Lakefly Writing Contests Now Open

Writers, it’s time! 

Submissions are now open for the Lakefly Writing Contests. There is no entry fee, and cash prizes will be awarded.

The contests feature four categories, including one for teens, and are open to Wisconsin residents only.

The submission deadline is February 23. Winners will be announced at the Lakefly Writers Conference, held May 1–2 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Attendance at the conference is not required to win.

For submission guidelines, visit lakeflywriters.org.

The Lakefly Writing Contests are sponsored by the OshkoshPublic Library; Members of the Lakefly Planning Conference are not eligible to participate.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Oshkosh Public Library. New members welcome!

The Lakefly Writing Contests are accepting entries through Feb. 23. No entry fee; cash prizes. Sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library, the winners will be announced at the Lakefly Writers Conference, May 1-2. Sorry, members of the Lakefly Planning Committee are not eligible to enter! 


DIY Headshots with Your Phone
January 26, 2026, 7:00pm


Neenah Public Library

Learn how to take your own headshot or high-quality photo using just your phone. Adam Shea, a local photographer, will guide you through the steps of how to pose, edit and style your photo. This is a hands-on workshop, perfect for beginners. Just bring a smartphone with a working camera and Adam will help you get started! No registration necessary for this free event.

Freak Camp on audio!

Bailey Hansen is excited to announce Freak Camp, the first book in the A Monster By Any Other Name series, is now available in audiobook form on Audible! It will be available on more platforms in the future. 

This audio edition, narrated by Christian Leatherman, brings the heartache and danger of the print and ebook versions into stark relief. The book is just under 12 hours and currently has a 4.8 star rating on Audible.

Free Writing Classes

Achieve your writing goals with these free classes available through Gale Courses, accessible your Oshkosh Public Library card. 

Courses require a 24-hour commitment over a six-week period. Don't have a library card? Apply for a temporary card here.

The next semester begins Jan. 14 - register now!

Here’s a sample of the 20+ class offerings on creative writing:

Beginning Writer’s Workshop

Like a true writing workshop, you will learn literary techniques, peer review a classmate's work, and receive constructive criticism on your work.

In addition, you will learn how to move your work from the prewriting stage to editing and final revision. You will also learn how to use literary devices, meaningful dialogue, and imagery in your different drafts. By the end of this online workshop, you will have a thoroughly developed creative writing piece. You might even be ready for publication!

Introduction to Journaling

If you have ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You will discover the different types of journaling and many journaling techniques, exercises, tools and resources. You will explore a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal. You will get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you will learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity.

Writing for Children

Discover what you need to know to write for children. You will explore the changing world of children's literature and understand the various formats, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade or young adult novels. You will get insights from publishing professionals to gain a better understanding of the needs of today's market. By the time you finish this course, you will have all the tools and resources you will need to begin navigation the world of children's publishing and to continue growing as a writer for children.

Write Your Life Story

Have you thought about writing your story, sharing life-altering events? Does your family really know about their heritage? If you've ever thought about writing your life story, now is the time!

In this course, you will have the satisfaction of telling history your way. You will learn how to bring characters to life, recall vivid memories, engage readers, and even manage your creative time. You may even find a lucrative market for your story, just like the authors of the bestselling Rocket Boys and Angela's Ashes. This course walks you step-by-step through the process of writing your life story. It's fun. It's exciting. It's a story only you can tell!

Writeriffic: Creative Training for Writers

Who doesn't know the fear of the blank page? How can you transform your visions into the written word? Is it really possible to become a terrific writer? You'll find the answer to these and more of your questions in Writeriffic.

In this high-energy course, you will learn a number of invaluable tricks from the published writer's toolbox. Whether you're at work now or hoping to write a novel, a nonfiction book, a memoir, short stories or articles, Writeriffic liberates the imaginative, inventive bolts of genius that are inside everyone. If you've ever dreamed of hearing your writer's voice and writing.

Writing the Fantasy Novel

Fantasy is an increasingly popular genre of fiction, and now is a great time to become a fantasy fiction writer! This course is perfect whether you have an idea for a book or even if you don't know where to start. With the tools you'll gain in this course, you'll be ready to tackle your first fantasy novel.

In this course, you will learn what separates fantasy fiction from other types of fiction. You will also discover how to create characters and populate your world with unique, compelling, and interesting creatures. You'll learn how to outline your book, come up with a theme, and commit to actually writing. Finally, you'll get a number of tips about how to stay motivated and complete your novel - because, after all, writing is hard work!

Congrats Mark Putzi

Congrats to Mark Putzi! 

Since he started coming to the Oshkosh Area Writers Club in 2025, he's published:

‘Enri the Useful Idiot’ in the Words Faire
 
"Solve for X" in Black Fork Review

and three shorts scheduled to drop in issue 38 of 100 Subtexts Magazine. 

Open Mic - Jan. 6

NAMI of Oshkosh will host an open mic at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. Oshkosh Poet Laurette Thomas Cannon is the emcee. Free and open to the public.

Meeting reminder: Jan. 3

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

Membership is free to anyone 17 and older; new writers welcome!