Upcoming Meetings

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

In lieu of our regular meeting on 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 we will be doing a White Elephant gift exchange. 

For those unfamiliar with our tradition, you are to bring something you already own that is in new/good condition that you don’t use; do not spend any money but please wrap/bag the gift. Keep in mind your gift will be used as someone else’s writing prompt. 

After a random gift exchange, the gift you go home with is to be used as your writing prompt. Write about the gift in any form you choose - poem, sketch, memoir, story, etc. Then share your results with the club in January!

For those unable to attend, have a happy holiday season and we will see you in 2026!

Meeting reminder: Nov. 1

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

As always, meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older.

 

 

Fall Into Writing

Spark your writing journey at the Oshkosh Public Library!

Fall into Writing with fun and inspiring writing program designed to hone your skills. Each session begins with a 30-45 minute mini-lesson, followed by a free-writing session-complete with engaging activities and snacks.

Sessions are held consecutive Mondays at 6 p.m. Whether you can attend one session or all of them, the choice is yours! Let's "fall" into the season with creativity and community.

Nov. 3 - How to Set a Writing Routine with Sarah Read

If getting started writing is the hardest part, staying on task is the second hardest. Sarah will share some tips, strategies, and tools to help you build a writing routine that works for you.

Nov. 10 - Adding Conflict to Your Story with Dixie Jarchow

Conflict! 

It's the sauce that makes the spaghetti sing. Enjoy this quick perspective on conflict in writing with some hands-on exercises to refine your story. 

Nov. 17 - Developing Multi-dimensional Characters with Kate Penndorf

Learn techniques to develop multi-dimensional characters by considering both their outer layers (observable traits like physical appearance and personality) and inner layers (motivations, emotions, and backstory). Gain insights through interactive exercises that reveal new sides to your characters.

Nov. 24 - Writing Engaging Dialog with Bailey Hansen

In this session we will explore when to use dialogue to best effect, how to make it sound real, and some practical tips for polishing your character's words.

Dec. 1 - Writing Fantasy with Larissa Antonioni

Larissa be leading a session on “Writing Fantasy,” focusing on brief, practical world-building techniques—starting with a character and building the world around them so it feels real. We’ll talk about universal fantasies (the “butter” of any book) and why romantic fantasy (examples like Fourth Wing and Rebecca Yarros) is rising in popularity. She'll also share tips for creating a story that readers can truly immerse themselves in.

All programs are free and open to the public; click here for details.  

Meeting reminder - Oct. 18

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older.

If you''re free next Saturday, club member Teri Grose is having a book launch/story time for her new children's book, Adventures with Sam and Saint, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Oct. 24 at Caramel Crisp, downtown Oshkosh.

Meeting reminder: Oct. 4

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

As always, meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older.

 

 

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

In other news, registration for the Wisconsin Writer's Association Fall Conference is still open. Details on the event, Oct. 3-4 in Stevens Point, can be found here.

 

 

Spoken Word Open Mic, hosted by NAMI, are the first Tuesday evening of every month. 

 

Nearly a dozen people read at the Sept. 2 event, including folks from Appleton and Fond du Lac. Click here for details.

Writing Short Fiction: From Blank Page to Last Page

Writing Short Fiction: From Blank Page to Last Page, Facilitated by Holly Day
 
Sep. 28 - Oct. 1 at Björklunden, Lawrence University’s Door County campus
 

This four-day in-person workshop will take writers through the fundamentals of building a short story from an idea through to completion.  The basics of character creation, building  tension, and how to find your beginnings and endings will be covered, with plenty of opportunities for writing and sharing material in class and an invitation to submit material for one-on-one feedback.
 
A sanctuary of peace and contemplation, Björklunden resides in picturesque Door County, Wisconsin and features meadows, woods, and more than a mile of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. It is also home to a magnificent two-story lodge, a handcrafted wooden chapel, and a variety of other facilities.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

Caramel Crisp, downtown Oshkosh, will be hosting a meet/greet with author Joy Bashara at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4th. Joy is the author of "Blanketed in Truth: Lessons from the Land of Winter," a memoir about her travels from Superior to Siberia.  

Early-bird registration for the Wisconsin Writers Association's Fall Conference ends soon! The event, held in Stevens Point Oct. 3-4, features author Christine Clancy as the keynote speaker, as well as panel discussions and workshops. 

Meeting reminder - July 19

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, in the lower level of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

As always, meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older.

Member Websites

We're always looking for ways to support each other!

 

Please note the new column on the right that lists members' websites or social media accounts. 

 

If you would like to be added, please send the OAWC an email, along with the link to your content.

Meeting reminder - July 5

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5th in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

Please plan for an extra few minutes to navigate traffic/parking due to the Farmer's Market.

 

Have a safe and celebratory Independence Day! 

