Frequently Asked Questions

1. Thanks for providing Sliding Scale Tuition. What should I pay? How does the deposit feature work?
   
   • What to Pay for Tuition: As we explain on our Partners page, the Winter Getaway is entirely participant-funded. You’ll have the freedom to pay any amount on the sliding scale during the registration process. If you can only afford to pay at the lower end of the scale, we are glad to have you, and have designed this scale and our deposit feature with you in mind. If you are able to pay at the higher end of the scale, you will help Murphy Writing offer affordable programming and scholarships for writers.
   • Using the Deposit Feature: If you wish, as you complete the registration process, you’ll be able to choose to pay a 50% deposit for both your sliding scale tuition and room package if applicable. (The full cost of any add-ons is due upon registration.) The remaining balance will be automatically charged on Nov. 20.
2. What should I know about safety?
   Our safety information has its own webpage.
3. I’d like to arrive a day early. Will the hotel offer special rates? How do I book these extra days?
   The hotel will offer a special reduced rate for Getaway participants for several nights before and after the event. To take advantage:
   • Register for the Getaway now and add on your extra nights later.
   • During the first week of January, we will email registered participants with details on how to book these optional extra nights. The discounted rate for the extra nights will be $133/night plus taxes and fees (single or double occupancy, no meals included) and will enable you to stay in the same room throughout your whole visit.
4. I’m already registered for the Getaway. If there’s space, I’d like to add on a tutorial and a Round Table workshop. How do I do it?
   It’s easy. Email murphywriting@stockton.edu asking to add on the item, and we’ll tell you where to go from there.
   
5. Is there a way I can connect with others to carpool?
   Have an extra space in your car? Flying in and looking to rent a car or share expenses on an airport shuttle? Taking public transit and looking to share ground transportation costs? Our carpool board (available after 12/16) will allow you to connect with others looking to share rides and expenses.

Workshops

1. What if I’ve never taken a writing workshop before?
   Welcome to the Getaway! With its supportive environment, this is a great place to start. For example, in Poetry Incubator: A Generative Writing Workshop, you will receive prompts for starting new poems, followed by time to write. Then you will receive encouraging, constructive feedback identifying your new poem’s strengths and suggestions to improve it. If you take a different workshop, you can expect a similar positive experience.
2. I have an MFA and lots of experience in workshops. Will I still benefit?
   Absolutely. Many of our participants who have advanced degrees use our programs to start new work or develop work in progress. Our award-winning faculty members are experienced in working with poets and writers of all levels.
3. How many people will be in each workshop?
   Most of our workshops are capped at 10. Some add-ons accommodate more. See individual descriptions for specifics. The small sizes guarantee attention to your work while providing a large enough group to encourage cross-pollination of ideas.
4. How much will I write?
   Workshops involve a combination of writing and revising. See individual descriptions for a better idea.
5. Which poetry workshop should I take?
   If you’re interested in working with several different leaders, try Poetry Incubator: A Generative Writing Workshop. If you’d prefer to stay with the same group all weekend, you may want to try one of our other poetry workshops instead.
6. I registered for one workshop and would like to switch to another. Can I do that?
   If there’s room in the workshop you would like to switch to, sure. Contact us so we can make the switch, and we will refund any money we owe you, or invoice you for money you may owe us. After Dec. 1, a $30 change fee will be charged to switch your workshop, tutorial(s) and/or add-ons.
7. I’m interested in a workshop that’s already full. Do you have a waitlist?
   Yes. Our registration system has the capability of adding you to the waitlist for a workshop. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify the person at the top of the list. Note: The same Fine Print and Cancellation policy applies to all registrants whether they are on the waitlist or not.

Add-ons

1. I’m already registered for the Getaway. If there’s space, I’d like to add on a tutorial and a Round Table workshop. How do I do it?
   It’s easy. Email murphywriting@stockton.edu to add on the item, and we’ll tell you where to go from there.
2. Do I have to be registered for a three-day poetry workshop to participate in the poetry add-ons? Do I have to be registered for a three-day prose workshop to participate in the prose add-ons?
   All add-ons are open to all participants, regardless of which three-day workshop you take.
3. Tutorials:
   1. Are tutorials included in my tuition?
      Due to our Sliding Scale Tuition system, tutorials are not included in your tuition.
   2. Can I choose which faculty member my tutorial will be with?
      If you have a preference, you can indicate this when you register, and we will do our best based on availability. The sooner you register, the greater the chances you’ll be matched with your preference.
   3. Do I need to purchase tutorials ahead of time?
      We strongly recommend you sign up before the Getaway, as there are a limited number of tutorials available.

