Resolve to make your writing a priority in 2019. Join us at Stockton University’s new beachfront campus for energizing workshops in fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry and storytelling. Head home inspired with a few new pieces and the warmth that comes from spending time in our encouraging community of writers.
Space is limited. Register today so you’re not disappointed!
WORKSHOPS
January 12-13, 2019
Stockton University, Atlantic City, NJ
Attend Saturday, Sunday or both!
Our retreats are centered on the belief that when writers leave behind the distractions of their busy lives to gather in an encouraging community, they are able to make important breakthroughs in their writing. Each workshop will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, sharing and inspiration.
“This was my first time attending and I truly grew. I loved the low-key, relaxed nature and appreciated the thoughtful assignments. Thanks for the great experience.”
~ Christine, Philadelphia, PA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
| 9:15 a.m. | Arrive and sign in |
| 9:30 | Welcome and workshops |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:45 | Workshops |
| 5:00 | Share around and closing |
| 5:30 | Dinner break or head home |
| 7:30 | Evening program: Story Slam (optional) |
Spend Saturday writing in one of the following workshops:
CREATIVE NONFICTION, MEMOIR AND YOU
Led by Amanda Morris
Creative nonfiction, which includes memoir, personal essay, travel and food writing, and narrative journalism, does not need to be earth-shattering to be compelling; it just needs to be well written. In this supportive workshop, you will work on exercises designed to tap into your memories, experiences and ideas, practice new storytelling techniques and learn how fictional tools aid creative nonfiction writers. You will have the opportunity to share your developing stories and discuss how to expand them into imaginative, publishable pieces. Bring a work-in-progress or start something brand new.
Filled. Wait list available via our online registration system.
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR NOVEL
Led by Michelle Cameron
Make 2019 the year you bring your story to life. Come with ideas for the novel you’ve always wanted to write. Learn how to structure your plot and develop distinct, memorable characters who will pop off the page. Writing exercises and supportive sharing will get your project off to an energized start. Head home with a plan for writing a must-read book.
Filled. Wait list available via our online registration system.
TELL IT LIKE IT WAS: STORYTELLING ABOUT YOUR LIFE
Led by Anndee Hochman
Maybe you’ve listened to “The Moth” on public radio or attended a story slam and imagined taking the stage yourself. In this workshop, you will learn how a story composed for performance differs from one destined for the page. You’ll listen to some terrific examples, brainstorm possibilities and choose an indelible incident to develop as a story with a compelling narrative arc. You will practice performance strategies: vocal warm-ups and theater games to hone volume, pacing, inflection and stage presence—the tools that allow you to connect deeply with your audience. Beginning and seasoned writers/storytellers are welcome!
Bonus: You’ll have the opportunity to perform at the Story Slam that evening.
Filled. Wait list available via our online registration system.
INVENTIVE INTENSIVE: A POETRY WRITING MINI-BOOTCAMP
Led by BJ Ward
Want to start at least four new poems in six hours? This workshop was made for you. Using models (by Tony Hoagland, Mary Oliver, Elizabeth Bishop, N. Scott Momaday, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sylvia Plath, Lucille Clifton, Ross Gay, Stephen Dunn and others), you will be guided in composing poems that begin with a very specific object or concept and move outwards in the direction of a discovered truth, ideally revealing something you didn’t know you knew. Our day-long session will include some sharing and feedback time, but the real focus of the workshop will be on inspiring you to create at least four new pieces. Arrive rested and curious; leave exhausted and happy. “Re-PETERs” welcome! Prompts, readings and craft discussion will differ each time.
Filled. Wait list available via our online registration system.
PROSE CRITIQUE INTENSIVE
Led by Judith Lindbergh
Whether you’ve just begun your writing journey or have plodded through revision after revision, receiving constructive feedback is essential to the creative process.
In this supportive, critique-centered workshop, you will:
- Share excerpts of your writing—options include novel, memoir, creative nonfiction or short story
- Receive thoughtful, practical suggestions from both your workshop leader and fellow participants to strengthen your pieces
- Discuss technical and aesthetic concerns from structure to point-of-view, character development, style, pacing and more
Bring 11 copies of two double-spaced excerpts (up to 1,000 words each). Leave recharged with ideas for polishing your writing and the motivation to push forward.
