Delaware Writers Retreat

Applications are accepted from creative writers in the following areas: fiction; creative nonfiction; and poetry. Plays, scripts, essays, flash fiction, and children’s literature will not be accepted due to their special craft demands.

The application process is competitive. Work samples will be juried in an anonymous review process by two jurors – one for prose applicants and one for poetry applicants. Up to 18 participants will be accepted – 9 for poetry and 9 for prose.

Writers at all levels of experience are invited to apply. While newcomers may be given special consideration, previous attendees of the Division’s Writers Retreats are welcome to apply.

Applicants must be Delaware residents for at least one year, over the age of 18, and not enrolled in a degree or certificate granting educational program. You may be asked to provide proof of residency.

Please note, applicants must select between poetry and prose and submit only one application.

Applications will be available April 15, 2026 in smARTDE and must be submitted by the deadline of July 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Applicants must choose between poetry and prose and submit only one application. For prose, applications are accepted from creative writers in the following areas: fiction and creative nonfiction.

Plays, scripts, essays, flash fiction, and children’s literature will not be accepted due to their special craft demands.

What to Expect

The Retreat is a combination of scheduled time for workshops and group activities along with blocks of unscheduled time for writing or recharging. Craft talks, generative writing sessions with prompts, and readings are additional options offered during the Retreat.

There are two cohorts of 9 writers each – one for prose writers and one for poetry. You will be asked to read in advance the work of the other writers in your cohort and prepare constructive comments to share in the workshops. Facilitators will provide instructions on preparing for the workshops. You will meet in your small group several times. Workshop facilitators promote a safe, engaging, and productive environment for all participants.

Click here for a sample Retreat schedule. The final schedule will be available to participants in October.

Participants will need to bring bedding and other supplies. Participants must clear all trash from their rooms upon checkout and return their Key Cards. Participants may not have overnight guests.

Smoking (including vaping) is PROHIBITED inside the Biden Center and is only permitted outside in designated areas. Pets are not allowed.

If selected, the fee for the Retreat is $325, which includes a private room with twin beds and most meals. A vehicle pass is included.

Payments for the Writers Retreat can be made online by credit card or cashier checks, personal checks or money orders may be made payable and sent to the Delaware Division of the Arts.

A fee of $10.00 per card will be charged for lost or stolen key cards not returned at check out.

The Retreat is subject to change or cancellation if there are not enough qualified applicants.

If accepted, a non-refundable deposit is due by September 15. In the event a participant needs to cancel, refunds will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will depend in part on whether a substitute from the waitlist can participate.

If there are circumstances that prevent us from meeting in person, the Retreat will be rescheduled or held in a virtual format (at a reduced fee).

Participants will be required to follow the Cape Henlopen State Park Rules and Regulations and State of Delaware’s protocols. Not following protocols may be a basis to decline admittance or request a participant to exit from the Retreat and facility. No refunds will be given in such instances.

The Division will arrange to provide most meals from a caterer. Accepted participants will be asked to provide information about food allergies which will be shared with the caterer. In some cases, participants who have severe allergies, special diets, or food intolerances may be encouraged to bring their own food.

Each bedroom has two twin beds and its own bathroom & shower. Toilet paper is provided, but guests will have to bring all essential needs for both bedrooms and bathrooms such as:

Any deliveries, Door dash, Uber etc. will have to pay park entrance fees in season.

• Bed linens, sheets, pillows & blankets for twin beds
• Bathroom essentials: towels & toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, brushes)
• Paper Towels, Napkins, Tissues
• Reusable water bottles (there is a refillable water station on the first floor)
• Bug Spray / Suntan Lotion
• Food / Snacks / Beverages / Coffee / Tea – There is a large refrigerator, freezer, microwave, ice machine, Keurig machine and coffee urns in the kitchen on the first floor. The second-floor kitchenette has a microwave and full-size refrigerator.
• Laptop / Tablet for entertainment – The Pinelands Lounge on the second floor has a 98” smartboard with Apple TV for guests to stream movies or listen to music.