Looking for a Creative Summer Hobby?

Now that summer is upon us, many creative people are looking for a new hobby, a fresh source of inspiration, or a welcoming community to share their work with. Whether you’re an experienced writer, just getting started, or simply curious about storytelling, the Oshkosh Area Writers Club offers a supportive environment for writers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about our group.

Who can attend?
Meetings are open to anyone age 17 and older. Our group includes writers of many genres and experience levels, from beginners to published authors.

Is there a fee?
No. Membership is free. If you enjoy the group, we’d appreciate it if you liked us on Facebook and followed our blog at oshkoshwriters.blogspot.com

Meeting details
We meet at 10 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month in the lower-level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave., Oshkosh.

How many members are there?
We have about 14 regular members, with others attending as their schedules allow. Meetings typically include anywhere from 10 to 22 people. Some members are beginning writers, while others have been published or have agents and book contracts.

What can I expect at a meeting?
Meetings begin with brief introductions and announcements. We then move into critiques.

Writers may read up to five minutes of their work aloud. Bringing eight printed copies is appreciated, but not required. We use a critique form designed to provide both positive feedback and constructive suggestions.

Note: Not everyone reads at every meeting. Reading order is based on arrival time — the first person to arrive is the first to read. Meetings end promptly at noon, even if there are still people waiting to read.

For members with completed manuscripts or longer works, we can arrange separate critique opportunities outside the regular meeting format.

What else does the club do?
Throughout the year, we host free programs at the library, including author visits, workshops, and writing-related activities and we occasionally arrange car pools to area literary events. 

We also partner with the Oshkosh Public Library to help organize the Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair each May at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Still not sure if we're right for you?
The best way to find out is to attend a meeting and see whether the group is a good fit for you. New visitors are always welcome!

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh writing community continues to thrive through local events, independent bookstores, and the writers and readers who support one another.

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Oshkosh Public Library. The group offers writers a chance to connect, share ideas, and encourage each other’s creative journeys. New members are welcome.

Attention, Crawlers!
Fantasy fans can also look forward to a special virtual event at the Oshkosh Public Library on June 11 at 6 p.m. featuring Matt Dinniman, creator of the Dungeon Crawler Carl universe. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes or themed attire for a chance to win fan merchandise while enjoying themed drinks and connecting with fellow readers. Registration is required.

New Book Store!
Adding to the local literary scene is Author Apothecary & Bookstore, a new independent, woman- and author-owned bookstore at 576 N. Main Street in Oshkosh. The shop curates books and “Reader Remedy Bundles” designed to create a cozy reading experience. Its Grand Opening will take place June 6.

Readers and writers can also attend the Block of Books Local Author Fair at The Book Store in Appleton on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature 50 authors along the 800 block of W. College Avenue.

Whether writing a first page or searching for the next great read, these events highlight the strong and growing literary community within the Oshkosh area.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, in the lower-level conference room at the Oshkosh Public Library. Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older. 

Lakefly Workshop Highlight


Beth Amos (writing as Annelise Ryan) will present a 90-minute session, “The ABCs of Character Development,” focused on building compelling, believable characters at the Lakefly Writers Conference.

Check out this interview about her Wisconsin-set mystery series:
 Local Author Continues Her Monster Mystery Series Now Set in Wisconsin!

Local Author Continues Her Monster Mystery Series Now Set in Wisconsin!

Author Event


Oshkosh author and photographer Michael J. Cooney will share stories and images from his books from 10 a.m. to noon April 18 at Caramel Crisp in downtown Oshkosh. His works include Wisconsin Man Art: Big, Bold, Visionary Art Environments and Exploring with a Pilgrim’s Heart: Wisconsin Shrines, Chapels and Grottos.

Take Your Writing to the Next Level—Without Breaking the Bank!

Are you ready to elevate your writing and connect with fellow creatives? 

Wisconsin’s premier writing event, the Lakefly Writers Conference, is coming to the Oshkosh Convention Center on May 1–2, 2026—and it’s packed with opportunities for writers at every stage.

 From 20+ engaging sessions to one-on-one time with industry experts, plus a book fair and networking opportunities, Lakefly is more than just a conference—it’s an investment in your craft and your creative community.

Early bird registration is just $125 if you sign up before April 23. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights, inspiration, and connections that can help take your writing to new heights.

Register today: https://lakeflywriters.org/registration/

Sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library, with support from the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Writers Club and OrangeHat Publishing, Lakefly Writers Conference is your gateway to learning, networking, and growing as a writer.

Join us this May—your next writing breakthrough awaits!

Meeting reminder and more!

Spring is shaping up to be an exciting time for the Oshkosh Area Writers Club, with plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and get inspired.

We’ll kick things off with our next meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at the Oshkosh Public Library. As always, it’s a great chance to share work, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of fellow writers.

A Special Literary Night in Appleton

One of our own, Larissa Antonioni, will be featured at a unique book event from 6–8 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 at Tardigrades Bookshelf in Appleton. Serving as both author and guest bartender, Larissa will be mixing drinks while discussing her work, A Realm of Lies and Power.

If you’ve never attended a literary event like this, it’s a fun and relaxed way to engage with a local author and the writing community.

Learn Something New: Gale Writing Courses

Earlier that same day, at 10 a.m. on March 28, writers can head to the Oshkosh Public Library for Spark Your Story with Gale Writing Courses. This session introduces a wide range of free, instructor-led online classes available with a library card.

Participants will learn how to:

• Choose from more than 25 writing courses, including creative, business, technical, and grant writing

• Navigate the Gale platform and review course outlines

• Select the right class and build a plan for success

Courses run for six weeks and require about two hours of work per week, making them a manageable way to grow your skills.

Submission Opportunity

If you’re ready to share your writing, Unwashed, a creative writing and art journal based in Bay View, is currently accepting submissions through May 31. Open to both new and established writers, they are interested in a wide range of creative work.

Meeting reminder - Feb. 21

 
The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Oshkosh Public Library. 
 
Meetings are free and open to anyone age 17 and older. The group welcomes writers of all genres and skill levels, creating a supportive and diverse environment for creativity and growth.

Each meeting begins with brief introductions and general announcements, followed by critique sessions. During critiques, a participant reads up to four pages of their work aloud, and the group offers constructive feedback. Not everyone reads at every meeting, so attendees are welcome to participate without sharing their writing. Check us out!

Meeting Reminder - Feb. 7

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Oshkosh Public Library.  

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older. 

New members welcome!