Other Activities

1. What is Meet, Greet & Ask?
   Meet, Greet & Ask: A Pre-Getaway Social and Q&A will take place at 6pm on Friday, right before the Opening Program. This session will allow you to mingle, ask questions and receive a tour of the hotel if you need one.
2. What do the Writers’ Happy Hours entail?
   Simply show up to the bar at the times listed on the schedule and have a cocktail or ginger ale with other writers. Chat and be merry!
3. Do I need experience to attend the sunrise yoga sessions?
   No. All are welcome.
4. What goes on at the Getaway Disco?
   Dancing, drinks, mingling and more dancing! The Getaway Disco is a fun time for everyone who needs to let off a little steam after writing all day.
5. How does the Getaway Bookstore work?
   The Getaway Bookstore features the books of participants and faculty. If you have a book or CD you would like to sell at the Getaway Bookstore, bring up to 10 copies of no more than 3 titles. We will sell them on consignment for a 20% fee. Instructions will be in your Getaway folder. Payments, unsold books and your receipt will be available on Monday afternoon, the final day of the Getaway. Please plan to leave after that point.
6. Can I attend the open mics even if I don’t plan to read?
   Absolutely. We encourage anyone who can attend to come show support for their fellow participants.

Scholarships

1. Do I need to register for the Getaway to apply for a scholarship?
   No. You are not required to register and pay for the Getaway when applying for a scholarship. If you wish to register before the results are announced because you plan to attend regardless of whether or not you receive the award, you are more than welcome to do so. Please note: the same Fine Print and Cancellation Policy applies if you need to cancel your registration.
2. I would like to sign up for the Getaway to make sure I get a seat in my first choice workshop. Is it still possible to apply for a scholarship and will I get a refund if I receive one?
   Yes, you are absolutely welcome to register and apply, and we will give you a refund if you receive a scholarship. Please note: the same Fine Print and Cancellation Policy applies if you choose to register and don’t receive a scholarship.
3. I am applying for a scholarship and am open to fiction, nonfiction and poetry workshops. Is it possible for me to send a writing sample of both genres? 
   We can only consider one application per writer and recommend submitting your strongest work. It’s just fine if your workshop choices are in a different genre than the writing you submit; we hear from a number of writers wanting to expand into a new genre and wholeheartedly support it.
   

General

1. Who will come to the Getaway? 
   People from across the country will gather at Seaview Hotel this January. Half will take poetry workshops, and the rest will spend their time writing prose. Although many return year after year, we go out of our way to make people new to the Getaway feel like old friends.
2. What if I don’t know anybody?
   Once you come to the Getaway, it’s hard not to return year after year. Many of our participants have made life-long friends. The Getaway is a unique community in which everyone feels both welcomed and encouraged.
3. Have any Getaway participants been published?
   Lots! Hundreds of our alumni have been published in journals, anthologies and received book contracts. Many have credited the Getaway for their success.
4. What can I do during my free time?
   Besides writing and workshopping, there’s plenty to enjoy. We encourage you to attend open mics, the Getaway Disco, sunrise yoga, happy hours and more. See the tentative schedule.
5. Can I attend just part of the weekend?
   Probably not, but depending on the workshop you are interested in, we may be able to work something out. Call us to discuss it: 609-626-3594.
6. Can I promote my book at the Getaway?
   Yes. See how the Getaway Bookstore works.
7. Should I bring my laptop or plan to write by hand?
   It depends on your comfort level. You are welcome to do either or both.

Location Logistics

1. What amenities does the hotel provide?
   You can look forward to:
   
   • Luxury accommodations with free wi-fi
   • A refrigerator and a Keurig in each room
   • Spacious, comfortable common areas, perfect for writing
   • Art gallery curated by our neighbors, the Noyes Museum of Art
   • Indoor pool and fitness center
   • Walking paths and championship golf course
   • Resort shop
   • Restaurant and game room onsite

   See our Location page for more details.

2. What’s the food like? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
   Meals are served with a wide variety of choices including meat and vegetarian choices. We are able to accommodate most special dietary needs as long as you tell us about them during the registration process.
3. I want to go for the Double Room Package to save money. Can you find me a roommate? What if my preferred roommate cancels?
   Yes, if you register for a Double Room Package, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. Note that we cannot require roommates to wear masks in guest rooms, regardless of vaccination status. If you would like to exercise increased caution, please consider a Single Room Package. If you list a specific roommate when you register and your preferred roommate cancels, we will notify you and match you with a different roommate, unless you would prefer to pay to upgrade to a Single Room Package instead.
   
4. Can I bring a non-participating guest?
   Yes, register for a Shared Room Package and your guest may join you for meals. While you are in your workshop, they will be free to use the hotel’s facilities and explore the area with its many attractions.
5. I’ve got kids. Can they come?
   Although we do not offer childcare services, Seaview is kid-friendly. Call us at 609-626-3594 to discuss meal packages.
6. I registered as a commuter but have decided I want to stay at the hotel. What should I do?
   Call or email us and we can add a room package for you. You can pay the new balance by check or card.
7. Is there parking available?
   The hotel has a free self-parking lot, and valet parking is available too for those who would like to splurge.
8. What kind of weather should I be prepared for? What happens if it snows?
   Some years it can be balmy, while other years it’s quite cold. The average daytime temperature for the Atlantic City area in January is 40 degrees. As for snow, in our 30+ year history, we’ve never had to cancel the Getaway due to weather. Our venues have served us beautifully, even during blizzards, ice storms and flooding. If that Friday’s weather looks threatening, consider arriving a day early or coming a day late. The hotel is offering us a special rate for the few days before and after to make this easier. We’ll send out an email to registered participants in the beginning of January with details on how to reserve those extra days.

Contact Us

Have other questions?
Contact us at 609-626-3594 or murphywriting@stockton.edu.