Filled. Wait list available via our online registration system.
Sunday, JANUARY 13
| 9:15 a.m. | Arrive and sign in |
| 9:30 | Welcome and workshop |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Workshop |
| 4:15 | Closing |
| 4:30 | Head home or DO AC |
Spend Sunday writing in this special workshop led by Murphy Writing Founder, Peter:
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: A WRITING WORKSHOP
Led by Peter E. Murphy
Jumpstart your creative year in this inspiring “all genre” workshop for writers of fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction and poetry. The day will begin with a craft discussion in which you will explore new ways to tell a story or write a poem. Peter will then lead you through exercises designed to stretch your imagination to compose work that will surprise and please you. The day will also include sharing and guided goal setting to help keep you on track in the months that follow.
While different genres have different demands, Peter has found that fiction writers, nonfiction writers and poets can learn much about their own craft by reading, discussing and experimenting with the craft of others. For example, playing with dialogue, setting and point of view can make a poem more surprising and meaningful. Paying attention to compression, rhythm and sound can make a work of prose stronger and more credible.
Join us for this motivating workshop to give your creative spirit a much needed boost.
“This was perhaps the best workshop I have been to. Keep up the good job.”
~ Barb, Northfield, NJ
Evening Programs
Friday night
Writers’ Happy Hour
7:00-8:30 p.m.: Calling all writers and poets! Please join us for an informal evening of socializing, networking and drinks. Cash bar with small plates and dinner options. Location: Off-site at Ducktown Tavern, 2400 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ.
Saturday night
Story Slam
7:30-9:30 p.m.: Join us for this lively evening of storytelling. Sit back and be entertained or take the mic to share your own 3-5 minute story for fun and a chance to win prizes. Suggested theme, to be interpreted as you please: transformation. Open to all participants, regardless of which workshop(s) you take. Location: On-site at Stockton University, Atlantic City, NJ.
“I loved how welcoming the retreat was. I truly felt among a community of writers rather than people promoting themselves. The workshop was encouraging and informative. I’m really looking forward to the next one.”
~ Jenna, Lanoka Harbor, NJ
FACULTY
Michelle Cameron’s debut historical novel, The Fruit of Her Hands: the Story of Shira of Ashkenaz, was published by Simon & Schuster in September 2009. Publisher’s Weekly praised the novel’s “powerful immediacy” and Library Journal its “rich details.” Michelle’s novel in verse, In the Shadow of the Globe, was published by Lit Pot Press in late 2003. It received excellent critical reviews and was named the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s 2003-4 Winter Book Selection. Her latest historical novel, Beyond the Ghetto Gates, set during Napoleon’s 1796-7 Italian campaign, will be published by She Writes Press in the spring of 2020. Michelle is also Co-Director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing workshops for children and adults. To learn more, visit michelle-cameron.com.
Anndee Hochman, a two-time winner of Moth Story Slams (in Philadelphia and Portland, Oregon), writes features, essays and commentaries about education, health, the arts, religion/spirituality and family. In addition to her weekly column, “The Parent Trip,” in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Anndee’s work appears regularly in Purple Clover and Broad Street Review. She has written for O, the Oprah Magazine and Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers. Anndee is the author of Anatomies: A Novella and Stories and Everyday Acts & Small Subversions: Women Reinventing Family, Community and Home. For the past 20 years, she has taught writing to people of all ages in schools, senior centers and in a small fishing village on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Her website is anndeehochman.com. Read Anndee’s piece, “This Is How You Care for Your Dying Father,” originally in Purple Clover. (Photo credit: Rob Cardillo)
Judith Lindbergh’s debut novel, The Thrall’s Tale, about three women in the first Viking Age settlement in Greenland, was a Booksense (IndieBound) Pick, a Borders Original Voices Selection and praised by Pulitzer Prize winners Geraldine Brooks and Robert Olen Butler. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Archaeology Magazine, Tiferet, Scandinavian Review, The World & I, Other Voices and, most recently, Up Here: The North at the Center of the World from University of Washington Press. She contributed to the Smithsonian Institution’s exhibition Vikings: The Norse Atlantic Saga and was an expert commentator on the History Channel’s documentary series MANKIND: The Story of All of Us. Judith is the Founder and Director of The Writers Circle where she teaches writers of all ages the joys and challenges of creative writing. To read some of her work, visit judithlindbergh.com.
