FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

….is this for you?

SORRY! WE ARE SOLD OUT! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE WAIT LIST, CLICK: WAIT LIST

September 17, 18, 19, and 20, 2023

  1. What are the dates? There will be an informal hot dog roast on the campus of Lakeside Labs, on September 17, the night before the retreat officially begins. This is put on by volunteers who attended the retreat last year. Bring something to share. Hot dogs are provided. The retreat starts Monday, September 18, 19, and 20, 2023.
  2. Where will the retreat be held? Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa.
  3. I don’t think of myself as a writer. Will I feel out of place? Not at all. About half of the participants are just like you. The other half are experienced writers, and many have been published. This retreat is designed for all skill levels.
  4. What are the closest airports? Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Omaha, Nebraska. Des Moines, Iowa.
  5. What is the cost? Registration after January 30, 2023, is $795, Refundable less $20 service charge until September 1, 2023. After September 2, the fee is $895 (non-refundable). SIGN UP HERE FOR THE WAIT LIST:
  6. EARLY BIRD ENROLLMENT ENDS ON September 1, 2023 ($795).
  7. Are meals included? Lunch is provided on Monday and Tuesday. For an additional fee, there will be an optional dinner on Monday night at the Lakes Art Center, followed by the exclusive showing of SHIFT: A RAGBRAI Documentary.
  8. Are scholarships available? Yes. Working Journalist Partial Scholarship OR Otto Knauth Scholarship for Environmental/Climate writers.
  9. Who will be speaking and conducting workshops? Speaker Bios
  10. Is this primarily for professional writers? 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).
  11. Is there something for professional writers? Yes. We will have distinguished and award-winning editors, authors, literary agents, and columnists who will share their Best Practices.
  12. What are housing options? The Arrowwood Conference Center offers a group discount for OWR attendees.
  13. Where do I sign up? WAITING LIST ONLY FOR 2023