2017 Lakefly Writers Conference

The Lakefly Writers Conference, May 12-13, at the Oshkosh Convention Center, is offering a variety of topics this year.

Nickolas Butler

The keynote speaker is award-winning Nickolas Butler, author of “Shotgun Lovesongs” and “The Hearts of Men.”  A graduate of UW-Madison and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, his work has appeared in Narrative Magazine, Ploughshares, The Kenyon Review Online, The Progressive, The Christian Science Monitor, and elsewhere.  

If panels are your thing, there will be three at Lakefly 2017:

The first panel is on book reviews – why they are important, what to do about negative reviews, and how to use reviews  to your advantage will be just some of the topics discussed.

For humor writers, there will be a panel discussion among state comedians on how to write stand-up. For non-comedians, this will be a great opportunity to learn about finding the funny in everyday life, and massaging it into dialogue or comedic situations.

The topic of the third panel is on Christian writing – topics will include what defines Christian fiction, where to market Christian writing, and top mistakes to avoid.

What else is on the menu?

Citizen journalist Chris Walker will present a non-partisan workshop on how to start a political blog, including how to choose a platform, create content and increase readership; there will likely be useful suggestions here for bloggers of all genres. Also with wide appeal, Beth Amos will share tips on how to create suspense – whether you’re writing a legal thriller or romance.

Barry Wightman

Barry Wightman is promising an engaging presentation on literary fiction and whether it is right for you.

Jill Swenson will be answering questions regarding agents: How to find the right one, what to look for in a contract, and when to walk away.

Your book is done and you’re ready to self-publish: Brea Behn will help you find free or nearly-free photos for your book cover, and teach you how to writing an enticing bio and book blurb to capture readers' attention.

K.W. Penndorf

Writing a series? K.W. Penndorf will discuss plot and character development as they pertain to series fiction.

Mary T. Wagner will guide writers through the process of self-publishing and Kristen Bratonja will discuss publishing options, including scams to avoid, and a look at Indy Publishing.


Other workshop topics include writing historical fiction (Rex Owens) and memoir (Johanna Garton). Karla Huston, the 2017-18 Wisconsin Poet Laureate, will be doing a presentation, and Detective Jeremy Wilson will give you the ins-and-outs of digital forensics.

This year’s conference offers something for just about everyone!

Early-bird registration ends March 31 and is a bargain at $45 (including lunch on Saturday). Vendors tables are also available; for more information or to register, please click here.

The Lakefly Writers Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club and the Wisconsin Writers Association.