The 31st annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway—a supportive, participant-focused writers’ conference—will take place January 17-20, 2025. There is plenty to be excited about this year:
Discounts
We’ll continue to ring in our 3rd decade in style, including a $30 “Early Bard” Discount for your room package if you register by Nov. 20—a little later than last year, giving you more time to save.
Don’t forget: 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 murphywriting@stockton.edu to receive a bring-a-friend coupon code if you plan to do this.
Deposit Feature
Building on last year’s success, we’ll bring back the online 50% deposit feature to provide you with more payment flexibility. 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 won’t be charged until 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:
- Jan Beatty
- Nicole Callihan
- Jiordan Castle
- Tyrese L. Coleman
- Libby Cudmore
- Sam Heaps
- Darla Himeles
- Heather Lanier
- Sham-e-Ali Nayeem
Returning faculty favorites include Peter E. Murphy, celeste doaks, Hugo dos Santos, R.G. Evans, Luray Gross, Lois Marie Harrod, Le Hinton, Anndee Hochman, Christine E. Salvatore and Gretna Wilkinson.
Poetry Incubator Preferences
The rumors are true: After years of requests, Peter E. Murphy will be available to select as a faculty preference for his classic Poetry Incubator workshop. Spots with Peter are very limited and faculty preferences for the Poetry Incubator’s feedback sessions are assigned first-come, first-served, so be sure to register early.
We’ve also added the option to share a 4th faculty preference from our stellar lineup, in the event that you register later in the season and one of your top preferences is unavailable.
Workshops
Storytellers rejoice! Last year’s abbreviated storytelling workshop has grown into a full-fledged, three-day workshop:
Out Loud: Storytelling for the Page and Stage – led by Anndee Hochman
In this workshop, you’ll learn the steps of crafting a five-minute story from your life experience in the style of Moth story slams. Read more.
We’re also offering brand new writing workshops:
A Flash of Truth: A Nonfiction Workshop – led by Tyrese L. Coleman
The biggest misconception about flash nonfiction is that it’s easy to write because it’s so short, but crafting the truth of our human experience is anything but simple. Read more.
The Art of Obsession: A Memoir Workshop – led by Jiordan Castle
In this workshop, we’ll mine key moments and connections from our lives as we explore practical and creative methods for pinning them to the page. Read more.
Beyond the Self: Character Development in Novels – led by Sam Heaps
We’re all familiar with the “I” character, but the most interesting stories are populated with diverse perspectives, histories and opinions. Read more.
Channeling Grief: A Poetry Workshop – led by Sham-e-Ali Nayeem
Writing is a means to channel complex emotions through personal expression. In this workshop, let’s explore how poetry can be a sacred container for the act of grieving. Read more.
The Leaping Poem: A Poetry Workshop – led by Jan Beatty
Through writing prompts and sample poems, you’ll focus on metaphor, juxtaposition and white space to create wild leaps and intuitive associations. Read more.
Our Many Voices: Persona in Creative Nonfiction – led by Heather Lanier
In this workshop, you’ll explore the various versions of yourself, and how you might authentically render them on the page. Read more.
Tales Told Tiny: Flash, Micro and Hermit Crab Fiction – led by Libby Cudmore
From stories under 500 words, to those told through Amazon wishlists, recipes or real estate listings—this workshop will allow you to explore telling complete pieces in short-short and alternative forms. Read more.
Peter’s “Poetry Incubator” is back, as well as more favorites:
The Braided Narrative: Weaving Creative Nonfiction – led by Nicole Callihan
Hitting the Right Note: A Songwriting Workshop – led by R.G. Evans
Plus, these new add-on workshops that’ll give you a head start on your Getaway weekend:
101 Basics: Workshops in Poetry and Prose
Whether you could use a refresher or are just looking to dabble in a new genre, these 101-style workshops will kick off your writing vacation by relaying the basics in our signature encouraging, ego-free zone.
1. Fiction 101 Workshop – led by Hugo dos Santos
2. Poetry 101 Workshop – led by Lois Marie Harrod
3. Nonfiction and Memoir 101 Workshop – led by Anndee Hochman
Read more.
Special Art Exhibit
The Noyes Museum of Art will arrange a special collection of art inspired by Getaway faculty work for Winter Getaway participants to enjoy. Don’t miss this unique and exclusive experience.
Scholarships
Last year’s scholarship campaign was a resounding success that we hope to keep going. Our goal is to offer at least 10 scholarships this year. Read about how Peter will match up to $5,000 in donations toward this effort!
The scholarship application system will be accessible just after registration opens, and the deadline to apply for a scholarship will be October 1. Learn more.
Book Signing Mixer
If you’ve attended the Winter Getaway before, you’ll remember the Getaway Bookstore, where we sell books and crafts from our faculty and participants. This year, get your Getaway Bookstore purchases signed and sign your own books you’ve brought to sell at “Sign and Unwind.”
Cake Returns!
Our cake reception was a super-hit last year, especially with our vegan writers. It feels fitting to celebrate another great year of writing with this classic treat, so we’ll bring it back. Happy 31st to the Getaway, and to you.
Purchase Protection
As a reminder: 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.
We look forward to writing with you in January.
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