News: there will be another Okoboji Writers' Retreat in 2024
...here we go
Richard and I spent some time processing the decision to hold another Okoboji. Writers’ Retreat, and concluded we will do it again. Save the dates: September 22-25th, 2024. In addition to fiction, nonfiction, memoir, opinion topics, and poets featured each year, we are adding a track for songwriters taught by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Justin Roberts, who creates music for kids and their grown-ups. He’s also a children’s book author and a Des Moines native.
Although Roberts's target audience is families, his songwriting workshops are for all ages. Stay tuned for more on this new aspect of the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. There will be other offerings, so if you know of a songwriter who would like to know about this, please share. Other retreat participants will be able to hear performances by these musicians, too, and their CDs could be available for sale.
Washington Post movie critic Ann Hornaday is planning to join us. The Des Moines native has had an extensive journalism career, including working for MS Magazine, the Austin-American Statesman, and Baltimore Sun, before joining the Washington Post in 2002.
OWR IV, 2024
What started three years ago as a post-COVID gathering of friends has grown to a happening where 275 folks came together on the 147-acre campus of Lakeside Labs last September, and by all accounts, it was a success. I’ll post links to a few columns below from folks who attended.
Richard and I needed to discuss the decision to do this again in 2024 because it is a joint effort and time-consuming.
Many volunteers have stepped forward, insisting it must go forward and that they are willing to help. And it is because of them - Barb Royal, Teresa Albertson, Pat Tyrer, Diane Silva, Pat Headley, Bob Shreck, and many others— the largest event ever held at Lakeside Labs ran so smoothly. More volunteers are stepping forward, too, and we are now assured that what we have is a community. A real community.
The Lakeside Labs staff’s enthusiasm, professionalism, and shared mission especially make it possible.
If you are considering attending OWR IV, we’d love your input on the topics and workshops to be presented. Please take a minute to complete this survey.
Early bird registration was offered to past participants this week and is now open to all. The fee is $895.00, but there is a discount for early enrollment of $695.00 that ends on December 31. Click to enroll: Potluck reader Earlybird Discount
Thanks to paid subscribers of this column, some scholarships will be available. Click: Scholarship Request
IOWA WRITERS’ COLLABORATIVE
Have you explored the variety of writers in the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative? They are from around the state and contribute commentary and feature stories of interest to those who care about Iowa. Please pick five you’d like to support by becoming paid. It helps keep them going. Enjoy: