Escape the cold to write in Florida. Spend an inspiring week working on your poetry or prose. Enjoy plentiful writing time, insightful feedback, homemade meals and time to relax.
“I’ve never done an overnight writing retreat before and was amazed at how much writing happened just being away from home. The atmosphere was perfect: open, honest, sincere and so encouraging. Definitely worth the money and the time!”
~ Anne, Belmont, MA
WORKSHOPs
March 9-14, 2026
New Smyrna Beach, FL
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 the entire week in one workshop, you will venture deeper into your writing, making more progress than you thought possible.
You may choose to spend the week working on your poetry or prose.
Writing Past What You Know: Creative Strategies in Memoir
We’re told to “write what you know”—but what happens when there are gaps in our memories, absences in family history or disagreements about what really happened? In this memoir workshop, we’ll practice writing what we don’t or can’t know. Experimenting with innovative methods for creative research will allow us to add details that enrich our memories, deepen scenes, expand our characterization and improve our imagery as we build an engrossing world for readers. We’ll also use what essayist Lisa Knott calls “perhapsing” to speculate about those parts of our histories that we can never truly know. We will leave this workshop with lots of new words and strategies to keep writing long after our time together. Open to beginning and experienced writers.
Limited to 12 participants — Led by Nancy Reddy
Writing Poems from Myth, Fable and Fairy Tale
In this generative workshop, myths, fables and classic fairy tales will become springboards for writing our own contemporary poems. Using work by writers like Natalie Diaz, Denise Duhamel, Jack Gilbert, A.E. Stallings and Ocean Vuong as models, we’ll explore timeless themes such as transformation, exile, desire and identity. Challenging prompts will help us reimagine ancient stories and invent new ones. Through supportive feedback, we’ll begin to shape and revise our raw drafts into vivid, resonant poems. No background in mythology is needed—only a curiosity for strange and intriguing legends. Open to Argonauts and Minotaurs, beginning and experienced poets.
Limited to 12 participants — Led by Peter E. Murphy
“From the moment we arrived, the tone you set established an extremely supportive environment—enough structure and focus to keep us invested in our work, yet flexible enough to foster creativity and enjoyment. Thank you.”
~ Susan, River Edge, NJ
One-on-one Tutorials (Optional)
If you are looking for more feedback on your writing, you will have the option to add a one-on-one tutorial which will offer a constructive critique on a work in progress. These one-on-one sessions will last 40 minutes, and you may request general feedback or seek assistance on a specific question or problem you are having. Led by Nancy Reddy for prose (memoir, nonfiction and fiction) and Peter E. Murphy for poetry. Limited quantity of one-on-ones available for purchase.
- 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 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 March 9 and concludes March 14 before lunch.
Monday
| 3:00 p.m. | Check in between 3:00 and 4:00 and settle in |
| 6:45 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Welcome, orientation and craft discussion |
Tuesday-Friday
| 8:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Workshop (Refreshment break at 11:00) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:30 | Writing and free time |
| 4:45 | Afternoon refreshments |
| 6:45 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Free time for writing, relaxing and socializing |
Saturday
| 8:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Workshop and closing |
| 11:00 | Refreshments / depart |
FACULTY
Prose workshop leader
Nancy Reddy is the author of The Good Mother Myth. Her previous books include the poetry collection Pocket Universe and the anthology The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood, which she co-edited with Emily Pérez. Her essays have appeared in Slate, Poets & Writers, Romper, The Millions and elsewhere. She teaches at Stockton University and lives in Collingswood with her family. She writes the newsletter Write More, Be Less Careful. Learn more on her website.
Poetry WORKSHOP LEADER
Peter E. Murphy was born in Wales and grew up in New York where he managed a night club, operated heavy equipment and drove a taxi. He has been awarded six creative writing fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, which might be a record, as well as multiple residencies at Yaddo, The Atlantic Center for the Arts, The Millay Colony and other artist retreats. He has published thirteen books and chapbooks of poetry and nonfiction including You Too Were Once on Fire (2025) and A Tipsy Fairy Tale: A Coming of Age Memoir of Alcohol and Redemption (2024). Read “Grand Fugue” in Rattle and have a look at peteremurphy.com.
“There was a wonderful sense of community and I felt that we all inspired each other to write. The content and structure of the workshops was a major factor in creating this atmosphere. The readings were a rewarding experience and a chance to showcase one’s work. Thank you for a wonderful and enlightening few days! I hope to be back.”
