Meeting reminder - Oct. 1

What a great way to start off the month! 

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

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older. New members welcome!

Meeting reminder - open house - Sept. 17

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 am Saturday, Sept. 17 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

The first hour of the meeting will be a celebration of the club's 20th anniversary. It's free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and memories will be shared. Stop by!

We will begin critiques at approximately 11 a.m.

Open Mic

Oshkosh Poet Laureate Tom Cannon is hosting an open mic tonight, Sept. 14, at Planet Perk in the City Center. 

The event starts at 6 - hope to see you there!

Meeting reminder - Sept. 3

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library. New members are always welcome!

This September marks the 20th anniversary of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club! 

To celebrate, there will be snacks and good cheer at our Sept. 17 meeting. Stay tuned for details!

Meeting reminder - Aug. 20

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library. 

New members welcome!

Lakefly: Call for Proposals

The Lakefly Planning Committee is accepting proposals for the 2023 Lakefly Writers Conference, May 5 and 6, at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

They are especially looking for speakers addressing the needs of beginning and mid-level authors. Topics could include but are not limited to writing techniques, contracts and other legalities, emerging technologies, and publishing trends. 

Programs are 50 minutes long with an expected attendance of 25-35 participants. 

Proposals should include a short bio (what makes you qualified to talk on the proposed subject); program title and description; and two take-aways (what will a writer learn from your presentation). More than one pitch can be submitted together. 

Please include links to your blog, website and/or other online content that can be reviewed by the committee

Speakers receive a small stipend and an exhibitor table. Speakers traveling more than 50 miles are eligible for a hotel room; other travel expenses are not covered.

For a sample of the types of programs held in the past, please review the 2022 schedule.

Proposals may be sent to Ruth Percey at the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave., Oshkosh WI 54901 or submitted electronically to: lakeflywriters at gmail dot com. 

The Lakefly Writers Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club and the Wisconsin Writers Association. 

Creative Wisconsin Magazine open for submissions

Creative Wisconsin Magazine September edition is open for submission through August 15!

Writers who are members of any writing organization are welcome to submit. Please include a 2-sentence bio with each submission. Attach your Word doc or docx, or paste your submission in the body of your email. Please send material or ask questions via email to submit at wiwrite dot org. For the full guidelines, please see the website. 

What they are looking for:

Previously unpublished (posted once on a blog or your own website is not considered previously published):

·      Poetry (up to about 25 lines, please; ask about longer pieces)

·      Short fiction – up to 2,000 words

·      Book reviews – up to 500 words

·      Essays/Advice/How to/Filler anecdotes – up to 1,500 words

·      Interviews – up to 1,500 words

·      Artwork/photography (must be able to submit hi res work) Art to feature for the covers are most welcome.

·      News of your publication or contest wins or interviews or intriguing blogs.

Meeting Reminder - Aug. 6

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

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older. Writers of all skill levels and genres are welcome to join our writing community!

WWA Fall Conference

An almost unbelievable line up of 17 authors and literary trade professionals will be showcased at the Wisconsin Writers Association's 2022 Annual Conference. 

The Craft of Writing: Celebrating Northland Diversity and Nature will be held September 30 – October 1 at Barker’s Island Inn and Conference Center in Superior. 

It’s a stunning venue, and you’ll be able to tap in to the expertise of award-winning writers and panelists while being inspired by the glorious fall colors that will beckon you to our northern shores. Register here. 

Tell others. Above all, mark your calendars and go online to snag the best early-bird rates - TODAY!

Meeting reminder - July 16

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library. Meetings are free and open to the public! 

 

 

Local Author Event

Shout out to  Caramel Crisp Corner for hosting a local author event from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Friday, July 29. 

 

Support and network with local writers as they sign books and talk about their work. Free and open to the public!

Meeting reminder - June 6

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

New members welcome!

Meeting reminder - May 21

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

 

New members welcome!

2022 Lakefly Writers Conference

To preview the program schedule, sign up for a pitch session, read speaker bios and more, click here.

