This free workshop will tease apart what the aims of song and story are, and then explore ways they can be mingled into contemporary poems.
Short exercises will help solidify participants' discoveries and provide concert examples for discussion.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Song vs Story Workshop
Meeting reminder and more!
October is off to a great start for writers and readers! Check out these literary events happening the first half of the month:
10 a.m. Saturday, October 3
Oshkosh Public Library
Oshkosh Public Library
The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 3, at the Oshkosh Public Library. Writers of all levels are welcome to connect, share ideas, and support one another.
One of the agenda items is to gauge interest in carpooling to the Anthology Book Launch Party for Carnal Alchemy, a Feral and Unhinged Anthology at Lake Literary Center (Malone, WI) on Friday evening, Oct. 30. Enjoy free drinks and snacks, meet fellow writers and readers, and purchase a copy of the new anthology.
One of the agenda items is to gauge interest in carpooling to the Anthology Book Launch Party for Carnal Alchemy, a Feral and Unhinged Anthology at Lake Literary Center (Malone, WI) on Friday evening, Oct. 30. Enjoy free drinks and snacks, meet fellow writers and readers, and purchase a copy of the new anthology.
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 3
Author Apothecary & Bookstore
Author Apothecary & Bookstore
Join Author Apothecary & Bookstore in celebrating local author Rebecca M. Zornow and the third book in her Landsome series!
About the Author:
Rebecca M. Zornow writes science fiction and fantasy for overthinkers and romantics. She lives in Wisconsin.
12:30 Sunday, October 4
Neenah Public Library
Free admission
Free admission
Come celebrate DIY publishing, handmade magazines, zines, and unconventional book arts at this kid-friendly festival and market.
Whether you're a longtime creator or simply curious about the world of independent publishing, this free event offers a chance to explore creative work from the Fox Cities and beyond.
6 p.m. Tuesday, October 6
Author Apothecary & Bookstore
Author Apothecary & Bookstore
Join poets and spoken-word artists from Oshkosh and the Fox Cities for an eclectic evening of poetry.
Hosted by Oshkosh Poet Laureate Thomas Cannon, the open mic takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. Donations, which go to NAMI Oshkosh, are appreciated but never required.
Come read, listen, or simply enjoy an evening with fellow poetry lovers!
10 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 10
Caramel Crisp Bookstore
Caramel Crisp Bookstore
Browse Fantasy, Thriller, and Romance Blind Date books, try the Romantasy-themed Trope Treasure Hunt, and take advantage of a special preorder offer. Preorder a book on October 10 and choose a book from the clearance area for free!
Caramel Crisp will also be a stop on the Boos & Brews Cider & Seltzer Stroll. Tickets for the stroll are available through Discover Oshkosh.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Fall into Writing
Fall is here, and there are plenty of ways to connect with fellow writers, discover new books, and keep those creative muscles moving. Check out what’s happening this month!
Oshkosh Area Writers Club
10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Oshkosh Public Library — Lower-Level Meeting Room
Bring your writing, your ideas, and your willingness to give and receive feedback. The Oshkosh Area Writers Club is a welcoming place to connect with other writers, share your work, and sharpen your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just getting started, all are welcome!
Author Apothecary & Bookstore has a full slate of book signings and author events happening this month!
 |
| Carol Paur |
Join us for an afternoon with Wisconsin author Carol L. Paur, author of Rowley Peters and the Lumberjack Ghost.
Meet Carol, get your book signed, and enjoy fun activities for young readers, including s’more kits and camping-themed coloring pages.
Book Signing with Kimberly Anne Conway
10 a.m.–Noon Saturday, Sept. 26
Meet multi-genre author Kimberly Anne Conway and celebrate her journey of following the muse, not the market!
Conway’s memoir, My Journey to Somewhere, explores fear, anxiety, depression, and her path toward becoming a published writer, offering hope and understanding to those affected by mental illness.
Come meet Kimberly, hear about her books, and celebrate her work!
Books will be available for purchase and signing at both events.
Writer’s Workout
3–4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Oshkosh Public Museum
Time to flex those creative muscles!
Creative Writer Lydia Sanders leads this monthly program featuring structured writing exercises suitable for any style or genre. Feeling brave? Participants can also share their work with the group in a supportive setting.
Whether you’re:
It’s free, drop-in, and open to all writers on the third Saturday of every month. No registration or museum admission is required. Just stop at the front desk when you arrive.
Oshkosh Public Museum
Time to flex those creative muscles!
Creative Writer Lydia Sanders leads this monthly program featuring structured writing exercises suitable for any style or genre. Feeling brave? Participants can also share their work with the group in a supportive setting.
Whether you’re:
- Kicking off a new project
- Stuck in a creative rut
- Looking for fresh inspiration
- Simply wanting to keep your writing muscles in shape
It’s free, drop-in, and open to all writers on the third Saturday of every month. No registration or museum admission is required. Just stop at the front desk when you arrive.
