Get away to write for a weekend at Atlantic City’s famous beach and boardwalk. Enjoy meaningful discussions and supportive feedback on your poetry or creative nonfiction, with time to stroll on the sand, visit the historic Steel Pier or try your luck at one of the many AC casinos. Stay overnight at Stockton University’s new residence halls right on the boardwalk.
This program is presented by Murphy Writing of Stockton University in collaboration with AC Residential Life.
WORKSHOPS
August 4-7, 2022
Atlantic City, NJ
Join us at the Jersey Shore for a relaxing writing retreat that will inspire you. This weekend by the ocean will include writing time, supportive feedback, good meals and good company.
Our retreats revolve around 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, feedback, motivation and inspiration. By spending time in a single-genre workshop, you will venture deeper into your writing, making more progress than you thought possible.
Choose to write in one of the following workshops.
Less is Not Always More: A Poetry Workshop – Filled; WAITLIST available
Limited to 12 participants — Led by Peter E. Murphy
Sometimes, topics that continue to capture your attention are meant to be expanded. In this workshop, we will break the “less is more” poetry adage by designing and writing a series of poems on a topic that intrigues you. After discussing the craft elements of several contemporary poetry sequences that stretch a subject beyond a single poem, you will write your own sequence in response to guided assignments. Supportive feedback will help you revise each piece and the larger project toward publication. Leave this weekend with what could become the heart of a chapbook! Come empty-handed or bring some works-in-progress.
The Truth, Well-Told: Writing Creative Nonfiction – Filled; WAITLIST available
Limited to 12 participants — Led by Anndee Hochman
Fiction writers invent worlds. In creative nonfiction, the challenge is to make meaning of the world that is—what you observe, remember, learn and experience. Through excerpts from a range of writers, craft discussion and writing prompts, this workshop will inspire you to experiment with forms of creative nonfiction, including flash memoirs, personal essays, portraits of place and narratives about nature, food or art. Our focus will be on generating new work, with opportunities to share your writing and hear what resonates for others.
“Perfect themes for tickling the muse. Good prompts and atmosphere.”
~ Jeff, Bloomfield, NJ
ONE-ON-ONE TUTORIALS (OPTIONAL)
If you are looking for in-depth feedback on a piece of writing, take advantage of a one-on-one 40-minute tutorial. Share a work-in-progress, something you think is finished, or both. You can use your tutorial to ask for general feedback or to seek assistance on a specific question or problem you are having. You can also ask your tutor questions about craft issues or about publishing your work. Led by Peter E. Murphy for poetry and Anndee Hochman for prose (memoir, nonfiction and fiction). Limited quantity of one-on-ones available.
- You and your tutor will select a mutually convenient time during the week.
- No need to send your writing ahead of time; the tutors are experienced at providing constructive and supportive feedback in the time allotted.
- You may choose to bring something you wrote before the retreat or something you write during the week.
- Prepare for your tutorial by bringing two copies of a printed sample of your writing that is representative of a larger problem you are facing. For example, your challenge might have to do with plotting, point of view, tone or writing dialogue. The piece of work (or excerpt) you bring should be no more than 1,000 words for prose or 2-3 poems for poetry, so your tutor can offer you constructive advice within the time period. In lieu of a writing sample, you may bring questions and concerns about your work or broader questions about writing and publishing.
Schedule
The program starts with dinner on Thursday, August 4 and concludes Sunday, August 7 after lunch and a closing workshop.
Thursday
| 5:00 p.m. | Check in between 5:00 and 7:00 and settle in |
| 7:00 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Welcome, orientation and craft discussion |
Friday – Saturday
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Workshop |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Writing, free time and tutorials |
| 5:00 | Dinner |
| 6:00 | Story Slam, other fun AC activities |
Sunday
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Workshop |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:15 | Closing program |
| 2:00 | Check out by 3:00 and DO AC |
“This was just the boost I needed to get experimental, take risks and discover more of what’s inside that could become interesting writing. A valuable exploration of perspective and surprise. Thank you!”
