Tuesday, April 04, 2023

Lakefly 2023: Focus on Friday

The Lakefly Writers Conference is just a month away and we are so excited! You will be too once you read the following preview of just some of the wonderful things planned for Friday, May 5:

Time Management For Writers
Malinda Andrews

Whether working full-time, being a parent full-time, or any combination thereof, how do you find time to write? You don’t find it, you make! This session focuses on discovering how to prioritize your schedule based on your writing goals and finding what works for you.

In this workshop, you will learn to prioritize, set achievable goals, and get practical, real-world, tips and tricks.

Malinda Andrews holds a BA in Creative Writing from UW-Milwaukee and is a multi-genre author of over a dozen published works. She balances writing and publishing while caring for her two young children.

Bone Identification  

Dr. Jordan Karsten


Dr. Jordan Karsten

Forensic anthropologists utilize their knowledge of the human skeleton to assist law enforcement agencies in death investigations. This work includes estimating the sex, age, ancestry, and stature from skeletal remains, searching for clandestine burials, and examining trauma. In this presentation, Dr. Jordan Karsten will introduce attendees to the scientific methods employed by forensic anthropologists through a series of case studies from around the state of Wisconsin.

Dr. Jordan Karsten is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at the UW--Oshkosh. He specializes in forensic anthropology and consults on death investigations for law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, and Wisconsin State Crime Lab. He also co-hosts Cold Case: Frozen Tundra, a True Crime podcast focused on cases in Northeast Wisconsin.

The Spooky Power of the Subconscious: Planning vs. Seat-of-the-Pantsing
John Dedakis

Are you a meticulous planner, or do you just wing it? In this session we'll explore writing strategies designed to add variety to your palette of writing techniques. If you're a planner, we'll explore how seat-of-the-pants writing can help you connect the dots. If your style is more free form, we'll look at how peeking at the road ahead can inspire your writing in the here-and-now.

John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of five mystery-suspense novels. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John DeDakis” on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Originally from La Crosse, WI, DeDakis now lives in Baltimore, Maryland with Cindy, his wife of 44 years.

Beginning to Bookstands
James R.Lawrence

James will demonstrate ways to make anybody (of any writing ability or age) write a novel from beginning to end, including where to publish it. He will share strategies for writing daily and completing a novel within months, as well as creating unique characters and plotting out your novel.

Two takeaways: you don't have to be perfect to be amazing, and there is a formula for being a successful writer that anyone can follow.

James R. Lawrence is an award-winning writer who is a sucker for a great twist. James writes historical fiction, the Mr. REE book series, stage plays, and thrilling novellas. He loves to travel and lives with his wife and two adorable dogs in Appleton, WI.

WWA Press offers Practical Advice on Submitting for Publication
Lisa Lickel

Managing director and editor Lisa Lickel will offer practical guidance on submitting for publication in general and specifically for Wisconsin Writers Association. Authors who have been published by the WWA Press either in book format or with our magazine, Creative Wisconsin, will talk about their publication process. Time for sharing experience along with Question and Answer period will follow. WWA offers many opportunities for skill development.

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author of inspiring fiction who loves books, collects dragons, and travels. Lisa is a member of the Wisconsin Writers Association, the Chicago Writers Association, and Assistant Director and book coach for Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc

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 night of fun!

The Lakefly Writers Conference will be held May 5-6 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 and Wisconsin Writers Association.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Lakefly 2023 - Overview


Wisconsin’s premiere writing conference is just around the corner! The Lakefly Writers Conference offers a quality conference at an affordable price, Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 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:
 Time Management for Writers
• Write Wisconsinably: The Power of Place
 Time Ticks Away – Using the Clock or Calendar to Structure Your Novel
• Website design
• Crafting Your Own Poetic Voice
• Seven Touchstones to Writing an Award-Winning Crime-Thriller
 World-building
 Successful Book Marketing (Without Doing the Stuff You Hate.)
 The Big Bad: Does Your Protagonist Have a Worthy Antagonist?
 Pitfalls of Self-Publishing

Speakers include national best-seller Beth Amos, mystery writer Patricia Skalka, Wisconsin humorist Michael Perry, poet laureates Thomas Cannon and Jeffrey McAndrew, writing coach John DeDakis, romance writer Valerie Clarizio, award-winning writer Nick Chiarkas, writer/editor Lisa Lickel and others!

What are you waiting for? Only $65 if you register before April 1st. Price includes lunch on Saturday.

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

Monday, March 27, 2023

Proofreading party - April 1st

In lieu of our regular meeting, we will be proofreading the anthology before it goes to print. 
 
The party will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 1st and should wrap up about 1 p.m. Any time you can commit to this project is appreciated. Lunch will be provided.
 
