September 27-30, 2026

Okoboji Writers' and Songwriters' Retreat

Produced by Julie Gammack

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Date

September 27-30, 2026

Location

The Great Lakes of Okoboji, Iowa

Presentations

TBD

Speakers

50+ Speakers

Why every writer should attend

The first retreat was held in 2021. Julie called a few writer friends around the country and invited them to come to the northwest Iowa tourist destination, off season, for a retreat. Everyone she called, said yes, including award-winning, best-selling authors and journalists. She thought maybe 50 participants might be interested, but ended up having a sold out crowd of 115.

The following year, she had to cap enrollment at 200, then 250, and now 300. Each year, the event was sold out, even though we have expanded space by renting the next door Lakeshore Center.

To ensure our participants have an ideal experience, and small group interaction, we are capping enrollment at 300 for the 2026 retreat.

One of the key enhancements to the retreat has been the addition of songwriting workshops taught by extraordinary musicians. This unique offering has amplified the experiential learning experience of sound and sight to new levels of rich complexity.

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Testimonials / a few reasons why you should attend, too

“It is heartwarming to hear from past participants and speakers about the experience of attending this event. For many, it was transformational. We all benefit greatly from ‘bathing in the woods’ around Okoboji with a bunch of super-talented folks.”

Julie Gammack, OWR Producer

“I’ve been going to writers’ conferences for decades. I learned more in three days here than all the ones I’ve attended before – and they were great, too!”

Ann H, first-time participant

“Every year, the offerings get better and more focused.”

A three-time participant

“Being in community with writers felt so amazing. That is priceless! Having a chance to chat with an agent and publisher was awesome. The cabins are comfortable and cozy. The presenters are personable, friendly and approachable. No one was stuck up or seemed to feel above anyone else. The variety of panel and workshop topics was impressive.”

“I feel completely fueled by the experience. At a time I was feeling a crisis of faith—in the efficacy of traditional journalism and my role in it, in the value or even the possibility of my continuing my fictional and poetic pursuits—I am now reinvigorated and encouraged. My foundational faithlessness may even have some lights shining in through its cracks.”

“I will move forward with confidence and more assertively promote my own company. I will finish my book. I now have an agent to pitch it. A reason to keep going and get it in its best form.”

An OWR IV survey respondent

Curiosity + Expertise + Wooded Lakeshore = Magic / come experience it all

PANELS

Memoir, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Journalism Masterclass, and much more.

WORKSHOPS & COACHING

Why do we have so many speakers? To keep workshops and coaching sessions small. You are here to learn and apply the knowledge.

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CONCERTS

Songwriters teach attendees how to write songs, plus give evening performances.

Speakers / meet 4 of dozens of workshop presenters, click to see more, and check back often

Hamish McKenzie

Co-founder of Substack

Workshop: View From the Top: Substack Co-founder Addresses OWSR (virtual session) Hamish McKenzie is co-founder of subscription publishing start-up Substack

Caleb Rainey

Spoken Word Poet

Workshops: 1. Spoken Word 101. 2. Making Your Performance Pop! Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey is an author, performer, and

David Bernstein

Event Production & Promotion

Workshop: 1. Bring Your Live Music Event to Life. David Bernstein has 30+ years event production and promoting in Iowa. Learn

Nicole Baart

Author

Workshops: 1. No Such Thing as Writer's Block. 2. Interiority: How to Harness Your Protagonist's Inner Life. Nicole Baart is
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Okoboji Mastery Circle / a monthly online class series that keeps you writing all year

On January 14, 2026 we launched the Okoboji Year-Round Mastery Circle, a monthly online class series. Each session runs 90 minutes on the second Wednesday of the month and features one of our OWSR workshop leaders adapting their signature class for Zoom. OWSR Founder Julie Gammack will be moderating the conversations, keeping them lively, useful, and laser-focused on helping you move your writing forward. Once you’ve registered for OWSR, you’re automatically able to attend classes.

Our Last Class of 2026

Douglas Burns
Robert Leonard
Ty Rushing

DATE: October 14, 2026
TIME: 7:00 pm
TITLE: Nonfiction Panel: Voice, Empathy, Perspective

Douglas Burns is a fourth-generation Iowa journalist and the former long-time co-owner of the Carroll, Iowa newspaper. He now operates a statewide news site, The Iowa Mercury.

Douglas will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Douglas.

Dr. Robert Leonard is an author and occasional contributor to The New York Times, the Kansas City Star, the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the Des Moines Register, TIME, FERN, USA Today, and many other publications. Much of his written work covers rural issues, including politics, agriculture, immigration, food security and climate change.

Robert will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Robert.

Ty Rushing is a Kansas City, Kansas native who made a name for himself as an Iowa journalist. He broke barriers as the first Black reporter and/or editor at eight Iowa print publications across the state. Recently, Ty wrote, produced, and directed an Emmy-nominated documentary film for Iowa PBS. He is also a journalism professor at the University of Iowa.

Ty will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Ty.

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Enroll / join the waitlist

We’ve reached our maximum number of participants.

We are no longer accepting registrations. But if you think you want to attend, please add your name to our waitlist. We’ll let you know if there’s a cancellation and add you to our email list for 2027.

We hope to see you at OWSR!

Retreat

$1,095

Includes: All workshops, panels, agent pitch, registration packets, and tote
Includes: Two lunches and sunset cruise
Includes: 10 LIVE online, 90-minute sessions, one per month.

Join the Waitlist

All-Inclusive

$2,095

Includes: Everything in the Retreat package
PLUS: Includes 3-nights/4-days lodging
PLUS: Includes 2 group dinners
PLUS: Evening activities

Join the Waitlist

FAQs / answers to our frequently asked questions

Culture. We are intentional about diversity and inclusion, from the selection of speakers to offering needs-based scholarships. The result is each participant enriches the experience for the group. Another difference is the breadth of our speakers and workshops, which focus on numerous genres of writing, including journalism, fiction, screenwriting, poetry, songwriting, and more, along with publishing and bookselling.
Not at all. About one-third of the participants are emerging writers. Half are experienced writers and many have been published. Others have an interest in writing. This retreat is designed for all skill levels. You do not have to have a goal before OWR. Come and be inspired (or just come!)
No! The goal is to encourage attendees to learn and get started. Almost everyone is a writer. Some are paid, but most are not. (Yes, this is a repeat of question 3, but it is the most frequently asked question).
Yes. Half of our participants are experienced writers. Our speakers include distinguished and award-winning editors, authors, journalists, filmmakers, songwriters, literary agents, columnists, and more who will share their best practices. Literary agents and publishers are eager to meet with our participants.
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