UntitledTown Book and Author Festival
Explore the complete schedule, venues, and author lineup for the UntitledTown Book and Author Festival, taking place September 25–27 in Green Bay. Discover free live readings, panel discussions, book fairs, and workshops featuring over 40 regional and national writers across the historic Downtown and Stadium Districts. Plan your weekend and find event locations, times, and presenter details here.Wednesday, September 02, 2026
Meeting reminder and more!
10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Oshkosh Public Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Bring your writing, your ideas, and your willingness to give and receive feedback! The Oshkosh Area Writers Club is a welcoming place to connect with other writers, share your work, and sharpen your craft.
Looking for more opportunities to meet regional authors? Author Apothecary has a full slate of book signings and author events happening this month!
Book Signing & Bedazzle with Teresa Moucha
10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 5
Meet author Teresa Moucha and add a little sparkle to your day with this fun event! Admission is free, with an optional $5 kids’ craft available.
Book Signing with Susan Laufer-Keup
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Meet Susan Laufer-Keup and hear about her memoir, The Owl from Within.
Book Signing with Carol Paur
10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Stop by to meet author Carol Paur and browse her work.
10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
Caramel Crisp Corner, 200 City Center
Have a family story worth preserving? This event is for you!
Join Michael Cooney, author of Capturing Your Family History, for a chance to meet the author, get a signed copy of his book, and learn how to transform your genealogy research into a unique chronicle of the people who make your family special.
Rather than letting family stories and memories disappear over time, Cooney’s guide can help you move from simply listing genealogy to telling your family’s story.
6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14
Oshkosh Public Library
Need a nudge to get those words on the page? Bring your project and join fellow writers for some focused writing time.
Accountabilibuddies uses a simple Pomodoro-style approach: 20 minutes of writing, followed by a 10-minute break—and repeat! The tech-limited format helps participants unplug from distractions and concentrate on their craft.
The group meets every other Monday, beginning Sept. 14.
3–4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Oshkosh Public Museum
Time to flex those creative muscles!
Creative Writer Lydia Sanders leads this monthly program featuring structured writing exercises suitable for any style or genre. Feeling brave? Participants can also share their work with the group in a supportive setting.
Whether you’re kicking off a new project, stuck in a creative rut, or simply want to keep your writing muscles in shape, come join the workout!
It’s free, drop-in, and open to all writers on the third Saturday of every month. No registration or museum admission is required—just stop at the front desk when you arrive.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Area Events for Writers
Whether you’re looking for feedback on your work, inspiration for your next story, a new book to discover, or a chance to connect with fellow writers, there’s plenty to explore this month in Oshkosh!
Oshkosh Area Writers Club
Saturday, Aug. 15 | 10 a.m.
Oshkosh Public Library, lower-level meeting room
Bring your writing, your ideas and your willingness to give and receive feedback. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning your writing journey, the Oshkosh Area Writers Club welcomes new members.
Do You Have a Moment to Talk About Dungeon Crawler Carl?
Oshkosh Public Library
Great stories give writers and readers plenty to talk about—and Dungeon Crawler Carl has a particularly devoted following. Join fellow fans for a lively morning of camaraderie, conversation and swapping strategies for surviving until the next book release.
Enjoy refreshments, fun activities and maybe even a loot box or two.
Presidential Road Trips with Bill Clevlen
Monday, Aug. 17 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Library
Looking for inspiration for your next story—or your next road trip? Nationally syndicated travel reporter, author and Smithsonian Associates lecturer Bill Clevlen of Bill on the Road will take us on a fascinating journey through presidential history and the places that helped shape the nation.
Come hear an experienced storyteller and author share the history and stories behind some memorable American destinations.
Saturday, Aug. 29 | 10 a.m.–noon
Author Apothecary & Book Store, 576 N. Main St.
Meet Wisconsin author and middle-school art teacher Brittni Nelson during her summer book tour for The House on Hemlock Hill, published July 30 by Fresh Water Press.
Set on the shore of Lake Winnebago, this middle-grade mystery combines suspense, family secrets and original illustrations.
A State of Healing Anthology Release Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 29 | 6–8 p.m. Oshkosh Public Library – Waters Building
Close out the month by celebrating Wisconsin writers and the healing power of storytelling.
A State of Healing is a collaborative Wisconsin anthology featuring poetry, prose and personal stories exploring healing, resilience, growth and the experiences that connect us.
The evening will feature readings by anthology contributors, opening remarks from editor G. Anthony, and opportunities for conversation and fellowship with fellow readers and writers.
Writers, contributors, readers, mental health advocates, family members, friends and community members are warmly invited.
Please note: This is an after-hours event. Enter through the Washington Avenue entrance, marked by the library’s iconic lion statues. Regular library services will not be available during the celebration.