Lower level conference room, Oshkosh Public Library - see you there!

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Lakefly 2023 - Game On!


Some great things are planned for Lakefly 2023! 

Speakers include Michael Perry, Beth Amos, Nick Chiarkas, Lisa Lickel, David Michael Williams, Thomas Cannon and others - ready to speak on finding time to write, the pitfalls of self-publishing, writing a successful mystery, promoting your book, creating conflict, and more!

Early-bird registration of $65 ends March 31. You might want to stay over Saturday night to catch Michael Perry perform at The Grand; a discount will be offered for Lakefly attendees. Stay tuned for details!

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Congrats Bailey!

Bailey R. Hansen has her first book in print! Freak Camp is book one in a trilogy, A Monster by Any Other Name, that she co-authored with Laura Rye. The second book, Fear, is available on Kindle.

She is also the proud author of Starbound on Kindle Vella and writer/narrator of the Known As Belén podcast. She has also been published in the Ohio River Review and has presented at the Lakefly Writers Conference.

Bailey joined the Oshkosh Area Writers Club in 2015.


To learn more about Bailey and her writing endeavors, or to connect on social media, visit her website at www.baileyrhansen.com.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Open Mic, Meeting Reminder

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the New Moon Cafe with an open mic 7 p.m. Friday, March 17. Bring something to read/perform, or relax and enjoy local talent. Hosted by Tom Cannon.

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

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

Sunday, March 05, 2023

Jade Ring Contest

It's time! Once again the Jade Ring contest returns!

In honor of the Wisconsin Writers Association's 75th anniversary, they will be hosting the 74th writing contest. Yes, it launched one year after the WWA itself. How time flies!

Get your favorite writing utensils ready, folks. The genres will once again be:

    Fiction
    Non-fiction
    Poetry

The contest opens March 6, 2023. Check out the submissions page for details on participating.

Wednesday, March 01, 2023

Meeting reminder - March 4

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

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



Monday, February 27, 2023

Lakefly Writing Contests

There is still time to submit entries to the 2023 Lakefly Writing Contests! 

No entry fee; cash prizes! Deadline for submissions is March 3. 

There are three all-age categories and one category specifically for writers 18 and younger. 

Sorry, open to Wisconsin residents only.

For more information and complete contest rules, please click here.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Meeting reminder - Feb. 18

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

New members welcome!



Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Meeting reminder: Jan 21


The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 in the lower level of the conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library

New members welcome!

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Lakefly Writing Contests


Submissions are now open for the 2023 Lakefly Writing Contests. Contest categories are poetry, personal essay, short story, and short story for authors 18 and younger. 

The contests are open to Wisconsin residents only - sorry!

No submission fee; cash prizes. 

Click here for submission guidelines.

The writing contests are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library as part of the Lakefly Writers Conference, May 5 and 6, at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

Thursday, January 05, 2023

Meeting reminder - Jan. 7


The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 in the lower level meeting room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

New members welcome!

Wednesday, January 04, 2023

Creative Wisconsin Magazine Seeking Submissions

Creative Wisconsin Magazine is open for submissions. The magazine is sent electronically to members of Wisconsin Writers Association and any affiliate members who request a copy or whose work appears in the current edition. 

In 2023, they will publish three editions; in March,  June, and September.

Deadlines for each edition are February 14, May 15, and August 10.

They are seeking previously unpublished material (posted on a blog or your own website is not considered previously published) in the following categories:

  • Poetry (up to about 25 lines, please; ask about longer pieces)
  • Short fiction – up to 2,000 words
  • Book reviews – up to 500 words
  • Nonfiction – up to 1,500 words
  • Interviews – up to 1,500 words
  • Artwork/photography (must be able to submit highres work) Art features for cover are welcome. 

For a complete list of rules and submission guidelines, please click here.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Meeting reminder - Dec. 17


The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library.

In lieu of our regular meeting, we will be doing a White Elephant gift exchange. For those not familiar, you are to bring something you already own that is in new or excellent condition - do NOT spend any money but please wrap/bag the gift. After the gift exchange, the item you go home with is to be used as a writing prompt. Write about the item in any form you choose - poem, sketch, memoir, story, etc.

I will be bringing donuts - others are welcome but not required to bring a snack.

For those unable to attend, have a happy holiday season and we will see you in 2023!

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Meeting reminder - Dec. 3

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library.


Note: Our annual holiday party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 in lieu of a regular meeting. You are asked to bring a wrapped White Elephant gift; something you already own but don't use/need. The recipient of your gift will use it as a writing prompt, so don't be afraid to be creative or silly! Donuts will be provided but others are welcome to bring a snack.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

WWA Events


Looking for something non-holiday-ish to do next month? Want to support fellow writers? Check out Wisconsin Writers Association Events schedule to find state-wide book signings, workshops and more!