~Rosalind, Sufat, Kuwait
Accommodations
Venue
The Atlantic Center for the Arts
1414 Art Center Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Get Away to Write – Florida will take place at the Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA), an encouraging home to writers, poets and other artists for over 30 years. Situated in New Smyrna Beach, a coastal town with 17-miles of sandy white beaches and a vibrant arts scene, ACA’s 67 lush acres on the edge of Turnbull Bay provide a private, peaceful setting away from the distractions of the outside world.
Secluded guest rooms are connected by a winding boardwalk and nestled into the “jungle” of the campus. Each is equipped with a comfortable full size bed, desk, radio alarm clock, small refrigerator and private bath with a shower.
The ACA’s chef serves up delicious homemade meals, buffet style. If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be able to note them during the registration process.
On-site amenities of the ACA include:
- Art galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden
- Boardwalk and nature trails
- Indoor dining and lounge space
- Free wifi access
- Bicycles available
In your free time, you may wish to enjoy the ACA’s grounds, or drive or Uber to downtown New Smyrna Beach. See the Travel section below for directions and other travel information.
Safety
By participating in this program, you are agreeing to abide by our Health and Safety Acknowledgement.
Pricing + RegistratioN
Save $100 if you register by January 30, 2026.
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, email us at murphywriting@stockton.edu.
all-inclusive Fee: Sliding Scale
Your all-inclusive fee, which includes tuition and your room package, is 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. Your all-inclusive fee includes:
- 6-day writing workshop
- 6 days/5 nights accommodation with private bathroom
- Homemade meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- Morning and afternoon snack breaks
- Use of wi-fi, bicycles, boardwalk and nature trails
Tuition + Room Package Options
- Sliding Scale Tuition + Single Room Package (double bed just for you): $2,395-$2,695
- Sliding Scale Tuition + Shared Room Package (double bed shared with non-participating guest): $2,795-$3,095
- If you are bringing a guest, they may join us for meals and all non-workshop activities. You and your guest will share a double bed.
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 Get Away to Write – Florida experience, you can add on the following tutorials.
- Tutorial in Prose with Nancy Reddy — 40 minutes — $135
- Tutorial in Poetry with Peter E. Murphy — 40 minutes — $135
How to Register
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, email us at murphywriting@stockton.edu.
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.
- To receive the “Early Bard” Discount ($100), you must register by Jan. 30
- 50% deposit due upon registration
- Balance due by Feb. 15
- Change fee ($25) will be charged to make changes to your registration after Jan. 30
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations that are COVID-specific or medical-related:
- If you need to cancel due to testing positive for COVID-19 within 11 days of the program start, we can offer a 100% credit towards a future Murphy Writing program through 2026.
- For those with verifiable medical conditions who cancel by Feb. 20, we can offer a 100% credit towards a future Murphy Writing program through 2026.
For all other cancellations:
- By Jan. 1 — 100% refund minus a $100 processing fee, exclusive of any Purchase Protection you may have purchased
- By Feb. 1 — 50% credit on file toward one of our upcoming programs, exclusive of any Purchase Protection you may have purchased
- After Feb. 1 — Sorry, no refund or credit will be issued
If using a credit/debit card, you may want to consider “Purchase Protection,” an independent refund service provided by Purchase Protection LLC. You can add this on during the registration process, but make sure you read their terms first. Murphy Writing’s Cancellation Policy applies regardless of whether or not you purchase this service.
Scholarships
We are offering a scholarship to attend for a first-time participant of Get Away to Write – Florida. A panel of judges will review the submissions and make their selection based on a combination of merit and need. Deadline to apply for a scholarship: January 25, 2026.
“The best few days of writing I’ve had in years.”
~ Christine, Linwood, NJ
TRAVEL
Venue Address
Atlantic Center for the Arts
1414 Art Center Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
The Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) main campus is located at the northern end of New Smyrna Beach, approximately 15 miles south of Daytona Beach and 55 miles northeast of Orlando. ACA is easily accessible via rental car from either of those airports, but if you plan to use a shuttle service, we suggest that you fly in and out of Orlando. Contact Ocean Concierge Service LLC at 386-853-4000. Call ahead and ask for someone to try to match you with our other travelers to lower your cost.
Arrival
Monday, March 9. Aim to arrive at the ACA campus between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. to settle in. If you arrive in New Smyrna Beach early, you can explore the town’s many offerings.
Dinner will be served promptly at 6:45 p.m.
Departure
Saturday, March 14. Plan to depart from the ACA after the program ends around 11:00 a.m.
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.
Photo Gallery
Take a look at the photos from one of our previous Get Away to Write – Florida programs or 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.
Questions?
Email murphywriting@stockton.edu.
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