Amanda Morris was a full-time freelance writer and journalist for ten years prior to earning her Ph.D. and becoming a professor of writing at Kutztown University. From publications and websites such as Writer’s Digest, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review and LifetimeTV.com to regional travel and food trade magazines, Amanda has published thousands of articles, feature stories, and memoir and creative nonfiction pieces. She currently is focusing on her academic writing and is a regular contributor to Teaching Tolerance. Amanda spends her free time cooking, fishing, gardening and dreaming up new writing projects to tackle. Read one of her creative nonfiction essays, “Funeral for a Childhood,” in Scintilla and visit her website: amandamorrisphd.com.
Peter E. Murphy was born in Wales and grew up in New York City where he operated heavy equipment, managed a nightclub and drove a cab. He is the author of ten books and chapbooks including two books of writing prompts and Stubborn Child, a finalist for the Paterson Poetry Prize. More than a dozen excerpts of his memoir-in-progress, You Go To My Head, have been published as standalone pieces in literary magazines including “Looking for Thelma,” winner of the 2018 Wilt Nonfiction Chapbook Prize. The founder of Murphy Writing of Stockton University, Peter has received dozens of awards and fellowships and has led hundreds of workshops for writers and teachers. Enjoy this interview with Peter and read some of his work at peteremurphy.com.
BJ Ward is the author of four books of poetry, most recently Jackleg Opera: Collected Poems 1990-2013 (North Atlantic Books), which received the Paterson Award for Literary Excellence. His poems have appeared in Poetry, American Poetry Review, TriQuarterly, The New York Times and The Sun, among others, and have been featured on NPR’s “The Writer’s Almanac,” NJTV’s “State of the Arts” and the website Poetry Daily. He is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and two Distinguished Artist Fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. 2018 appearances include The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, University of Delaware, Rutgers (New Brunswick) Writers’ Conference, Monmouth University’s Bruce Springsteen Symposium, Lewes Writers’ Conference, the Princeton Public Library and The Stanhope House. In a piece entitled “10 Dynamic Jersey Artists Not Named Springsteen,” The Star-Ledger cited Ward as “making a difference,” noting his poetry’s “music and physicality.” His website is bj-ward.com.
Location
Stockton University Atlantic City
3711 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The New Year’s Writing Retreat will take place at the new Stockton University campus in Atlantic City, which opened in Fall 2018. The campus is across the street from Atlantic City’s famous beach and boardwalk. Located at the foot of Route 40 in the heart of Atlantic City’s historic Chelsea neighborhood, it is just 75 minutes from Philadelphia, 100 minutes from Princeton and just over 2 hours from North Jersey and New York. See the Travel section below for directions and parking info.
Extend your day
If you would like to DO AC, here are options to consider:
- Bundle up for a stroll on Atlantic City’s free beaches.
- Walk on the Boardwalk.
- Shop at the Tanger outlets—The Walk.
- Explore AC’s nightlife.
- Join a new writer friend or two for dinner.
Pricing + REGISTRATION
January 12-13, 2019 — Attend one day or both!
Saturday Tuition — $115
9:15am-5:30pm. Includes workshop, morning coffee, lunch and evening program
Sunday Tuition — $100
9:15am-4:30pm. Includes workshop, morning coffee and lunch
Tuition for both days — $195
Save $20! Includes workshops, morning coffee and lunch for both days
Take advantage + save
- Additional “re-PETER” Discount ($10 off) if you’ve attended any of our other programs
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, call us at 609-626-3594 or email us at info@murphywriting.com.
The Fine Print
- Full fee due upon registration
- Discount ($20 off) if you register for both days
- “re-PETER” Discount ($10 off) if you’ve attended any of our other programs
- Change Fee ($25) will be charged to make changes to your registration after Dec. 26
Cancellation Policy
- By Dec. 26 — 50% credit toward one of our upcoming programs
- After Dec. 26 — No refund
Additional Meals (Optional)
This writing retreat provides meals as described above. There are numerous options within walking and driving distance if you wish to eat breakfasts and dinners in Atlantic City.