It's not too late to attend; $85 at the door. 

We're here to guide you on your creative journey. What are you waiting for?

Meeting reminder - May 7 meeting canceled

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club meeting for May 7 is canceled as most of us will be at the Lakefly Writers Conference. It's not too late to join us; $85 at the door.  > https://lakeflywriters.org/conference/

Am happy to report we will resume meetings in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library, beginning May 21! 

Lakefly Writers Conference: Saturday

It's worth repeating: A fantastic program awaits you at the Lakefly Writers Conference, Friday and and Saturday, May 6-7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Saturday opens with the Unlikely Secrets of Literary Success with keynote speaker Dean Robbins. Robbins is an award-winning children’s author and journalist whose nonfiction picture books that have been praised in The New York Times, USA Today, and other publications. As a journalist, Dean has written for USA Today, The New York Daily News, The Village Voice, the Grammys, Wisconsin Public Radio, and dozens of other media outlets, along with serving as editor in chief of the alternative newsweekly Isthmus. He has won state and national awards for arts writing, news writing, and multimedia journalism. Dean also draws on his journalism background to interview the subjects of his books, such as Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean and NASA computer whiz Margaret Hamilton. 

Other programs on the schedule include:

Keeping Your Scenes Afloat, Ryan R. Campbell

Sensing some sink on the page? Is a lack of direction threatening to tear your characters asunder? Then batten down the hatches; you might have a case of scene sink! In this seminar, writers will learn how to keep their scenes above water through the use of goal-oriented storytelling. After collecting all five of the fun floaties of scene structure, enrollees will be more ready than ever to send their manuscripts sailing to greatness!

Building Blocks of a Successful Mystery Series, Patricia Skalka 

Planning a mystery series? Often the first book is the easiest to write! You love your characters and plot, and you want your readers to love them as well. Unfortunately, not every good idea lends itself to a series. In this craft session, we’ll consider the advantages and disadvantages of stand-alone versus series books. We’ll analyze the types of protagonists, settings, themes, and scope that can carry the weight of three, four, or even more books. We’ll also consider the challenges you face when you move past the first book.

Romancing The Story: Ratcheting Emotional Tension Through Romantic Conflict, 
Bobbi Dumas 

Whether you’re writing a classic romance novel or dramatic literary fiction, most storylines benefit from some exploration of the romantic journey. The love story is universally appealing and accessible. Including one in a manuscript can automatically make emotional stakes higher and more conflicted. This workshop will include a quick introduction to “the romance novel” and offer practical tips to adding romantic tension to any work-in-progress, as well as powerful take-aways for creating and maintaining deep-seated character conflict that you can use on any project, love story or not. 

Literary Cabarets, Candace Decker & Ryan Cappleman

Join Candace Decker and Ryan Cappleman through story and song as they celebrate writers, literary influences and inspiring authors in this unique cabaret performance.

Well Begun is Half Done: Successful Story Openings, William Gillard

In this workshop, we'll look at successful short story openings from a variety of genres to discover how to craft an opening so that a reader or editor will want to continue reading after the first page, which is our goal, after all!

Subject Matter Specialty: Firefighting, Greg Renz

What’s it like to respond to a raging fire with children trapped inside and have to make split-second life and death decisions on how best to rescue them? How do you get that emotion along with the chaotic scene onto the page for the reader? With twenty-eight years as an urban firefighter in Milwaukee followed by a ten-year journey to publication of his multi-award-winning novel, Renz will offer insight into writing authentic scenes that keep the reader riveted to the page. 

Building Your Author Platform Before You’ve Written a Book, 
Maggie Smith

Many authors start thinking about book marketing the day they sign with a publisher, but that’s too late. If you hope to get strong traction for your novel, you need to start building your author platform long before, both on social media and in the wider writing community. In this fast-paced interactive workshop, you’ll learn a year-long step-by-step process for doing that, from what to put on an author website when you don’t have a book, to building a network of influencers on social media, and how to score blurbs from well-known authors in your genre. Whether you go indie, or sign with a small or hybrid press, or land an agent and a contract with a major house, you’ll leave with a plan to strategically position yourself in today’s crowded book marketplace.

