News and Events
Important Information for Participants
Updated 1/5/2010 by Director Peter Murphy

Schedule

You may check in on Friday after 2 p.m. We will begin our evening reception in the 5th Floor Penthouse Ballroom with hot soup and warm bread at 7 p.m. with the program beginning around 8 p.m. Click here to refresh your memory of the schedule.

The food at the Friday evening reception may not be hearty enough for large appetites. On your way into town consider stopping for a quick inexpensive meal at the Lobster House Coffee Shop (609-884-8296) where you will sit at the counter next to the locals. If you arrive in the afternoon, make an early reservation and get a free dessert at Freda’s Café (609-884-7887) or try Hemingway’s at The Grand Hotel which has a friendly menu with reasonable prices, and you will receive a 10% discount on your meal using the coupon in your orientation packet. Look for my dining guide in your orientation packet.

If you have any last minute questions or emergencies, leave a message for me at the front desk of The Grand Hotel, 609-884-5611, where I will be in residence from that Thursday afternoon.

Afternoon and evening programs
We're looking forward to our afternoon and evening programs which will include a panel on publishing prose and readings by 2009 NJSCA Poetry Fellowship winners Kathleen Graber and Peter Murphy and by National Book Award winning poet Mark Doty and prose writer Paul Lisicky.

Weather Alert

The Getaway will NOT be canceled! The Grand Hotel has served us beautifully during blizzards, ice storms and flooding. If Friday’s weather looks threatening, consider arriving a day early at a special reduced rate ($58 + tax, single or double—no meals included) or arrive early on Saturday morning. Make sure you call the hotel at 800-257-8550 to let them know if you will be arriving early or late or if you must cancel.

Cancellation policy reminder (As published in The Fine Print)
         ● On or before Dec. 15 — 100% refund minus a $50 processing fee
         ● Dec. 16-31 — 50% of total refunded; 
         ● Jan. 1-10 — 50% credit for future Getaway
         ● Jan. 11 or after — Sorry, no refund will be issued

What to Bring

• If you smoke, bring a coat! The Grand Hotel is completely nonsmoking.
• Snacks & beverages for your room which is equipped with a small refrigerator.
• An extra sweater or two / casual clothes / "Appropriate attire” if you plan to try a posh restaurant / a reading lamp (rooms have hair dryers, irons & boards) / bathing suit & beach towel for the pool & hot tub / towel or mat if you plan to do early morning yoga / workout clothes for the exercise room / dancing shoes for Hemingway’s!
• A book, lit mag, CD or DVD to trade at the Book Swap.
• Notebook & writing paper. I will supply you with a nifty Murphy Writing pen.
• A laptop is not necessary, but if you bring one, make sure to bring a power strip or extension cord. Wi-fi internet access is available throughout the hotel for about $11 per day additional.
• If you have a book or CD you would like to sell at the Sunday Night Book Store, bring up to 10 copies of no more than 3 titles. Our bookstore will sell them for a 20% consignment fee. Instructions will be in your orientation packet. Please also consider bringing an extra copy of each to donate to the Cape May County Library.
• Cash or checks for the Book Store (Sorry, no credit cards), housekeeping gratuity and evening meals.
• Your favorite board game if you want to participate in an optional, informal game session on Saturday night.
• Cell phone or calling card.

Printing & Photocopying

Photocopies of the writing you do at the Getaway are included in your tuition. If you would like to print a file or photocopy previously written work, we will do it when staff is available for 25¢ a page. Instructions will be in your orientation packet.

Tutorials

• Prose tutorials - You should have already received an email with instructions on where to send your manuscript and how to schedule your session. Please contact us at 1-888-887-2105 if you did not receive the instructions.
• Poetry tutorials - On Saturday morning at the Getaway, we will post sign up sheets and you'll choose which tutor to sign up with.

Greedy for More Solitude?

The Grand Hotel is offering a special rate of $59 a night, single or double (plus tax—no meals included), if you would like to arrive on Thursday or stay over Monday night. This is a great deal if you are nervous about the weather or would like to extend your Getaway. Call 800-257-8550 after January 7 to make your reservation. You must mention that you are a Getaway participant to receive this special rate.

Directions

Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway takes place at:
The Grand Hotel
1045 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
800-257-8550 / 609-884-5611
Click here for directions & an interactive map.

Peter’s Travel Tips

Speed x Distance x Time = Eternity: If you are driving from way up North, the Parkway seems to go on forever. Be alert for the three traffic lights on the Parkway between Mileposts 11 and 9! Also watch out for Troopers and deer, both of which could give your weekend a bumpy start.

Bladder Warning: There is a Rest Stop at Milepost 19 in Cape May County, but its hours are limited in January. Better use the one at Milepost 42.

Look for other travel tips here.

Optional Cruise

Coming from the Delmarva Region?
Consider taking the ferry from Lewes, DE to Cape May.

Or want to start your Getaway with a 3 hour cruise?
The ferry's off-season Return-Trip Value Fare is just $5.00 for pedestrians. Grab a 2:30 pm boat on Friday and return in time to hit the hot tub and join us for the reception at 7 pm.

Visit www.capemaylewesferry.com or call 800-64-FERRY to confirm times and fees or to reserve a spot if you want to take your car on the boat with you.

Prospects for the Future

18th Annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway in Cape May
January 14-17, 2011

Weekend Poetry Retreat
Sea Isle City, NJ, April 23-26, 2010. Join Peter for a relaxing weekend retreat which will get you writing and offer opportunities to share what you produce in supportive feedback sessions. This 5th annual Sea Isle City retreat will benefit both beginning and experienced poets. Read, Write, Revise, Relax!
www.MurphyWriting.com
$25 discount to Getawayers who register by February 15th! - Look for the flier in your Packet.

Vision, Valley & Revelation: A Getaway for Poets & Writers in Wales
South Wales, August 14-20, 2010. Write new poems or prose while immersed in the idyllic setting which inspired Wordsworth and many other poets and writers. Peter's unique assignments will challenge you to go deeper, whether you plan to begin new material or continue an ongoing project. Wales.MurphyWriting.com - It's filling up fast. Register today so you don't miss this one.

Visit www.murphywriting.com throughout the year for more opportunities and retreats.

Travel Safely Please—The biggest risks you take should be with your imagination.

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