Delaware Writers Retreat

Eligibility

The Division of the Arts is pleased to support this low-cost multi-day retreat for Delaware creative writers. Applications are accepted from creative writers in the following areas: fiction, including fiction for young adults; creative nonfiction; and poetry.

The application process is competitive, and participants will be chosen based on the merit of their writing submissions. Work samples will be juried in an anonymous review process to select up to 20 attendees from the pool of applicants split between poetry and 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.

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

Applications will be available May 23, 2024 in smARTDE and must be submitted by the deadline of August 1, 2024 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, including fiction for young adults; and creative nonfiction.

Prose work samples requirements:

• submit fiction or creative nonfiction prose in a single document (in PDF format)
• 10 pages maximum
• samples may be from more than one work
• include the title(s) of the work at the beginning
• pages must be numbered
• must be double-spaced
• use 12 point font
• do not include your name in the sample

Poetry work sample requirements:

• submit poetry in a single document (in PDF format)
• 10 pages maximum
• no more than one poem per page
• pages must be numbered
• include the title of the poem
• poems may be single-spaced
• use 12 point font
• do not include your name in the sample

Schedule for application, notification and payment:

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.

Participants will be assigned to smaller groups (5-10 writers) for workshops. You will be asked to read in advance the work of the other writers in your group and prepare constructive comments to share. Facilitators may send further instructions on preparing for the workshops. You will meet in your small groups 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.

If selected, the fee for the Retreat is $325, which includes a private room and most meals. Each room contains a bed, desk, small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. This is a tobacco-free facility, and smoking is strictly prohibited. Pets are not allowed.

Cancellations

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

If accepted, a non-refundable deposit is due by September 16. 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 on 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. If the Retreat goes virtual, the fee will be reduced.

Participants will be required to follow the University of Delaware’s Conference Services and State of Delaware’s safety 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.

Meals

The Division will be coordinating with Virden Center staff and a caterer to provide most meals. Accepted participants will be asked to provide information about medical allergies that will be sent to the caterer. The caterer will do its best to accommodate dietary restrictions, and these will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in advance of the Retreat. Participants who have severe allergies, special diets, or food intolerances are encouraged to bring their own food – each room is equipped with a small refrigerator and microwave to store and heat up food.