~Ida, Los Angeles, CA
FACULTY
Poetry workshop leader
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 taxi. He is the author of eleven books and chapbooks of poetry and prose including two books of writing prompts. More than a dozen excerpts of his memoir-in-progress, Once Upon a Time You Lived in a Castle, have been published as standalone pieces in journals, including “Looking for Thelma,” winner of the 2018 Wilt Nonfiction Chapbook Prize and “Storming the Castle,” winner of the 2019 First Chapter Memoir Prize sponsored by Arch Street Press. 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. Read an interview with Peter and a piece from his memoir in Litro.
Creative Nonfiction workshop leader
Anndee Hochman is a journalist, essayist, storyteller and teaching artist. In addition to her weekly column, “The Parent Trip,” in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Anndee’s work has appeared in Poets & Writers, Purple Clover, Broad Street Review, the Moravian College magazine and numerous anthologies, including the recent Best Short Stories of Philadelphia. She is the author of Anatomies: A Novella and Stories (Picador) and Everyday Acts & Small Subversions: Women Reinventing Family, Community and Home (The Eighth Mountain Press). She is also a four-time Moth Story Slam winner. For more than 25 years, Anndee has taught writing to people of all ages in schools, senior centers and a small fishing village on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Visit her website and read the first chapter of My Plural Is People, Anndee’s YA novel-in-progress, a winner of the Arch Street Press award in 2020.
“Anndee’s workshop exceeded my expectations. She taught us strategies for writing about our real life experiences and helped me unlock forgotten memories. I was able to go beyond writing what I already knew.”
~ Sarah, Chittenango, NY
Accommodations
Venue
Stockton University Atlantic City Residential Complex
3701 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Ocean View Writing Getaway will take place at Stockton University Atlantic City. 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.
About Atlantic City
Atlantic City, affectionately known as “AC,” has a rich history and a special place in our hearts. A waterfront home to the oldest and longest boardwalk in the world (Built in 1870!), it boasts miles of sandy beaches and plenty of fun attractions. In your free time, you may wish to:
- Swim at one of AC’s free beaches.
- Walk on the Boardwalk and visit the historic Steel Pier.
- Shop at the Tanger outlets—The Walk.
- Try your luck at one of the many casinos.
- Explore AC’s nightlife.
- Join a new writer friend or two for an award-winning restaurant’s happy hour.
See the Travel section below for directions and other travel information.
Lodging
We will take up residence in Stockton AC’s brand-new beachfront dorms, located right on the boardwalk. You will have your own private bedroom in a shared apartment with shared bathrooms and kitchen spaces for you and 1-3 fellow participants. See a virtual tour of one of Stockton AC’s residence layouts. Each room package includes:
- Private bedroom, complete with comfortable twin bed and desk
- Shared bathrooms and kitchen spaces
- Free wi-fi internet access
- Linens for bedding and towels
Stockton University strongly encourages participants to be up-to-date on their vaccinations/boosters. See other COVID-19 protocols for this program.
Non-participating guests welcome – If you would like to bring a spouse, significant other, friend or family member, these non-participating guests are welcome to attend all activities other than workshops. They will stay in their own bedroom adjacent to yours.
Extend your stay – If you would like to extend your stay for only $50 per person per night, you will be able to note your shoulder dates during the registration process.
Meals
For those spending the night, meals are included for the duration of the workshop: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. For commuters, 3 lunches are included, and you will have the option to add on additional meals.
Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free needs can be accommodated. If you have dietary restrictions, you will be able to note them during the registration process.
Pricing + Registration
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.
All-inclusive fees are based on a sliding scale. 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.
All-inclusive fee with room package
Sliding scale: $645-$745
Your all-inclusive fee includes:
- 3-day writing workshop tuition
- 3 nights/4 days accommodation with private bedroom in a shared apartment with shared bathroom and kitchen
- All available meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Use of wi-fi and common spaces
Option to bring a non-participating guest
Sliding scale: $895-$995. Includes everything listed above for you, plus room and board for a non-participating guest. If you would like to bring a spouse, significant other, friend or family member, they are welcome to attend all activities other than workshops. They will stay in their own bedroom adjacent to yours.