Essayer is French for “to try.” Christy Wopat

What better way to venture into the unknown than by writing a personal essay? Every time we begin an essay, we have no idea where it is going to take us, only that we can use it to explore and improve the craft of writing and use our words to connect with others. In this workshop, Christy will walk you through the steps of writing a personal essay, from idea building through revision and seeking publication. Attendees will leave with an action plan for next steps and some great resources for publication.

All of this in addition to pitches, the Lakefly Marketplace and writing contest awards ceremony! 

The Lakefly Writers Conference will be held May 6-7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.  $75 advance registration; includes lunch on Saturday. $85.00 walk-in; does not include lunch. Students save $10 through April 30; use code WRITENOW

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.lakeflywriters.org/

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

Lakefly Writers Conference: Pitches and More!

Let’s start with the “more.” 

On Friday afternoon, Celeste Anton of Dandelion Web Marketing will offer free one-on-one 30-minute consultations to create or improve your existing author website. She can also advise on creating a social media marketing plan and how to maximize Google analytics.

On Saturday, Lakefly offers three options to pitch your idea:

Dan Cramer, founder/agent of Page Turner Literary Agency, will accept pitches for children’s literature - picture through YA, and graphic novels. Prior to opening his own agency, Dan interned and was an associate agent at Flannery Literary, working directly with Jennifer Flannery, agent to the late Gary Paulsen.

Pam Parker, author and Staff Editor, will be representing Orange Hat Publishing | Ten16 Press, a small family-owned and operated indie publisher based in Waukesha, WI. Both publishing houses offer traditional and hybrid contracts depending on content, existing author readership, niche, and potential reach.

WWA Press, represented by Barry Wightman, is looking for Wisconsin-themed original material of good quality that celebrates and explores all walks of life and for all ages, be it historical, fictional, nonfiction, lyrical, or speculative. Family friendly, please.

Sign-up for all four offerings begins at noon on Friday; you can register at the check-in table.

The Lakefly Writers Conference will be held May 6-7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.  $75 advance registration; includes lunch on Saturday. $85.00 walk-in.

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.lakeflywriters.org/

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

Meeting reminder - April 16

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Oshkosh Public Library, 2nd floor Waters Building. 

New members welcome!

2022 Lakefly Writers Conference: Focus on Friday

A fantastic program awaits you at the Lakefly Writers Conference, May 6-7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Check out some of the breakout sessions offered on Friday:

Conquer Writer’s Block, Bailey Hansen

Many authors struggle with writer’s block. This session highlights some core issues (character, plot, life issues) that can cause writing blockages; empowers writers to embrace a messy first draft; and includes practical writing exercises to get those creative juices flowing. 

 

A 10-Step Plan for Self-editing, Nick Chiarkas

As you begin the rewriting process, you also start the editing process. This is the art and the heart of it; this is when you begin to build castles. A poorly edited manuscript is certain death for any legitimate agent or publisher. Learning how to edit your manuscript will not only reduce cost but will improve your skill as a writer. 

Characterization Through Dialogue, John DeDakis

When characters talk to each other, the story moves forward and the reader learns about the speaker. In this class, you’ll learn how to create characters out of thin air and learn the do’s and don’ts of finding the right words to put into their mouths.

Queries 101, Dan Cramer

Learn the ins and outs of writing a query that will capture agents’/editors’ attention. This presentation will help provide you with a guideline of organizing your query for any genre, writing the pitch, and reveal the secret that will help give your query the best possible chance to engage an agent/editor.

Indie Publishing, Christine Keleny

Confused about indie publishing? It’s understandable. Christine will help point you in the right direction by sharing clear steps through the publishing process so you use your money and time wisely. Some of the things you’ll learn include the basic steps to print and ebook publishing; cover design options/recommendations, and definition of common terms: ISBN, PCIP, LCCN/PCN

Venturing into Vella, Kendra Griffin

This session will introduce you to the basics of writing serials for Kindle Vella, will share pros and cons of Vella/serials as compared to writing full-length novels, and will help you decide if Vella is the right platform for you, your work in progress, and your creative process. Tips and strategies for creating engaging author notes and hooking readers will be provided.

