For your planning purposes, here is our Monday Zoom lunch schedule:
Monday, May 29: Award-winning author, journalist, playwright, and historian Jeff Biggers. His latest book, In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy, was released on May 23. About: https://www.jeffrbiggers.com/about/ Here is the link for Monday’s call: Zoom with Jeff Biggers
Monday, June 5: Comedy writer Romen Borsellino has a lot of time on his hands due to the current writers’ strike. His work has appeared on A Little Late with Lilly Singh and other comedy shows, including The Daily Show. Romen is the son of Rekha Basu and the late Rob Borsellino.
Monday, June 12: Kevin Officer, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Manager. We’ve read about the disastrous consequences of lead and its impact on children. Is there cause for concern in Iowa?
Monday, June 19: We’ll discuss the Iowa Lakes region with Matt Richter from the Three Sons clothing store in Milford, Iowa. Matt is one of our best schmoozers on the local city council. He is carrying on the spirit of the University of Okoboji, founded by his family in the 1960s. What’s new, what’s old, and what’s happening in the premier vacation spot of the Midwest. Full disclosure: The University of Okoboji has accredited the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. Wink.
Monday, June 26: Phoebe Wall-Howard is a Detroit Free Press reporter whose beat covers the automobile industry, from concept cars to recalls. She has a proven track record of turning ‘boring car stories’ into must-read features.
Okoboji
I’m in full producer mode for the fall Okoboji Writers’ Retreat (September 17-20). If you are interested in attending, will you take just a few minutes to send me your feedback? It is helpful in determining the agenda, ordering merch, etc. We have over 30 speakers coming. Check it out! Remember, everyone has a story, and all skill levels are welcome. Please share with anyone you think might have an interest.
OWR 2023 PARTICIPANT SURVEY
Catch my interview with Okoboji realtor Kirk Stauss about the third annual retreat.
Kirk Stauss and Julie talk about the writers' retreat
Thanks to our paid subscribers. Because of you, 20 scholarships have been set aside for the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. If you need assistance to attend, let me know.
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Are you subscribed to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative roundup of columns? Each Sunday, you’ll receive an email with links to those members who have written posts in the past week. It is a true treasure trove of commentary and news from some of Iowa’s best writers.