Join our gang tomorrow for what we call the Office Lounge
...it's a benefit for our IWC paid subscribers
What happens when a gaggle of writers from the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative gather on a Zoom call?
Find out. Join us. Friday (tomorrow).
This is a benefit each of the members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative offers our paid subscribers as a way to give you something in addition to our gratitude for supporting our work. We hold these on the last Fridays of the month. The link to the Zoom call is below the paywall.
To My Paid Subscribers
Thank you. In my case here at the Potluck, paid subscription revenue helps support emerging writers who want to attend the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. I offer full and partial scholarships for environmental writers, journalists, opinion and fiction writers, playwrights, and winners of slam poetry contests. I will be awarding these scholarships soon, and it would be terrific to be able to invite everyone who has applied to come.
I believe sharing stories can lead to understanding, conversations, and the discovery of common ground shared by others. That’s why I started producing the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, and that’s what keeps me up at night, figuring out ways to reach as many of you as possible in the time I have left on the planet.
There is a story in everyone
Here are some of the reasons why folks request a scholarship:
I have an idea for a novel, but am too scared to try it. When I tell friends the premise, they all encourage me to keep at it, but what else are they going to say? I’d love to get feedback from published authors and a literary agent. I’m a single parent (my husband died two years ago) so the only way I can attend is with a scholarship.
All my life I’ve yearned for someone to write for people like me - I have a rare disability.
I am applying for a partial scholarship because it is the only way I can afford to come. I’m working two jobs, and it just isn’t enough. I love to write, and being in Okoboji with all of you would be a dream come true. I’ve wanted to attend for four years, but just don’t have the extra money. Can you help?
I lost my job as a journalist when the paper folded, and I’m working in a PR job at the moment. I crave to be in the company of writers. I don’t know if there is a book in me, but I’d like to explore the idea with those who have published it successfully. My soul needs this.
When my son died five years ago, I thought my life was over. Then, I started journaling. It saved my life. There is so much I don’t know about being a writer, and I’d like to learn and grow.
I am on a mission to speak truth to power. My small town is dying because of the poor decisions made by our so-called leaders. I want to write essays and opinion pieces to - hopefully - make a difference. I know what I want to say, I just don’t know how to make my case.
Growing up was not easy in my household. I didn’t understand until I was older that we weren’t a normal family. I’ve worked through a lot, and I think I can help others do the same by writing my story. Can you help me get there with a scholarship?
I’ve had an idea for a children’s book forever, but I have no idea how to start or get it published! It’s the kind of book I wish I’d had when I was little.
If you would like to donate beyond being a paid subscriber, no pressure, but here is a link for you to use:
How to Apply for a Scholarship
If you know of a journalist, environmental writer, or someone who needs assistance to attend, here is a link to the scholarship application:
Zoom Link for Monday’s Office Lounge
For those of you who are paid subscribers, please know you are invited to attend a Zoom gathering with members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative tomorrow at noon.
Robert Leonard will be hosting this Office Lounge call. We usually have a good turnout from the 50+ members of the Collaborative, and they would love to meet you, starting at noon central time.