2018 Lakefly Writers Conference: Focus on Genres

If you’re interested in writing for children, be sure to catch Dionne Kelm’s presentation, Children's Books: From Start to Finish. Kelm will share examples from her own work as she discusses the process of writing and publishing a children's book. Topics will include flushing out an idea, creating a mission statement, writing the book, branding your concept, finding a publisher, and marketing your work. 


Everyone has a story, but not everyone can tackle the daunting task of writing a memoir. Are you ready to turn your memories into stories that could possibly help someone else? In Friday’s session Turning Memories into Memoir, Christy Wopat, will talk you through the process of how she turned her grief into narrative non-fiction, taking careful consideration of how her “truth” could affect the people in her life. You’ll learn practical steps to get you on your way to turn your memories into memoir.

Valerie Biel

For fantasy writers, Valerie Biel will present From Stone Circles to Fantasy Fiction: How Archaeology & History Inspire Modern Storytelling. Explore how ancient monuments and the remnants of early civilizations and their history help create intriguing fictional worlds. Biel will guide you through the importance of research into current titles, the historical record, and folk lore & mythology, and discuss how to identify the gaps which make room for fictionalization.

The best stories minister to the writer before the reader even sees them. Carmen Leal, author of eight devotional books, and dozens of inspirational articles, will show you how to Use Your Story To Inspire and Challenge. You'll leave this workshop with a new perspective and fresh energy to write articles and devotions that will inspire and challenge hearts.

If history is your thing, check out Jim Brakken’s workshop, Writing Realistic Historical Fiction. Not all fiction that takes place in the past is historical fiction, but if you’re writing historical fiction, getting basic facts correct is crucial. Brakken will recommend resources for research, talk about using characters’ daily life, attitudes and dialogue to explore the time period, and how to not let history get in the way of our story.

The Lakefly Writers Conference will be held May 11-12 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Cost is $75 and includes lunch on Saturday. For more information or to register, please visit https://www.lakeflywriters.org/

The event is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.