Whether you’re looking for feedback, inspiration, story ideas, a new book or simply good company, Oshkosh offers plenty of opportunities for writers to connect this August.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
August events
Whether you're an experienced writer or just getting started, new members are always welcome! Bring a few pages to share or simply come to listen, learn, and connect with fellow writers.
Open Mic: Author Apothecary After Dark – Poetry Edition
Share your work or enjoy an evening of local poetry on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Author Apothecary & Bookstore (576 N. Main St., Oshkosh).
Hosted by Oshkosh Poet Laureate Thomas Cannon, this open mic brings together an eclectic mix of poets from Oshkosh and throughout the Fox Cities.
Schedule
6:30 p.m. – Sign-up
7 p.m. – Readings begin
Whether you're stepping up to the microphone or simply enjoying the performances, everyone is welcome.
A State of Healing Anthology Release Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 , from 6–8 p.m. Oshkosh Public Library – Waters Building
Join us for the release celebration of A State of Healing, a collaborative Wisconsin anthology exploring healing, resilience, growth, and the human experience through poetry, prose, and personal storytelling.
This special after-hours event will feature contributors from across Wisconsin reading selections from the anthology and sharing the stories behind their work. Together, we'll celebrate the healing power of words and the courage it takes to tell our stories.
Please note: This is an after-hours event. Enter through the Washington Avenue entrance, marked by the library's iconic lion statues. Regular library services will not be available during the celebration.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Upcoming Events for Writers
Summer and fall offer plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow writers, discover new books, sharpen your craft, and celebrate Wisconsin's vibrant literary community. Here are a few events to add to your calendar:
Oshkosh Area Writers Club Meeting
The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, in the lower-level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library.
Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or are an experienced author, the club welcomes writers of all genres and experience levels for discussion, encouragement, and community.
Poetry & Spoken Word at Author Apothecary & Bookstore
Hosted by Oshkosh Poet Laureate Thomas Cannon, Author Apothecary After Dark: Poetry Edition open mic brings together an eclectic mix of poets from Oshkosh and the Fox Cities. Originally held at NAMI Oshkosh, the event continues to support the organization's mission of promoting mental health and well-being. Donations of any amount are appreciated but never required.
Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m.
Registration Open for the Wisconsin Writers Association Fall Conference
This two-day conference features keynote speakers Amy E. Reichert and Doug Moe, along with workshops, panel discussions, "Poemwalking," and Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions designed to educate, inspire, and connect writers from across the state.
Don't wait too long—early bird registration ends August 31.
Celebrate Books at the Lakeside Literary Festival
The Lakeside Literary Festival returns on Saturday, August 29, at the Lake Geneva Public Library. This one-day celebration of books, literary creativity, and community offers author talks, book signings, storytelling, and activities for readers and writers of all ages.
Whether you're looking to improve your writing, meet local authors, or simply celebrate the written word, these events offer something for every member of Wisconsin's literary community.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Writing Contests: A Fun Way to Grow as a Writer
Recently, club members were surveyed about their favorite resources for finding reputable writing contests and opportunities. Here are the sites they recommended most often:
Poets & Writers
The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database from Poets & Writers is one of the most respected resources available. It includes information on poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, novel awards, grants, and more. Each listing is carefully reviewed before being included, making it a trusted source for legitimate opportunities.
The Submission Grinder
The Submission Grinder is a donation-supported submission tracker and market database for writers of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Its powerful search tools help writers locate publications and contests that are a good fit for their work. Many writers also appreciate its submission-tracking features.
Contest Lists
Contest Lists is dedicated to helping writers and artists locate reputable competitions. The site strives to include only verified and trustworthy opportunities from around the world, making it a useful starting point for anyone looking for contests in a variety of creative fields.
Duotrope
Duotrope has long been considered one of the most trusted resources for writers seeking contests and publication opportunities. This subscription-based service (currently $6 per month) offers an extensive searchable database of contests, publishers, and agents. It also includes a submission tracker, deadline calendar, and valuable statistical information gathered from years of submission data.
Submittable
Submittable maintains a large and frequently updated list of opportunities for writers, including contests, grants, fellowships, and calls for submissions. Its discovery platform makes it easy to browse opportunities by genre, category, and deadline.
NewPages
The NewPages Guide to Writing Contests features a comprehensive collection of opportunities, including magazine contests, book contests, chapbook contests, audio and video competitions, and more. The site is especially useful for writers interested in independent publishers, literary magazines, writing programs, conferences, and festivals.
Ready to Enter?
Writing contests can challenge you to finish work, experiment with new ideas, and share your writing with a broader audience. Even when you don't win, the experience of completing and submitting your work can be valuable. If you're looking for motivation, inspiration, or simply a new writing adventure, consider exploring one of these trusted resources and finding a contest that sparks your interest.
Happy writing—and good luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)