Coming soon...

...Okoboji Writers' Retreat News and Updates

Thanks for your interest in what has become a beloved tradition for creative sorts: the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Held on the wooded, 147-acre campus of Lakeside Labs in northwest Iowa, it’s a cross between Woodstock and — well, who knows?

Just the kind of thing we do around the University of Okoboji.

One participant dubbed it:

WORDSTOCK.

The fifth Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will be held September 28–October 1, 2025. Save the dates and make your plan — if you haven’t already.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting updates about our speakers, the workshops they’ll be leading, and the panels taking shape. We’ve got some exciting new topics and presenters, plus returning favorites from years past.

I’ll also be asking for your input as we go, because I’m 100% committed to making this experience valuable for you.

In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from past retreats to get a feel for the magic that happens here.

If this is your first time attending, relax. You’ll find a welcoming culture where everyone is respected — no matter where they are in the writing process. You’ll feel at home.

I was recently reminded of a woman I met who started writing murder mysteries in her late 40s while working full time. Today, she’s written over 20 books. I asked her:

“What made you start writing murder mysteries?”

She said:
“Someone in my life had to die.”

Now, I hope no one in your life “has to die,” but if that sparked a flicker of recognition… maybe don’t commit the act — commit to writing about it.

Or a poem. Or an opinion. Or something else that bubbles up after a few hours with a circle of talented storytellers.

Stephen King once said:
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

So let me ask: What scares you?

Is it the fear of looking foolish?
Do it anyway.

Not knowing where to start?
Do it anyway.

A teacher once gave you a bad grade?
Do it anyway.

Because if you don’t… the fear wins.

And we definitely don’t want that. Now do we?

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Make a sign: We hate spam too

You are receiving this because you have either enrolled in the retreat, have attended in the past, or expressed an interest in learning more.

If you feel this is no longer the case or of interest, please unsubscribe so I don’t send you posts you do not want to receive.

Early Bird discount ends July 1

If you want to enroll to either save money or save a spot, here’s the link:

Scholarships

I am committed to making this opportunity available to emerging writers who need assistance. And, as it happens, their participation enriches the experience for everyone.

Please let me know if you have someone to recommend for a scholarship. Together, let’s give them the boost they need.

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Want to help?

There are many ways volunteers can help. We’ll need volunteers to put together the potluck hotdog roast the Sunday night before the retreat begins, help stuffing tote bags, t-shirt sales, golf cart drivers, folks to pick up speakers at the Sioux Falls airport, shuttle service between lodging and Lakeside, and help organizing the auction (more on this later).

Also, if you have the resources and would like to help support emerging writers who would like to attend, click here to make make a one-time payment:

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Fun Fact

Last year we had three generations from one family on board. What an amazing shared experience!

To new beginnings,

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Next Post…

…you’ll see the roster of speakers and the workshops and panels they’ll be leading.