Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat for you?
Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, we believe that answer is ‘yes.’ We believe there is a story in everyone. Let award-winning journalists, columnists, authors, storytellers, songwriters, filmmakers, poets, and agents help you tell yours!
Still have questions?
Here are some of our most frequently asked ones below.
What makes the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat different
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.
The Workshops
Memoir, fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction, manuscript submission, memoir, journalism, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, filmmaking, querying an agent/publisher, opinion, research, romance, children’s books, and songwriting. These are just some of the topics. Check out the Speakers page for details. Speakers are invited not only because they are successful, award-winning, and prestigious writers, but also because they are excellent teachers. Participants will meet with panels on the topics above, in addition to small group workshops.
We have an growing list of professional and well-known speakers. The list is frequently updated, so check the Speakers page for the latest.
The Logistics
The Retreat is September 27 - 30, 2026. There will be an informal hot dog roast on the campus of Lakeside Labs, on Sunday, September 27, the night before the retreat officially begins. This is put on by volunteers. Hot dogs are provided but participants are invited to bring something to share. The retreat starts Monday, September 28, 2026.
The Retreat will be held at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa and Lakeshore Center, which is a campus just south of Lakeside. Okoboji is in the northwest corner of Iowa.
The closest airports to Okoboji are Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Omaha, Nebraska; and Des Moines, Iowa.
Ready to Enroll
Lunches are included. Evening activities are optional.
The Early Bird price for OWR VI is $795. After January 15, 2026 the price will increase to $895. After July 15, the price will increase to $995. So enroll now to save up to $200. The cost is refundable until September 1, 2026.
Yes. We have a limited number of scholarships available for working journalists, students, or others who need assistance to attend. To apply, complete and submit the Scholarship Request form.
Lodging is separate from the enrollment fee, but we are working on room blocks to save you money. Stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in an inclusive package that includes the retreat, plus lodging and dinners, please send us a message using the Contact form.
You can purchase tickets here. We're excited for you to join us!