Meet Author Michael Hopkins

The Caramel Crisp Bookstore is honored to host award-winning author Michael Hopkins at Caramel Crisp Corner on Saturday, June 28th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Michael will be signing copies of his newly released book of short stories, Never Stop Exiting. Among the stories: an unhittable baseball pitcher, a young woman who wants to keep her amputated leg, a couple dealing with an Alzheimer's afflicted father, and the rocks speaking with one another when everything comes to an end. Michael Hopkins' dazzling mix of stories helps us see the world as if through beginner's eyes, a prism where the refractions usher in light and life.

 

Michael's short fiction has been published in Pleiades, Wisconsin People & Ideas, Moss Piglet, and elsewhere. He is the winner of the 2018 Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters annual fiction contest. 

 

He lives on a small farm in Wisconsin.

Author Visit - Betsy Korbinyr

Meet Wisconsin Author Betsy Korbinyr at Caramel Crisp Corner, Thursday, June 26th, 5:30 to 6:30 pm. 

 

Betsy will be discussing her newly published book, Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin’s 50 State Parks. Part trail guide, part memoir, and part conversation on the adventure of becoming a senior citizen, Korbinyr’s engaging hiking essays offer fresh perspectives on aging and the search for integrity. 

 

This book, the first hiking guide to include all 50 parks, includes tips and information not only about the trails, but also about seeking beauty and developing resilience.

 

Betsy will have copies of her book on hand for signing and purchase. Don't miss this chance to meet and talk with her about this unique approach to encountering nature and experiencing the Wisconsin State Park system.

Meeting reminder - June 21

Just a reminder that the Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, in the lower level of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and over.  

 

Note: The Farmer's Market is in full swing, so be prepared for some traffic congestion.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in the lower level of the Oshkosh Public Library. Please note it's the first Farmers Market of the season and traffic/parking could be congested.

Also on Saturday, Caramel Crisp is hosting its third annual local children's authors book fair beginning at 11 a.m. Click here for details.

For those who attended the last meeting, here is the link to the radio program where they read Connor's story:  They don't credit submitters on-air, but Connor's piece starts around the 4-minute mark.

 

Member News

Laura Selenka

Congratulations to Laura Selenka for earning third place in the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets Kay Saunders Emerging Poet contest with her poem titled “Monday.”

Kudos to T. Parker Steele for securing third place in the Lakefly Writers Short Story Contest with his story, "The Consequences of Ignoring Gus and Gladys."

Additionally, Joyce Frohn recently had works accepted by Bridge House Anthology and The Lorelei Signal.

Meeting reminder and write-in

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in the lower level conference room at the Oshkosh Public Library. New members welcome!

Also, the Lake Literary Center in Fond du Lac is offering Write-Ins for $3 a session. Snacks and beverages are included; reservations are required. 

 

The format is to write 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break and repeat for two hours. We're putting together a carpool for the 6:15 p.m. session on Thursday, June 12.

 

The link for June 12th with more info and to RSVP is below. If you want to ride together; we will be leaving from the Oshkosh Public Library parking lot promptly at 5:50 p.m and return about 8:30.

 Lake Lit Write-Ins — Lake Literary Center

Meeting Reminder - April 5th

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

Bring your creativity and passion for writing—hope to see you there!

Write On! Micro Edition

Write On! Micro Edition

Spring into writing with four bite-sized writing methods designed to hone skills for new and veteran writers. No experience necessary; all ages welcome. Bring writing supplies/devices (free wi-fi available).

These free classes are held 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Oshkosh Public Library.

April 2                 Six-Word Memoir
April 9                 Haiku
April 16               Post Card Fiction
April  23              Drabbles

Jade Ring Contest

The Wisconsin Writers Association (WWA) is thrilled to open submissions for the 2025 Jade Ring Contest, a prestigious annual competition celebrating exceptional writing in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Now in its 76th year, this contest offers writers a chance to shine, with cash prizes, publication opportunities in Creative Wisconsin Magazine, and a coveted residency at Write On, Door County for first-place winners. 

Open to anyone 18 and older, the Jade Ring Contest welcomes original, unpublished works. Submissions are accepted online through June 1, 2025, with winners announced on or near August 15, 2025.

Whether a seasoned author or a passionate newcomer, this is your opportunity to share your voice and join a vibrant community of Wisconsin writers.

 

For full guidelines and how to submit, visit wiwrite.org

Meeting reminder - March 15

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

 

Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older.

 

In addition to regular meetings on the first and third of each month, the club hosts various events throughout the year and is a proud partner of the Lakefly Writers Conference, held each May at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Lakefly Writers Conference Keynote: Tammy Borden

Wisconsin author Tammy Borden will keynote the 2025 Lakefly Writers Conference.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Writers Association, Tammy’s presentation is part inspirational, part motivational and 100% authentic as she shares insights into the transformative power of stories and how to capture the hearts of readers.