After Hours Open Mic, Oshkosh Public Library

7-9 p.m. Under the Dome (Enter through the Washington Avenue doors.)

It’s your turn to take the stage! At After Hours Open Mic, you’ll have five minutes to read your work in front of an audience. Join other writers for a fun night of listening and sharing. Refreshments provided.

The Lakefly Writers Conference will be held May 6-7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.  $75 advance registration; includes lunch on Saturday. $85.00 walk-in; does not include lunch. Students save $10 through April 30; use code WRITENOW

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.lakeflywriters.org/

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

Lakefly Writers Conference

Wisconsin’s premiere writing conference is back! The Lakefly Writers Conference offers a quality conference at an affordable price, Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Choose from over a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. 

Programs include:

• Writer’s block

• Query letters

• Writing a series

• Memoir writing

• Instagram

• Plotting your novel

• Building an author brand

Speakers include mystery writer Patricia Skalka, Oshkosh Poet Laurette Thomas Cannon, children’s author Dean Robbins, romance novelist Bobbi Dumas, writing coach John DeDakis and others!

On Saturday, shop the Lakefly Marketplace or pitch your idea for a children’s book to an agent from Page Turner Literary Agency.

What are you waiting for? Only $60 if you register before April 8th. Price includes lunch on Saturday.

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

Meeting reminder - April 2

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Oshkosh Public Library, 2nd floor Waters Building. 

A reminder of our critique guidelines:

Bring 10 copies of your original and unpublished work to share. 

Pieces should take no more than 4 minutes to read aloud; it's suggested that you time yourself prior to the meeting.

Meeting reminder - March 19

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, in the Water Building (2nd floor) of the Oshkosh Public Library.

Masks are optional.

If you intend to read for a critique, please bring 8 copies of your work to share. Selections should be unpublished and take 4 minutes or less to read (it's helpful to time yourself prior to the meeting).

New members welcome!

Meeting reminder - March 5

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, via Zoom. The link is below, in the comments section.

Beginning March 19, the club will meet in the Waters Building of the Oshkosh Public Library. Masks are not required.

 

As always, meetings are free, and open to anyone age 17 and older. New members welcome!

Write Now! Free Writing Workshops

Write Now! is a series of free, fun writing sessions designed to jump start your creative engine. 

Workshops are held at the Oshkosh Public Library unless otherwise noted. No experience is necessary; all ages are welcome. Please bring writing supplies/devices.

Conquer Writer’s Block

Many authors struggle with writer’s block. This session highlights some core issues (character, plot, life issues) that can cause writing blockages; empowers writers to embrace a messy first draft; and includes practical writing exercises to get those creative juices flowing. Led by prolific fiction author and Oshkosh Area Writers Club member Bailey Hansen.

MON | March 14 | 6 p.m. | Lower Level

Novel Planning: The Snowflake Method

Writing a good novel starts with a solid plot. Wisconsin author David Michael Williams demonstrates how to use the Snowflake Method to plan your novel. Receive step-by-step, intentional procedures to make your book the best it can be!

TUES | March 22 | 6 p.m. | Lower Level

Poetry and Life

Explore the many benefits of incorporating poetry into your life. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn how to write poetry that can improve their lives and mental well-being. Led by Oshkosh Poet Laureate Tom Cannon.

SAT | March 26 | 10 a.m. | Lower Level

After Hours Open Mic

It’s your turn to take the stage! At After Hours Open Mic, you’ll have five minutes to read your work in front of an audience. Join other writers for a fun night of listening and sharing. Refreshments provided.

FRI | May 6 | 7 p.m. | Under the Dome (Enter through the Washington Avenue doors.)

