Clockhouse Writers' Conference & Retreat

Beginning in 2025, CWC offers two conference and retreat opportunities: five days in person in the summer, and three days virtually in winter. Both are organized by and for Goddard MFA alumni to provide space for creativity, writing, and community.

Anyone who has attended at least one semester of Goddard College's MFA in Creative Writing program (either campus) is invited to attend.

Summer

July 18-22, 2025 - in person only

When & Where
  • Friday, July 18, through Tuesday, July 22
  • Champlain College, Burlington, VT

Cost
  • The non-refundable conference fee is $110
  • Room and board costs for in-person are between $408-$436 plus optional amenities
  • Scholarships are available​

Winter

​(PAST) January 24-26, 2025 - virtual

During the last weekend of January, 19 Goddard MFA alumni gathered from across the country for the first winter CWC&R

We kicked off on Friday, Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. ET with the Opening Community Meeting, which included some readings from participants on the theme of "Uncharted." The conference ended about 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Like the summer CWC&R, the bulk of the two and a half days were filled with workshops and evening readings. Workshops included writing winter, exploration of poetry, and using time in fiction. 
​Sample schedule|
Each conference includes an opening Plenary Panel. The 2025 theme is "Intentions & Inclinations." In addition to workshops and evening readings, there will be plenty of time for personal writing, reflection, and socializing.
​
A full conference schedule will be available in late spring. 

Day 1
  • Arrival and check-in begins at 11 a.m. ET
  • Afternoon sessions include Opening Community Meeting and Plenary Panel
Days 2 - 4 
  • Workshops including Impromptus and Works-in-Progress
  • Personal retreat/writing time
  • Evening CWC Readings
Day 5
  • Closing Community Meeting
  • Farewells by 1 p.m. ET
Gathering virtually also allowed us to bridge time zones by offering early morning and late night quiet writing time together on camera.

January 2026 - Date TBD

We plan to host a this virtual CWC&R each January.

Details for 2026 will be available starting in the fall.
Scholarships
Limited scholarships may be available for each CWC&R.
​Donations to the scholarship fund are appreciated. More information will be on the registration form.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Clockhouse Writers' Conference is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.                                                                                                                                         Top photo: Jill Newton Moore