A writing retreat in scenic new england
Treat yourself. Combine an extended writing retreat with a relaxing summer vacation in the picturesque mountains of New Hampshire. This getaway blends our trademark challenging and supportive workshop experience with plenty of free time for you to write and bask in the refreshing New England summer.
Enjoy encouraging workshops, homemade meals and good company. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, you will return home energized by the tranquil setting and excited to continue writing.
“Live Free and Write is brilliantly organized. Freedom is offered to just write, talk about writing, think about writing and read others’ writing–so refreshing, restorative and encouraging. An atmosphere of friendliness makes the whole thing work. Thank you!”
~ Jerri, Meyersdale, PA
WORKSHOPs
August 10-15, 2025
Sunapee, NH
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 memoir or poetry.
Cause and Effect: A Memoir Workshop
A memoir can’t include all the joy, grief and revelations of a full life and also be well-written. Instead, it’s better for our writing to explore the causes and effects of our most significant positive and negative experiences. In this workshop, we will reflect on these meaningful events, turn them into descriptive scenes and discover how they shaped the people we’ve become. Daily sessions will include freewriting, readings, craft discussions, generative prompts and supportive feedback. You’re welcome to deepen and develop a work in progress, or come as you are and begin something new.
Led by Peter E. Murphy
Old Stories, New Language: A Poetry Workshop
How do we write our biggest truths and our sincerest wishes into a poem without giving in to clichés? In this workshop, we will learn how to find liberation and speak freely in our work. We’ll read pieces that confess, liberate and proclaim by poets like Audre Lorde, Robert Frost, Chiwan Choi, Grace Paley, Akilah Oliver and Phyllis Wheatley. Daily sessions will include journaling, generative prompts and warm, constructive feedback. Bring works-in-progress, or start new poems with us as we Live Free and Write!
Led by Cynthia Arrieu-King
“I went to two Live Free and Write retreats in Sunapee and I know my writing has improved. Good news: the book I’ve been working on has found a publisher and is due out in April. Thanks!”
~ Heidi, Norwich, VT
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: Peter E. Murphy for prose (memoir, nonfiction and fiction) and Cynthia Arrieu-King for poetry. 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 allocated.
- 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 40 minute 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 August 10 and concludes August 15 before lunch.
Sunday
| 3:00 pm | Check in between 3:00 and 6:15 and settle in |
| 6:45 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Welcome, orientation and craft discussion |
Monday – Thursday
| 8:15 am | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Workshop (Refreshment break at 11:00) |
| 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 | Writing and free time |
| 4:45 | Afternoon refreshments |
| 6:45 | Dinner |
| 8:00 | Free time for writing, relaxing and socializing |
Friday
| 8:15 am | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Workshop and closing |
| 11:00 | Refreshments / Depart |
“The week in NH has changed who I am: changed how I see myself, changed what I will do next, changed where I am going and who is going with me. I see writing differently too. Writing and listening to what others have written connects us, powerfully, core to core. I’m so glad I was at Live Free and Write. If this were a notebook and not an email I would be drawing little hearts in the margins.”
~ Marjorie, Philadelphia, PA
FACULTY
memoir 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 a dozen books and chapbooks of nonfiction and poetry including A Tipsy Fairy Tale: A Coming of Age Memoir of Alcohol and Redemption (Toplight Books, 2024). Read “Their Last Argument” in The Sun and have a look at peteremurphy.com.
poetry workshop leader
Cynthia Arrieu-King is a professor of creative writing at Stockton University and a former Kundiman fellow. Her poetry books include People are Tiny in Paintings of China (Octopus Books 2010), Manifest, winner of the Gatewood Prize chosen by Harryette Mullen (Switchback Books 2013), Futureless Languages (Radiator Press 2018) and its sequel Continuity (Octopus Books 2021). Her experimental prose memoir The Betweens (Noemi 2021) examines the difference between how we see others and how and who they really are. She’s working on a collection of short stories and a novel on caregiving and post-apocalyptic utopias. Her website is cynthiaarrieuking.blogspot.com.
Accommodations
Venue
Dexter’s Inn
258 Stagecoach Rd
Sunapee, NH 03782
This writing vacation will take place at Dexter’s Inn, a country inn set on an idyllic hilltop estate in the lovely and unhurried Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. The panoramic views of Mount Kearsarge, Mount Sunapee and the surrounding countryside will provide a private, peaceful backdrop for our workshops.
The guest rooms are quaint and welcoming. Each uniquely decorated room has a charming New England colonial feel and private bathroom. You will be served delicious homemade meals buffet style. If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be able to note them during the registration process.
During your free time you may wish to enjoy the tranquil grounds or explore the New England countryside with its antique shops and unique covered bridges. On-site amenities include:
- Cozy common rooms with fireplaces and a library
- Swimming pool, tennis courts and hiking trails
- Wi-fi internet access in common rooms and bedrooms
- Indoor recreation room with ping pong and pool tables
Dexter’s Inn is just 45 minutes from Concord, 90 minutes from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York and North Jersey. 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
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 for writers.
