….is this for you?
September 17, 18, 19, and 20, 2023
- 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.
- Where will the retreat be held? Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa.
- 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.
- What are the closest airports? Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Omaha, Nebraska. Des Moines, Iowa.
- 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).
- EARLY BIRD ENROLLMENT ENDS ON September 1, 2023 ($795).
- 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 the RAGBRAI documentary SHIFT.
- Are scholarships available? Yes. Working Journalist Partial Scholarship OR Otto Knauth Scholarship for Environmental/Climate writers.
- What if I’m not sure I can attend but want to reserve a place? Your enrollment fee is refundable (minus the $20 processing fee) until September 1, 2023. SAVE MY PLACE.
- 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).
- 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.
- What are housing options? The Arrowwood Conference Center offers a group discount for OWR attendees. Also, there are motel-like rooms at the Lakeshore camp next to Lakeside Labs. Director Sara Sutter has an OWR discounted rate of $79 a night. Some rooms may be available at the Crescent Beach Resort, also nearby. These have all been blocked for OWR. If any remain after speakers are booked, I will release them to participants ($125 a night). Ask me JulieOkobojiWriters @ gmail.com. There are some rooms available for scholarship recipients on the Lakeside Labs campus. Other options include The Inn Hotel, which is in Arnolds Park and near restaurants.
- Where do I sign up? Early Bird: