Okoboji Writers' Retreat

07/17/2025

07/10/2025

Did you know we have over 50 speakers coming to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat?
Memoir
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Spoken Word
Songwriting
Editing
Getting Started
Script Writing
Film adaptation
State presence
Opinion
Documentary Film

More offerings than time!

Come!

06/22/2025

What if you aren’t good enough?
Read the column below in the comments.

06/22/2025

This is one time during the year when I take a few days to do something just for myself. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, sharing mine. No expectations beyond being in each moment. It is sacred space.

06/15/2025

New! Click for Speaker List! open.substack.com/pub/jgammack/p/speaker-list-for-the-okoboji-writers?r=fkojq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

We're thrilled to announce that OkobojiWritersRetreat is rolling out some amazing new workshops and experiences designed to inspire and elevate your voice! With our latest offerings, you'll have the chance to dive deep into the world of music and entertainment, learn from writing experts, and collaborate with fellow artists in a supportive environment. Plus, don’t forget—if you enroll now, you can take advantage of our Early Discount and save $100 on your registration! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to unleash your creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.

You need this. We need this.

Click here for an update from The Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat V!

05/15/2025

I'm thrilled to let you know that acclaimed author and filmmaker, Peter Hedges, will be with us for OWR V! He has directed films starring Johnny Depp, Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, and many others whose names are box office gold. He's been nominated for an Academy Award, as has his son, Lucas Hedges.

01/13/2025

Join the 2025 OWR Retreat - Early, Early Bird Enrollment ends January 15!

Experience the exclusive premiere of "PIEOWA: A PIECE OF AMERICA," a powerful documentary by OWR speaker Beth Howard, with an original score by OWR's Chad Elliott. Dive into the behind-the-scenes magic of documentary filmmaking and gain invaluable insights on creating, funding, and producing your film.

But that's just the beginning! Whether your dream is to:

Start a memoir, book, essay, poem, or bestseller,
Write a song, column, comedy act, play, or children's book,
OWR is the perfect environment to ignite inspiration and turn ideas into reality.

No goal yet? No problem! Come for inspiration.

Early Bird enrollment ends January 15 –

Transform your aspirations into action.

Share this link with a friend and come together!

Enroll Now for Early, Early Bird Discount (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML94YF9SETJFH/checkout/RJKERZNYYKLUPZ2K7LMHRSXK)

Click here for an update from The Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat SALE!

01/12/2025

The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters Retreat is returning to the Iowa Great Lakes, September 28–October 1, 2025! With over 50 speakers covering a wide range of topics and genres—memoir, playwriting, screenwriting, filmmaking, poetry, publishing, and more—the retreat offers something for writers of all levels.

For more information, or to register, got to www.okobojiwritersretreat.com

At Northwest Bank, we proudly support Okoboji Writers' Retreat as part of our commitment to fostering local talent. If you’re passionate about writing, don’t miss this transformative experience filled with creativity, inspiration, and lasting connections.

Member FDIC

12/27/2024

Early Bird Discount ends soon

The Early Bird enrollment fee for the 2025 retreat ends soon. The cost is just $695 until January 15 - a $200 discount offered only to those who have previously attended.

You may send the link to someone you think might be interested, however. Fun fact: the #1 reason someone enrolls in the Okoboji Writers' and Songwriters' Retreat for the first time is because they heard it from an attendee.

What's new

We are adding two speakers on memoir who come highly recommended, as well as a stand-up comedian who left her job in journalism to follow this dream. Of course, our OWR favorite teachers will be on hand, too, and we will include songwriting again this year. Also, filmmaking will be expanded.

Concert & Auction

Following the sunset cruise, there will be a live concert in the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park on Tuesday night. AND, there will be an auction that night to raise funds for Lakeside Labs to defray OWR costs and boost the OWR scholarship fund. The enrollment fee for many writers' conferences with this expertise ranges from $3,500 - $5,000. However, we are committed to keeping the cost affordable and providing some scholarships for journalists and emerging writers.
The regular enrollment fee of $895 is relatively low, and we can keep this cost affordable in the future thanks to the auction and the number of volunteers who pitch in throughout the event.
The auction will allow you to bid on a vacation at a waterfront condo near Puerta Villarta or cruise the Chesapeake Bay on a 40 trawler and spend the night at anchor in Annapolis Harbor. Donations include pottery, artwork, a manuscript review by an agent, books signed by the author, house concerts, and an autographed baseball by Hank Aaron. Rekha Basu will prepare an Indian dinner for four at home,
We are just getting started! Let me know if you want to donate something for the silent or live auction! [email protected] or have ideas for speakers an topics.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT FORM (https://square.link/u/DoFKCHyX) . ENROLL NOW.

Julie Gammack

P.S. Steve Semken of Ice Cube Press is interested in publishing a group of essays about experiences from OWR. If you have an idea for consideration, send it our way for consideration. The goal is to have this published by the retreat next September 28-October : https://forms.gle/SZuaVVVC3aeq4kp16

Click here for an update from The Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat SALE!

12/03/2024

You get first dibs

Catch the Early Bird discount while you can! This is the lowest price for

Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat V.
September 26 - October 1, 2025.
Save $200, and save your place.
This year, we've added memoir resources, literary agents, fiction writers, songwriters, and comedy writers!
90% of participants surveyed said they would return for OWR V, so here's your chance to do so. We are extending this sale offer to thank you for joining our community.
Ends January 15, 2025.

Click here for an update from The Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat SALE!

08/23/2024

Justin Roberts didn't set out to be a children's musician, but his tunes and inventive lyrics brought him success and national attention.