Take $100 off if you register by June 15, 2025.
all-inclusive fee with Room Package – Includes:
- 6-day inspiring writing workshop in genre of your choice
- 6 days/5 nights accommodation with private bathroom
- Homemade meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- Morning and afternoon snack and beverage breaks
- Use of wi-fi, outdoor pool, library, gardens, tennis courts and hiking trails
- After-hours activities, including a game night and readings by participants and faculty
Tuition + Room Package Options
- Sliding Scale Tuition with Double Room Package:
$1,795-$2,095$1,695-$1,995 if you register by 6/15- Per person – A room with one or two beds, for you and another participant. You can specify a roommate or we can match you with one. See FAQs about roommates below.
- Sliding Scale Tuition with Single Room Package:
$2,325-$2,625$2,225-$2,525 if you register by 6/15- A room with one bed, just for you.
- Sliding Scale Tuition with Shared Room Package:
$2,895-$3,195$2,795-$3,095 if you register by 6/15- A room with one or two beds, for you and a non-participating guest. Your guest may join us for meals and all non-workshop activities.
Special Commuter Option – Includes:
- 6-day writing workshop
- Homemade meals: 4 lunches
- Morning and afternoon refreshments
- Use of wi-fi, outdoor pool, library, gardens, tennis courts and hiking trails
- Sliding Scale Tuition with Commuter Package:
$1,195-$1,395$1,095-$1,295 if you register by 6/15 - Optional: Commuting participants can add on dinners for $50 per person per night. Many commuters add on all 5 dinners when registering. We recommend you add Sunday’s Opening Dinner at the very 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 Live Free and Write experience, you can add-on the following tutorials.
- Tutorial in Prose with Peter E. Murphy — $115
- Tutorial in Poetry with Cynthia Arrieu-King — $115
Registration Options
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 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 June 15
- 50% deposit due upon registration
- Any remaining balance will be automatically charged on July 1
- Change Fee ($50) will be charged to make changes to your registration after July 1
- Your registration fees cannot be transferred or refunded to another registrant
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 minus a $95 fee towards a future Murphy Writing program through February 1, 2026.
- For those with verifiable medical conditions who cancel by July 20, we can offer a 100% credit minus a $95 fee towards a future Murphy Writing program through February 1, 2026.
For all other cancellations:
- By June 1 — 100% refund minus a $95 processing fee, exclusive of any Purchase Protection you may have purchased
- By July 10 — 50% credit toward one of our upcoming programs, exclusive of any Purchase Protection you may have purchased
- After July 10 — 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.
Scholarships
We are offering a $750 scholarship to a first-time participant of Live Free and Write. 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: April 30, 2025.
“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, the drive and the time!“
~ Anne, Belmont, MA
TRAVEL
Venue Address
Dexter’s Inn
258 Stagecoach Rd
Sunapee, NH 03782
Arrival
Sunday, August 10. You may arrive at Dexter’s Inn after 3:00 pm to settle in. Dinner will begin promptly at 6:45 pm.
Driving Directions
Dexter’s Inn is close to I-89 and I-91. Although other routes may be shorter, Dexter’s Inn finds that using the I-91 and I-89 combination is less stressful and provides significantly less risk of getting lost. View the route Dexter’s Inn recommends.
When you arrive, please pull into the driveway in front of the “Welcome” sign. Follow the wooden walkway at the end of the driveway to the porch door. The Inn staff will greet you and assist you with unloading your bags. After you check-in, you can move your car to the parking lot.
If arriving via Public Transportation
Your best bet is to take Amtrak to Boston’s South Station or fly to Boston’s Logan Airport. From there:
- You can rent a car.
- You can take Dartmouth Coach to New London, NH. Contact Door to Door Driving Services ahead of time at 603-298-8880 to reserve a ride from New London to Dexter’s Inn. Ask for them to try to match you with other travelers to lower your cost.
- If you decide to take the Dartmouth Coach to New London, NH, plan to take a bus that arrives in New London between 3:15-5:45pm.
Dexter’s Inn is very remote, so transportation options are limited. The routes above are the most direct options for getting to the program without driving.
Departure
Friday, August 15. Please plan to vacate your room by 9:15am before the final workshop begins. The program will end at 11:00am and you are welcome to depart after that.
If departing via Public Transportation
If you take the bus from New London, NH, plan to depart on the 12:35pm bus. Book directly through Dartmouth Coach. Be sure to get in touch with Door to Door Driving Services (603-298-8880) to take you back to the bus station.
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.
If I register for a Double Room and my preferred roommate cancels, can you match me with someone else?
Yes, we will match you with a different roommate unless you would prefer to pay to upgrade to a single room instead.
“The best few days of writing I’ve had in years.”
~ Christine, Linwood, NJ
Photo Gallery
Take a look at the photos from one of our previous Live Free and Write 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 NJ 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.
Book your slice of inspiration.
