Get Away to Write Scotland

The Get Away to Write - Scotland retreat, organized by Murphy Writing of Stockton University, is an immersive, week-long residential writing experience designed to help poets and writers of all levels make significant breakthroughs in their craft. Held in the historic and culturally vibrant city of Dundee, Scotland, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and enter a dedicated space of creativity, inspiration, and community.

Unlike traditional conferences that focus heavily on panels and lectures, the Scotland Getaway is a generative retreat. Participants spend their mornings in intensive, small-group workshops (limited to approximately 10 participants) led by world-class faculty. These sessions utilize the renowned Murphy Writing Method, which combines challenging writing prompts, insightful craft discussions, and supportive feedback to help writers produce new, high-quality work on the spot.

Afternoons are balanced between private writing time, one-on-one tutorials, and cultural excursions. Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design, provides a stunning backdrop—from the modern V&A Museum to the rolling hills of the Tay Estuary. Evenings are dedicated to community building, featuring participant readings and local cultural experiences that celebrate the rich literary heritage of Scotland.

Whether you are a beginner looking for the "spark" to start your first project or an experienced writer with an MFA and multiple publications, this retreat is designed to push you beyond your usual limits. The atmosphere is intentionally non-competitive and welcoming, fostering a "safe space" to take creative risks. By the end of the week, participants typically leave with a portfolio of new drafts, a refreshed sense of purpose, and a lifelong network of writerly peers.