The 30th Annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway—a supportive, participant-focused writers’ conference—will take place January 12-15, 2024. There is plenty to be excited about this year:
Discounts
In celebration of our 30th anniversary, our “Early Bard” Discount for your room package will increase to $30 off. Plus, if you bring someone who has never attended the Winter Getaway, you’ll both receive $30 off the lowest sliding scale tuition rate for a three-day workshop. Email info@murphywriting.com to receive a bring-a-friend coupon code if you plan to do this.
Deposit Feature
We’ve implemented a 50% 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 remaining balance will be automatically charged on Nov. 20.
Faculty
In addition to reuniting with some of our long-standing Getaway faculty, we have new faculty to welcome who have never taught at the Winter Getaway before:
- Grisel Y. Acosta
- John Cotter
- Hugo dos Santos
- Juliet Fletcher
- Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela
Returning faculty include Peter E. Murphy, Marina Budhos, Roberta Clipper, Judy Copeland, Joe Costal, celeste doaks, Catherine Doty, R.G. Evans, L M Feldman, Luray Gross, Anndee Hochman, Tom McAllister, Nancy Reddy, Christine E. Salvatore, J. C. Todd, Vincent Toro and Gretna Wilkinson.
Workshops
We’re offering new writing workshops in 2024:
1. A Novel Approach: Beginning Your Novel – led by Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela
Designed for writers of all levels, this workshop invites you to bring all of your fictional ideas to life through a willingness to write. Read more.
2. Serious Play: A Poetry Workshop – led by Vincent Toro
Focus on experimentation as a way to elevate your writing. Draw from the work of Surrealism, the OuLiPo poets, Afro and Latinxfuturism, as well as theater, music and visual art. Read more.
3. Short And Lasting: Exploring Flash Forms – led by Hugo dos Santos
We will engage in craft discussions based on evocative readings, and use generative writing exercises to explore what flash prose can accomplish. Read more.
4. Taking the Fear Out of Form: A Poetry Workshop – led by Grisel Y. Acosta
In this generative workshop, we will have the opportunity to use forms like the haibun, the golden shovel, erasure, concrete poetry, mondos and more. Read more.
Peter’s “Poetry Incubator” is back, as well as more favorites:
The Heart and Craft of Memoir – led by Anndee Hochman
Hitting the Right Note: A Songwriting Workshop – led by R.G. Evans
Making the Personal Universal in Creative Nonfiction – led by Tom McAllister
Playwriting Tools for Writers of All Genres – led by L M Feldman
Tell It Slant: A Memoir Workshop – led by John Cotter
The World in a Grain of Sand: Writing Creative Nonfiction – led by Judy Copeland
We’re also offering new add-on workshops to boost your creative spirit:
1. Out Loud: Storytelling for the Page and Stage – led by Anndee Hochman
We’ll work on the page and on our feet, with prompts to engage the mind, body, voice and heart in the dynamic act of live, in-person storytelling. Read more.
2. Publishing Chat – led by Joe Costal, Juliet Fletcher and Nancy Reddy
Whether you’re looking for motivation to pursue publishing your work for the first time or looking for guidance on the hurdles you’ve already encountered, you’re among friends who will be happy to share their knowledge of the publishing world. Read more.
Red Carpet Special Event
The Emmy Awards, Academy Awards…you know them all. What about The “Murphy” Awards? Join us as we roll out the red carpet to honor Winter Getaway participants and faculty and offer up some surprises, to be announced.
Scholarships
The deadline to apply for a scholarship is a little early this year: Oct. 1, since there are 25+ scholarships available—more than ever. Many thanks to Peter Murphy, our generous community members and SCOSA, who made this happen.
Most of these opportunities are named after beloved Winter Getaway faculty members to commemorate their untimely deaths and celebrate their lives. We love and miss our friends, and are honored to offer these opportunities in their memory. Writers of color are invited to simultaneously apply for the Robert Hayden Scholarship opportunity. Age qualifications have been adjusted to allow Getaway first-timers to qualify for as many opportunities as possible. Learn more.
Story Slam Returns
Last year, our Story Slam friends held the Winter Getaway’s first-ever Sunday night Story Slam, which was met with an incredible turnout. We’re thrilled that Story Slam will return this year for more stories, compassion and resilience. Stay tuned for this year’s theme.
Karaoke
For the first time in history: long-time Murphy Writer Jin Cordaro will host karaoke at the Winter Getaway. Scheduled at just the right time when you’ll be feeling that Getaway invincibility, join Jin for a fun night of belting as best you can, or supporting your friends who take the mic.
Getaway Disco Theme
Our community has spoken: they want a black tie optional masquerade theme for this year’s Getaway Disco. Bring your favorite mask and get down on the floor with us, but don’t tear your gown!
Updated Schedule
The schedule has been updated for you to get the most out of your Getaway experience as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Friday’s timing will stay the same.
- Workshops Saturday-Monday will start at 8:45am instead of 9:00am. On Monday, workshops will end at 11:15am to allow time for 30th anniversary programming.
- Sunday night’s special activities schedule is updated for you to participate without turning into an after-midnight pumpkin.
- Most writers are eager to get on the road asap on Monday—the Getaway can’t last forever, after all! To allow for maximum flexibility, Monday’s lunch will be on your own. We’ll share tons of local eatery gems, and Seaview’s Coastal Grille will be open for business if you don’t want to eat offsite.
Anniversary Cake
While we typically celebrate the Winter Getaway’s opening night with light desserts, this year, we’ll have a cake reception instead. You can’t celebrate an anniversary without cake.
Purchase Protection
To give you confidence, we’ve added a “Purchase Protection” option. This is an independent refund service provided by Purchase Protection LLC. You can add this on during the registration process—but first, make sure you read their terms, which you’ll appreciate for their colloquial language. Murphy Writing’s Cancellation Policy applies regardless of whether or not you purchase this service.
Video
Stockton University’s Production Services team helped us create a new video showcasing the Winter Getaway. If you haven’t seen the video already, we hope you’ll watch and enjoy. Thanks to Nicole, Tangela, Annette, Jin, Donna and Travis who donated their time to share their Winter Getaway experiences.
We look forward to writing and celebrating with you in January.
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