Lakefly Writers Conference

This two-day regional conference features more than a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. Early Bird registration fee of $60. For more information and to register, please visit lakeflywriters.org.

FRI & SAT | May 6 & 7 | Oshkosh Convention Center

Write Now! and the Lakefly Writers Conference are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.

Meeting reminder - Feb. 5

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 via Zoom. The link is below in the Comments section.

New members welcomed!

Also, submissions are now being accepted for the Lakefly Writing Contests. No entry fee; cash prizes. Must be a resident of Wisconsin.

Details here > Submission guidelines. 

Call for Submissions: Poems about Oshkosh

Poet Laureate Thomas Cannon is inviting Oshkosh residents to submit a poem about the city. Your piece can be about:

• Citizens of Oshkosh that should be remembered.
• Your favorite memory that took place in Oshkosh.
• Share some history of a place in Oshkosh.
• A community in Oshkosh that people should know about.
• Your favorite place in Oshkosh.

 

"Each resident of Oshkosh has something they treasure about where they live. They see the city in a different way than anyone else. Perhaps it is a special person. Perhaps it is a special place or a memorable event," Cannon stated.

For details and submission guidelines, please click here.

Meeting Reminder - Jan. 15

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, via Zoom; the link is below in the comments section.

Meetings are free and open to anyone 17 and older.

Open Mic - Nov. 17

Meeting Reminder - Nov. 6

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 via Zoom. To get the meeting link, please email Ruth at: oawc at aol dot com - the link will be mailed to you by 9:30 a.m. the day of the meeting.

New members welcomed!

Oshkosh Poet Laureate - Tom Cannon

There is still time to register for the Oshkosh Poet Laureate reception for Thomas Cannon at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov 4th. Speakers include Oshkosh Mayor Lori Palmeri and Wisconsin Poet Laureate Kelly Dasha Hamilton.

 

The event will be virtual; you can register here >

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcumorTgiHtxHAsU9B5KV2Ax9iORd0WX6

Seeking Speaker Proposals for 2022 Lakefly Writers Conference

The planning committee is accepting speaker proposals for the 2022 Lakefly Writers Conference, May 6 and 7 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Length of workshops are 50 minutes long and must be in the areas of writing, publishing and marketing; no author talks please. The conference theme is "Into The Unknown."

Proposals may be emailed to lakeflywriters at gmail dot com. Please include links to your blog, website and other online content that can be reviewed by the committee.

Speakers receive a small stipend and free admittance to the conference. 

Meeting Reminder - Oct. 16

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 via Zoom.

 

Email oawc at aol dot com for the link; it will be sent to you about 30 minutes prior to the meeting.

New members welcome!

Oshkosh Poet Laureate Reception - Nov. 4

Meeting reminder - Oct. 2

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2nd via Zoom. The link is below in the Comments section.

If you have something to read for critique at the meeting, please upload it to Basecamp or email it to Ruth at oawc at aol dot com by 9 a.m. the day of our meeting. 

New members welcome!

Meeting reminder - Sept. 18

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 via Zoom. The link is below in the comments section.

If you have something to share for a critique, please upload it to Basecamp or email it to Ruth at oawc at aol dot come by 9 a.m. the day of our meeting.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Oshkosh Poet Laureate

Congratulation to Thomas Cannon, a founding member of the Oshkosh Area Writers Club, for becoming Oshkosh’s first poet laureate.

Tom has been “instrumental in developing a writing community” in Oshkosh, said Oshkosh Public Library Director Jeff Gilderson-Duwe at the Sept. 14 Common Council meeting.

The Oshkosh Poet Laureate will serve as the leading voice for poetry in the Oshkosh community promoting poetry through publication, performance, education, workshops, and digital and social media. The term is for two-years and includes a small stipend.

The goal of the new initiative, spurred by Oshkosh Mayor Lori Palmeri, is to highlight the importance of literacy, share the values of poetry, spark creativity, and foster artistic expression.  

One of Tom’s first step towards that goal is the creation of Facebook group Oshkosh Poet Laureate.