About Tammy: She is a professional copywriter turned novelist, compelled to document the unforgettable story of her mother’s life growing up in Nazi Germany. Released in summer 2023, her debut novel, Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany, rose to become a #1 Best Seller on Amazon #1 in Historical German Biographies and has captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world.

As a first generation American, Tammy grew up hearing stories from her mother about coming of age during World War II, and began recording them more than a decade ago, even traveling with her mother to Germany to walk the cobblestone streets and document stories in their actual settings. Now, those heart-gripping stories of love, loss, strength, and resistance have been artfully woven into a narrative that allows readers to step into Waltraud’s remarkable journey as an intimate observer.

Founded in 1948, the Wisconsin Writers Association is a creative community dedicated to the support of writers and authors. WWA sponsors and hosts year-round workshops and events throughout Wisconsin, offering discounts and exclusive resources. They aim to share experiences and knowledge while encouraging its members in their pursuit of this most noble art.

My First Writer's Conference

by Bernadette Weisse Mrazek

I felt apprehensive about going to the 2024 Lakefly Writers Conference. I didn’t know what to expect. I had been to a teacher’s convention once, as a librarian at the elementary school I worked at, but that was many years ago.

The writer’s conference was a two-day event at the Oshkosh Convention Center. I arrived in time to look around and find the rooms where the presentations would be held.

The first session I attended was about whether something is a story and how you  know for sure. The speaker used the "Wizard of Oz "as an example because it’s a story that almost everybody knows. The take-away was that stories have five components, or the what the speaker referred to as “The Five Cs.”

During the break, someone mentioned that the forensics speaker was interesting so I went to that session next. Although I’m not a fan of horrific stories of crimes and identifying remains of unfortunate accidents, part of the presentation compared animal bones to human ones and how they can be mistaken for each other.

On Saturday, I returned to the conference in time to check out the book fair. There were rows of tables with about 50 authors promoting their books. I browsed the tables and spoke to many writers, asking them questions about their book and writing habits. A young author I talked with has written several mini-series. She said her stories just flow out of her and made writing a book sound so easy, anyone can do it. Perhaps even me.

I spent so much time at the book fair that I missed the first session of the day. For the second session, I attended a talk by a nurse who explained that in any hospital, it is the nurse that is the main caregiver. She went on to explain what it was like working as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lunch was held in a big room with over a dozen tables set up as though it were a wedding reception, with center pieces and linen napkins. I dined with authors from all over Wisconsin and met a couple with their cute one-year-old boy who was the center of attention.

In the afternoon, I sat in a session led by a police officer. He talked about his real-life standoff and other incidents in his career. As he shared his experiences, he gave tips on how to write accurate descriptions of things like police chases and weapons to make your story authentic.

The final session I attended was “Writing a Memoir that People Want to Read.” Like any story, memoirs have a plot structure and each scene should connect.

After door prize winners were announced and photos were taken, I wrapped up my first Lakefly Writers Conference. There was nothing to fear. Who know it would be one of the fragments of my life?

Bernadette Weisse Mrazek is a member of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club; her work has appeared in the club’s anthology, Fragments of Ourselves.

Lakefly Registration is Open!

Registration is now open for the 2025 Lakefly Writers Conference, May 2 and 3, at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

 

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After the success of last year’s event, we’re excited to announce expanded features, including engaging panel discussions and a larger book fair. We are thrilled to welcome Wisconsin copywriter-turned-novelist Tammy Borden as our keynote speaker. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of workshops tailored for beginning and mid-level writers. Additionally, experts will be available for one-on-one consultations, providing valuable feedback and guidance.

Join us for an inspiring weekend full of creativity, learning, and connections within the writing community! Early-bird price of $90 ends March 10; $75 for students and seniors.

But that’s not all!

Registration Is Open for the 2025 Lakefly Book Fair
This vibrant event will take place on Saturday, May 3, alongside the Lakefly Writers Conference, which draws over 120 regional writers.

Event Details:

• Date: May 3, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Oshkosh Convention Center
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Table Information:

• Table Size: 96” by 30”
• Included: Linen skirt, two chairs (if sharing a table, more chairs are available upon request).  
• Price: $40

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work, connect with fellow authors, and engage with readers. Secure your table today and be part of this exciting event! 

For more information and to register for either of these events, click here

The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.

Lakefly Writing Contests

 

Lakefly Writing Contests are accepting entries through Feb. 23.

 

Four categories, including one for young people! No entry fee/cash prizes. Open to Wisconsin residents only.*

 

The Lakefly Writing Contests are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library. 

* Members of the Lakefly Planning Committee are not eligible to enter.

Meeting reminder: Feb. 1

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

New members welcome!

Meeting reminder: Jan. 18

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Oshkosh Public Library. 

Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older.

Meeting reminder - Jan. 4

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

 

New members welcome!