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!

Lakefly Writing Contests Now Open

Writers, it’s time! 

Submissions are now open for the Lakefly Writing Contests. There is no entry fee, and cash prizes will be awarded.

The contests feature four categories, including one for teens, and are open to Wisconsin residents only.

The submission deadline is February 23. Winners will be announced at the Lakefly Writers Conference, held May 1–2 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Attendance at the conference is not required to win.

For submission guidelines, visit lakeflywriters.org.

The Lakefly Writing Contests are sponsored by the OshkoshPublic Library; Members of the Lakefly Planning Conference are not eligible to participate.

Meeting reminder and more!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Oshkosh Public Library. New members welcome!

The Lakefly Writing Contests are accepting entries through Feb. 23. No entry fee; cash prizes. Sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library, the winners will be announced at the Lakefly Writers Conference, May 1-2. Sorry, members of the Lakefly Planning Committee are not eligible to enter! 


DIY Headshots with Your Phone
January 26, 2026, 7:00pm


Neenah Public Library

Learn how to take your own headshot or high-quality photo using just your phone. Adam Shea, a local photographer, will guide you through the steps of how to pose, edit and style your photo. This is a hands-on workshop, perfect for beginners. Just bring a smartphone with a working camera and Adam will help you get started! No registration necessary for this free event.

Freak Camp on audio!

Bailey Hansen is excited to announce Freak Camp, the first book in the A Monster By Any Other Name series, is now available in audiobook form on Audible! It will be available on more platforms in the future. 

This audio edition, narrated by Christian Leatherman, brings the heartache and danger of the print and ebook versions into stark relief. The book is just under 12 hours and currently has a 4.8 star rating on Audible.