Join us for this five-week online creative nonfiction workshop. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Online WORKSHOP
Wednesday, April 23 – Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Each Wednesday, 7:30pm EDT – see schedule
Led by Hugo dos Santos
Limited to 12 participants
In this five-week creative nonfiction workshop, we will experiment with form, voice and structure to craft compelling narratives from our lives. Each week, you will receive an online lesson featuring curated readings, craft discussions and generative prompts designed to unearth the moments that demand to be told. We will engage with memoir techniques, from lyrical and braided essays to episodic and nonlinear storytelling. Whether you are beginning your writing journey or deepening a project already in progress, this workshop will provide the support and inspiration to transform lived experience into powerful storytelling.
“Everything about the workshop exceeded my expectations.”
~ Laurel, New York, NY
FACULTY
Workshop Leader
Hugo dos Santos is the author of Then, there (Spuyten Duyvil, 2019), a collection of Newark stories, and the translator of Homecoming (Arquipelago Press, 2024) and A Child in Ruins (Writ Large Press, 2016), a staff pick at the Paris Review Daily. Hugo’s poetry and fiction shine a light on the beauty, complexity and pain of the immigrant experience and of life in the inner city. In his translations, Hugo celebrates contemporary Portuguese literature. He has received fellowships from MacDowell and the Disquiet International Literary Program, and his work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared in publications in the US, Portugal and India, including Barrelhouse, Bat City Review, Electric Literature, Hobart, The Common, The Fanzine and elsewhere. Hugo lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children.
Visit his website, and read a piece by Hugo.
“I generated so much work in only five sessions. The assigned readings inspired and broadened my writing and creative methods.”
~ Kate, New York, NY
How It Works
COMPONENTS
The major components of our five-week online workshops typically include variations of the following elements: inspiring craft models, writing assignments, discussions and sharing. The organization and emphasis of these elements is dependent on the workshop leader’s vision. Their goal is to get you inspired and writing!
Schedule
The course will be held over Zoom for five Wednesdays at 7:30pm EDT:
- Wednesday, April 23
- Wednesday, April 30
- Wednesday, May 7
- Wednesday, May 14
- Wednesday, May 21
The duration of these weekly meetings is dependent on the number of participants registered. If up to 7 participants register, the meetings will take place from 7:30-9:00pm. If 8+ participants register, the meetings will take place from 7:30-9:30pm.
Each week’s materials will be made available beforehand so you have a chance to review them ahead of time.
You will receive further details about each deadline and assignment after you enroll in the course.
technical requirements
Materials for the course will be shared using a free online platform called Canvas. You will need a computer or tablet and internet access in order to use Canvas. You will also need access to word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
To fully participate in the weekly Zoom sessions, you will need access to a webcam and microphone. Those built in to a laptop, tablet or smart phone will do.
Pricing + Registration
Tuition — SLIDING SCALE: $350-$450
Tuition for this program is based on a sliding scale between $350 and $450. 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.
Tuition INCLUDEs
- A curated selection of readings, craft notes and prompts to inspire you each week
- Access to a private space for sharing your writing with your workshop leader and fellow participants
- Five dedicated Zoom calls with your workshop leader and fellow participants
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
- Full fee due upon registration
Cancellation Policy
“I always love the diversity of people involved. It’s a very welcoming community of writers.”
~ Norma, Milford, PA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! Our experienced workshop leaders plan their courses to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
I’ve taken dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
Our faculty challenges 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’ve never taken an online workshop before. Do I need special equipment?
No. If you’re reading this website, you probably have everything you need to take this course. You can participate using a laptop or desktop computer, or even a tablet or smart phone.
meet our community
View our full collection of writing getaway photos.
Questions?
Email murphywriting@stockton.edu.
Write with us.