveling, I've noticed that the ways in which Lisbon taught me to observe and look at the world seem to have stuck. Thank you for a truly formative two weeks. Stephanie Del Rosso, 2015 Participant


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