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Poetry Workshop

Trigger your imagination and compose new poems that will surprise and please you. You can share your new drafts in optional feedback sessions or use that time for more writing and revising. Limited to just 12 participants.

Don’t consider yourself a poet? This supportive weekend is your chance to try your pen at poetry. Peter’s unique prompts will allow this relaxing weekend to benefit both beginning and experienced poets.

Faculty

Peter E. Murphy was born in Wales and grew up in New York City where he operated heavy equipment, managed a night club and drove a cab. He is the author of Stubborn Child a finalist for the 2006 Paterson Poetry Prize, and a chapbook of poems, Thorough & Efficient both from Jane Street Press. In addition to receiving a 2009 Poetry Fellowship from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, he has received awards and fellowships from The Atlantic Center for the Arts, Yaddo, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. He directs the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway and other programs for poets, writers and teachers.

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Location

The Ocean View Poetry Getaway will take place in a large, modern duplex down the block from the ocean. The nearby views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding beaches will provide a private, peaceful backdrop for our getaway. Poet/gourmet chef Nina Soifer will be cooking for us again this year, between stanzas, so to speak. You will love her.

These comfortable houses are warm and welcoming but do not provide linens and towels, so we’ll have to bring our own and straighten up before we leave. Please keep this in mind when arranging your schedule. The address and directions will be emailed to registered participants approximately one week before the retreat.

On-site amenities include:

Sea Isle City is off of Exit 17, the Ocean View exit, of the Garden State Parkway. It is located just 35 minutes from Atlantic City, 80 minutes from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York and North Jersey.

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Schedule (Tentative)

The Ocean View Poetry Getaway starts with dinner on Friday night and runs through lunch on Sunday afternoon. If you are bringing a guest, they may join us for the programs on Friday and Saturday nights, meals and all non-workshop activities.

You can arrive anytime after 4 p.m. on Friday and dinner will start around 6:30 p.m. Let us know if you will be late, and we’ll keep it warm for you.

Around 8:00 p.m., we will begin to read and talk poetry. Peter will distribute a packet of poems to begin our conversation. If you have any craft questions, this would be a good time to ask them.

You may use your writing time however and wherever you like, in your room or one of the living rooms or many decks, on the beach or boardwalk, or in the gazebo in a nearby park overlooking the inlet. If you are new to Sea Isle, you have to pass Pleasure Avenue to get to the beach. Too perfect!

The feedback sessions are not workshops per se but will provide an opportunity for you to hear what you wrote, get responses and suggestions for the next draft. They are optional, so if you want to keep writing or take a walk on the beach instead, you do not have to participate.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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Registration

Limited to just 12 participants. - Filled!
     Our programs fill quickly.
          Register today so you're not disappointed!

Tuition
$250 - Includes poetry workshop with challenging assignments to get you writing and opportunities to share what you produce in supportive feedback sessions.

Two Ways to Save!
   ●  Early Bard Discount ($25) if you pay in full on or before March 1
   ●  "re-PETER" Discount ($25) if you've attended any of our other programs

Meal & Room Packages
Required. Must choose one: Includes 2 nights accommodation, 6 meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch) and snacks.

The Fine Print

Cancellation Policy

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The Buzz about our Writing Getaways & Retreats

"I have been to 11 Getaways and 17 of the poems I drafted there have been published! Your goofy prompts/ variations/ challenges for the delusional really work. 17 poems I would not have written if not for you, Peter. Thank you for helping me become a poet."
   ~ Pat, Elkton, MD

"Perfect themes for tickling the muse. Good prompts and atmosphere. I'd love to do this quarterly!"
   ~ Jeff, Bloomfield, NJ

"I've never done an over-night writing seminar before, and I was amazed at how much writing happened just being away from home. The pacing was just right—enough personal time and a balance of sharing and feedback. The atmosphere was perfect: it was open, honest, sincere, and so encouraging, making everyone in our group feel comfortable exploring and sharing. Definitely worth the money, the drive, and the time!"
   ~ Anne, Belmont, MA

"I think you, Peter, are one of the best writing teachers around, certainly the best I've ever had, the proliferation of MFA programs notwithstanding. You create a space where writers can REALLY GROW, and my manuscript and I are very happy to have been in it for a week."
   ~ Kate, New York, NY

"This was my first time attending and I truly grew, changed and enjoyed myself. I loved the low-key, relaxed nature and appreciated the thoughtful assignments and how they were structured. I loved the sessions, the combination of reading, craft suggestions, discussions and writing. Thanks for the great experience."
   ~ Christine, Philadelphia, PA

"Thanks for your skillfully delivered kicks in the ass. The structure is well designed to help us get out what's inside us. Well worth the money. You really deliver what we need."
   ~ Dave, Cherry Hill, NJ

More testimonials

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For Educators

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Questions?