I’m learning about Jill June through essays she’s writing after attending the first annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat last September.
Most who follow local news and information in Iowa will recognize the name because of June’s decades-long service to Planned Parenthood as executive director. Read Rekha Basu’s column about an event that honored June’s retirement: Jill June honored for her career as a voice for women.
Jill and her sister, Sandy DuPree, arrived in Okoboji last fall by a camper. Through Jill’s newfound interest in writing, I’m getting a glimpse of how where she got her spirit of adventure.
Here’s an essay she wrote about her father:
I’m organizing the second (now annual) Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. I hope you consider attending.
There is a form of community building due to the essay exchanges among the attendees of the first retreat.
Recently, I launched a new Substack column designed to feature the projects attendees are creating. A firefighter from Sioux City was inspired to work on a self-published book. And there are entertaining, revealing, and poignant submissions. I’m also asking them to send pictures of where they do their writing, and it’s fun to see. One woman writes by hand from a table in her camper.
Three women living in eastern Iowa met at the retreat and formed their own monthly writing group. They call themselves the First Offense group because when one such meeting lasted longer than their parking meter allowed, they received warning parking tickets.
Feel free to lurk in our community e-zine:
Consider attending the retreat in September. You’ll be so glad you did. Don’t worry about if you’re good enough or too good to come. There will be a mix of amateur and professional writers on hand who are committed to inspiring and encouraging you.
Learn more about THE OKOBOJI WRITERS’ RETREAT