Peter Murphy, the founder of Murphy Writing of Stockton University and the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, holds the microphone for Michelle Servellon during a previous getaway at Seaview Hotel. Photo by Stockton University
(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Murphy Writing of Stockton University will host the 32nd annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway at Seaview Hotel from January 16-19, 2026. The weekend event is one of the oldest and largest writers' conferences in the winter season. Beginning and experienced writers will receive craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, feedback, motivation and inspiration.
The program is currently accepting registrations from those who are interested in writing novels and short stories, nonfiction, memoir, songwriting, poetry and more. Writers of all levels are welcome.
“By spending the entire weekend writing, participants will make breakthroughs in their craft and make more progress than they thought possible,” founder Peter Murphy said.
The sliding scale tuition between $595 and $795 includes a 15-hour writing workshop and several meals. A room package to stay on site for the weekend can be added at an additional cost. Attendees also can participate in open mics, tutorials, networking, sunrise yoga, an art exhibit, dancing at the Getaway Disco, a Story Slam and writerly camaraderie. In addition, scholarship seats will be awarded to first-time participants. For registration and other information, visit wintergetaway.com or call 609-626-3594.
“The Winter Getaway is magical for writers, whether beginners or advanced,” said Zoe Forney of Mays Landing. “There is a beautiful venue, delicious food, smart and passionate faculty, and above all, a sense that everyone is glad to be there, and glad you are, too.”
Additionally, South Jersey teachers whose schools are part of Stockton’s Southern Regional Institute and Educational Technology Training Center (SRI & ETTC) may be able to attend the Winter Getaway using their school’s ETTC credits.
Murphy Writing of Stockton University offers writing workshops, conferences and retreats in the United States, abroad and online. The Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway is the flagship program.
Peter E. Murphy created the Winter Getaway in 1994 based on the belief that when writers leave behind distractions to gather in an encouraging community, they will make breakthroughs in their art. Over the last three decades, the Getaway has become one of the oldest and largest writers’ conferences in the winter season, attracting writers from across the globe.
Stockton University is ranked among the top public universities in the nation. Our nearly 9,000 students can choose to live and learn on the 1,600-acre wooded main campus in the Pinelands National Reserve in South Jersey and at our coastal residential campus just steps from the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The university offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs.