Meeting reminder - Aug. 21

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, in the 2nd floor Waters Building (under the dome) of the Oshkosh Public Library. If you have something to share, please bring 6 copies OR upload it to Basecamp by 9 a.m. the day of our meeting.

Wisconsin Writers Association launches publishing venture

In May of 2021, the Wisconsin Writers Association board of directors agreed to pilot a traditional, royalty-paying book publishing program: Wisconsin Writers Association Press.

Following WWA’s organization goals to help writers learn, grow, and publish in the literary field, the Wisconsin Writers Association Press will provide a prestigious place for Wisconsin writers who tell Wisconsin stories. For the first year of operation, manuscripts submitted by member authors of WWA will be considered for publication. There is no geographical requirement for WWA membership. 

The initial publications will be one full-length novel, and one full-length non-fiction book. Debut as well as seasoned authors who are members in good standing with Wisconsin Writers Association are encouraged to submit a cover letter and the first fifty pages of a completed manuscript according to the guidelines found on the organization website, noted below. For the pilot program, manuscripts that are well-polished will receive higher consideration for potential publication in late 2022. There are no fees associated with submissions or publication; however, for the initial publication pilot program, WWA authors will be considered for publication. Previously published material, except as short pieces in blog or journal format, is not eligible. The Press is looking for manuscripts that prominently feature Wisconsin in setting, culture, theme, history, contemporary, or future. 

 The search is on! Submissions for manuscripts opened July 1 and closes December 1, 2021. Submission guidelines, contact information, and pertinent FAQs can be found on the website page: www.wiwrite.org/WWA-Press.

Meeting reminder - July 17

We're meeting in person!

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 17 in the 2nd floor Waters Building of the Oshkosh Public Library.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask.

Per pre-pandemic guidelines, please bring 5 copies of any work you plan to share for a critique.

As we move from a virtual platform to in person, those who have been using Basecamp to upload/share their writing can continue to do so. Everyone is welcome to bring a laptop or other device to connect to Basecamp. If you don't know what Basecamp is, that's okay too - we'll talk about it at our meeting.

Free Gale Courses For Writers

Summer school is in session with these quality Gale courses, accessible for free with your Oshkosh Public Library card.

Courses require a 24-hour commitment over a six-week period. Don't have a library card? Apply here.

The next semester begins on July 14 - register now!

Here’s a sample of just some of the class offerings that may be useful to writers:

Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers. Who doesn't know the fear of the blank page? How can you transform your visions into the written word? Is it really possible to become a terrific writer? You'll find the answer to these and more of your questions in Writeriffic.

In this high-energy course, you will learn a number of invaluable tricks from the published writer's toolbox. Whether you're at work now or hoping to write a novel, a nonfiction book, a memoir, short stories or articles, Writeriffic liberates the imaginative, inventive bolts of genius that are inside everyone. If you've ever dreamed of hearing your writer's voice and writing what's in your heart and head, this course will make it happen!

Creating WordPress Websites
In these lessons, you'll get hands-on experience with this powerful tool as you create your own WordPress.org site and blog. You'll find out how to use WordPress to create pages and posts, add images and videos, change a site's look and feel, and include user-friendly features. You'll discover the ease of using WordPress design themes to express your creativity, and you'll see how much fun it is to be part of the vibrant WordPress online community.

Write Your Life Story
Have you thought about writing your story, sharing life-altering events? Does your family really know about their heritage? If you've ever thought about writing your life story, now is the time!

In this course, you will have the satisfaction of telling history your way. You will learn how to bring characters to life, recall vivid memories, engage readers, and even manage your creative time. You may even find a lucrative market for your story, just like the authors of the bestselling Rocket Boys and Angela's Ashes. This course walks you step-by-step through the process of writing your life story. It's fun. It's exciting. It's a story only you can tell!

Introduction to Journaling
If you have ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You will discover the different types of journaling and many journaling techniques, exercises, tools and resources. You will explore a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal. You will get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you will learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity.