I’ve learned so much about the writing life and will be applying this new knowledge towards changing my life to accomplish the writing goals that I’ve set out. I cannot express how thankful I am for this program. Very well done. Tony Roma
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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Disquiet was, sincerely, one of the best experiences I have ever had. Katie Buoymaster
The program was well organized, and, most notably, the team behind it all made it easier for a young, solo traveler such as myself to feel welcome… Thank you thank you thank you for a time in my life that will remain magical forever. Marisol Benter
Overall, this was one of the most amazing and memorable experiences I’ve ever had! Melissa Ruby
It's really remarkable to me how much two weeks can change a person's life, but now I have new and important friendships in my life, new questions to ask my mother about her life in Brazil and new questions about identity to figure out for myself. Traci Brimhall
Portugal was honestly the coolest adventure I've ever had. I've come home with a new set of eyes. Katelyn Edwards
Nothing on the planet beats the collective haunting inspired each July by Disquiet. Terri Witek, 2012 Faculty
Philip Graham reads at the Mae d'Agua on the last night of Disquiet 2012.
Start with the many charms of Lisbon—cobblestones and castles, fresh grilled fish and vinho verde, the haunting voice of a Fado singer in a basement café. Add lively and talented participants, a committed faculty, and exposure to provocative Portugese writers and artists, and you’ve got the Disquiet program Kim Addonizio, Poet
Disquiet is a conference like no other I’ve been to. The day trips were magical, and the Lisbon walking tour was magnificent. Disquiet, for me, was an inspiring and transformative experience. Denise Duhamel, 2012 Faculty, Poet
Some Disquiet participants, 2012.
It’s a literary insider’s perspective on Lisbon’s history and its people. Heather Sappenfield, 2012 Participant