Option to extend your stay
Shoulder dates of 8/3 and/or 8/7 are available at a special rate of $50 per person per night. Additional meals are not included. You can add on these additional room nights during the registration process.
Commuter package
Sliding scale: $395-$495
Your commuter fee includes:
- 3-day writing workshop tuition
- 3 lunches, with option to add on additional meals
- Use of wi-fi and common spaces
Commuter option to add on additional meals: $13 per breakfast, $25 per dinner. We recommend you add on Thursday’s Opening Dinner at least.
Fees do not include transportation, college credit, one-on-one tutorials, gratuities or personal expenses.
One-on-one Tutorials (Optional)
To get even more out of your Ocean View Writing Getaway experience, you can add on the following tutorials. Space is limited.
- Tutorial in Poetry with Peter E. Murphy — 40 minutes — $100
- Tutorial in Prose with Anndee Hochman — 40 minutes — $100
How to Register
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
- By registering for this program, you are agreeing to uphold our Code of Conduct.
- By registering for this program, you are agreeing to abide by our Health and Safety Acknowledgement.
- Change fee ($25) will be charged to make changes to your registration after June 1
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations that are COVID-specific or medical-related:
- If you need to cancel due to testing positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the program start, we can offer a full credit on file. 100% of your Ocean View Writing Getaway payment will be good towards a future Murphy Writing program through July 2023.
- For those with verifiable medical conditions who cancel by July 20, 2022, we can offer a full credit on file. 100% of your Ocean View Writing Getaway payment will be good towards a future Murphy Writing program through July 2023.
For all other cancellations:
- By June 1 — 100% refund minus a $50 processing fee
- By July 1 — 50% credit on file toward one of our upcoming programs
- After July 1 — Sorry, no refund will be issued
Scholarship
Deadline to apply for a scholarship: May 5, 2022.
We are offering a $500 scholarship to attend to a first-time participant of the Ocean View Writing Getaway. This could be you! A panel of judges will review the submissions and make their selection based on a combination of merit and need. You do not to register for the Ocean View Writing Getaway to apply for a scholarship; however, you are welcome to register to secure your spot, and we will give you a refund if you receive a scholarship.
Travel
Venue Address
Stockton University Atlantic City
GPS address for parking lot
3711 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Address of program (across the street)
3701 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Driving Directions + Parking
Plan to park in Stockton AC’s Academic Center parking lot. Enter this address in your GPS: 3711 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. After you park in the lot, cross Atlantic Avenue to the Residential Complex, located across the street at 3701 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Please download the Atlantic City campus map for a visual.
Arrival – Thursday, August 4 – Arrive between 5:00 and 7:00 to settle in. Dinner will be served promptly at 7:00pm.
Departure – Sunday, August 7 – Vacate your room by 3:00 after the program ends at 2:00. Head home or DO AC.
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 – NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line. The Atlantic City Rail Station is approximately a 6-minute Uber or taxi ride to the campus.
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. Try one of Peter Murphy’s prompts from Challenges for the Delusional.
Are there COVID-19 safety protocols for this program?
If this information changes prior to the event, we will inform you in advance:
- Stockton University strongly encourages participants to be up-to-date on their vaccinations/boosters.
- Testing is not required, regardless of vaccination status, but we do strongly encourage all participants to receive a negative COVID test before arriving.
- If you have not been fully vaccinated (including booster) against COVID-19, you are required to remain masked indoors. If you have been fully vaccinated, you are not required to wear a mask during the workshop, although we encourage you to do so.
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.
“This getaway provided an excellent opportunity to write, which I normally don’t have in my busy life. Everyone was very supportive and welcoming, the food was superb and the accommodations were beautiful. I loved staying so close to the beach!”
~ Sherrie, Bridgeton, NJ
Questions?
Call 609-626-3594 or email info@murphywriting.com.
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