Scholarships
We are offering two scholarships to first-time participants in one of Murphy Writing’s programs. A panel of judges will review the submissions and make their selections based on a combination of merit and need. Application Deadline: Dec. 16, 2018, and the recipient will be announced on this page by Dec. 28, 2018.
Update: Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! It was a tough choice, but the panel has selected Nicole Robinson from Kent, OH and Olivia Jones from Staten Island, NY. We look forward to writing with them in Atlantic City.
“I had a story published in a magazine thanks to one of your prompts. You can’t do better than that!”
~ Kim, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Accommodations (Optional)
To make it easier for you to enjoy the entire weekend, we have arranged for a block of discounted rooms at Bally’s Atlantic City. Located in the heart of Atlantic City, Bally’s is on the world-famous boardwalk a mile from the retreat location and an easy drive or Uber. In your free time you can bundle up for a stroll on the beach, relax in the spa or dine at one of the onsite restaurants including Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Buca di Beppo or Harry’s Oyster Bar.
Book your room by December 20, 2018 to lock in the special retreat rates. (Friday night: $105, Saturday night: $185, Sunday night: $49. Resort fee, taxes and parking may be additional.)
If you have housing questions or prefer to book via phone, please call Bally’s at 888-516-2215, citing the group name: “Murphy Writing of Stockton University” and group code: “SB01MW9 Bally’s”.
Bally’s Atlantic City
1900 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Note: Atlantic City is pricey on weekends. Although you may find a cheaper price at an independent motel, we suggest you stick with the major hotel chains or casinos and check reviews on a site such as TripAdvisor before you book. If you are coming from out of town and prefer a Writing Getaway where we make the hotel and meal arrangements for you, consider one of our other upcoming writing retreats.
TRAVEL
venue
Stockton University Atlantic City
GPS address for parking garage
109 Lincoln Place
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Address of program (across the street)
3711 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Driving directions + Parking
Plan to park for free in Stockton Atlantic City’s “Residential Parking Garage.” Enter this address in your GPS: 109 Lincoln Place, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. If the gate at the Residential Parking Garage entrance prompts you to take a ticket, please bring it with you and we will validate it during the program. After you park, take the elevator to the ground floor and cross Atlantic Avenue to the Academic Center, located across the street at 3711 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Please download the Atlantic City campus map for a visual.
Public transportation
From New York City
- Bus: New York City to Atlantic City: NJ Transit Bus #319. The Atlantic City Bus Terminal is approximately a 10 minute Uber or taxi ride to the campus.
From Philadelphia
- Bus: Philadelphia to Atlantic City: NJ Transit Route #551. The Atlantic City Bus Terminal is approximately a 10 minute Uber or taxi ride to the campus.
- Train: Philadelphia to Atlantic City: Unfortunately, the Atlantic City Rail Line will be closed for upgrades during this program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! Our experienced workshop leaders plan their sessions to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
I’ve been to dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
Our faculty challenge experienced writers to push beyond their usual limits. If you have been writing for decades, they will compel you to go deeper, take more risks and experiment with form and content. We know that experienced writers benefit from our programs based on the fact that hundreds of “re-PETERs” have attended three or more of our writing getaways.
I haven’t attended a all genre workshop before. How will I benefit from this program?
While different genres have different demands, Peter has found that fiction writers, nonfiction writers and poets can learn much about their own craft by reading, discussing and experimenting with the craft of others. For example, playing with dialogue, setting and point of view can make a poem more surprising and meaningful. Paying attention to compression, rhythm and sound can make a work of prose stronger and more credible.
“I have a tendency to write with the emergency brake on, but your exercises provided me with some wonderful new tools for freeing my imagination. I really appreciate the amount of thought you put into the program.”
~ Mary, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Photo Gallery
View our full collection of writing getaway photos.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDITS
Participants will receive a professional development certificate of participation. Stockton University is recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education to provide Professional Development credit hours, which many other states are willing to accept. You may check with your employer to see if it will work for you.
“Many of the ideas I expressed and questions I asked at the program had been gathering inside me for a long time. It was heaven to be able to speak with my workshop leader and fellow participants about them.”
~ Sue, West Creek, NJ
Questions?
Call 609-626-3594 or email info@murphywriting.com.
BOOK the retreat you need.