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Meeting reminder - Nov. 17

The Oshkosh Area Writers Club will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 in the lower level conference room of the Oshkosh Public Library

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

It's Happening! A club anthology


The Oshkosh Area Writers Club is creating and self-publishing an anthology of members' works, with a publication date of April 2023. The club's first anthology, "Hearts We Know by Stories" was published in 2007.

If you have attended at least one meeting and would like to participate, the first step is to sign an agreement regarding the terms/conditions, submission guidelines and committee assignments. Forms will be available at our 10 a.m. Nov. 19 meeting or upon request. Requests can be emailed to oawc @ aol . com

Wednesday, November 02, 2022

Meeting reminder + more

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

Also want to plug Open Mic night at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Planet Perk.

Lastly, if you're participating in National Novel Writing Month, Caramel Crisp Corner has a write-in every Wednesday. More info here.

Lots of opportunities for area writers coming up - hope to see you at one or more!

Monday, October 31, 2022

National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month is here! The goal is to write a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. You can register with NaNoWriMo here for word trackers, tip sheets and online support. 

Caramel Crisp Corner in Oshkosh hosting meet-ups at 2 p.m. every Wednesday. Details here

Good luck!

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Kindle Vella - A Perspective

Bailey R. Hansen
An Update on Kindle Vella 

I had been thinking about publishing on Kindle Vella before the 2022 Lakefly Writers Conference, but the "Venturing into Vella" presentation by Kendra Griffin cemented my decision to give it a go! Below are some highlights of the platform:

Kindle Vella is Amazon's new (July 2021) serial story platform. Instead of a traditional book, where you buy all of it in one go (and, as authors, you need to have the entire book written before sending it out into the world), Kindle Vella allows readers to buy one episode at a time, and authors to evolve their story as they write it. Think about it like a weekly TV show or story told in multiple sections in a magazine (or Wattpad or Archive of Our Own, if you are already reading serialized fiction online). 

Authors can post episodes of between 600-5000 words (1,500-2000 words were
recommended in the Lakefly presentation) at any interval they would like. The first three episodes are free for readers (though you do need an Amazon account to read past the first episode), and after that readers use tokens to unlock future installments, at a rate of 1 token per 100 words. Each reader also receives 200 free tokens to get them started on the platform. Authors receive 50% of what readers use to buy those tokens. For more information about pricing and royalties, check out the KDP Page introducing it. 

Other neat features of Kindle Vella include:

  •     Readers can give "favs" to their favorite stories to help attract other readers and also follow them for automated updates.
  •     Authors can leave notes at the end of every episode to build community and even include things like polls to get readers engaged.
  •     Once you are done telling the story on Kindle Vella you CAN republish all those episodes in book form (though you CANNOT publish something on Kindle Vella that was previously published elsewhere). 
  •     Like classic authors Dumas and Dickens, you get paid by the word!

Based on my experience with Kindle Vella, it is VERY easy to post, but be aware that advertising and getting people to read your work is going to take a little extra legwork.

The best stories for Kindle Vella are ones that can be posted episodically, and romance, action, and steamier content is generally the most popular. I posted my first installment of Starbound (an LGBT alien space romance with...probably not enough romance) in May 2022 and then took a 3-month break, which was a terrible idea. Ideally, authors post several times per week and on a regular posting schedule so that readers can know when to expect (and read) new installments. I re-started posting in September and have been sticking to a weekly posting schedule since (though I may take a break for Nanowrimo in November...we shall see). 

As far as process goes, I have been working on updating an old, mostly complete manuscript one tiny chapter at a time. This is the same general review and editing process that I've used for several years now with Writers Club, it seems to work very well for my brain, and will hopefully be enjoyable for readers. At least once they know the story exists.

One thing I have yet to do (and definitely need to, based on the analytics available) is advertising. I've wanted to make sure that I could keep up the weekly posting schedule before telling anyone about Starbound, but that also means that absolutely no one knows about it. And I do mean no one. Unlike free episodic reading platforms I've played with in the past, there have been no random people checking out even the first few episodes. I don't know if that's the algorithm, my summary/graphics, or the fact that I posted once and then crapped out for three months. Most probably a combination. If you want to make my week, go ahead and check out Starbound here.

And, if you have questions about my experience with Kindle Vella (limited as it is) please feel free to reach out!


Thursday, October 13, 2022

Meeting reminder - Oct. 15


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

New members welcome!

Monday, October 03, 2022

Free Gale Courses For Writers


Fall classes are 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 Oct. 12 - register now!

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

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.

Romance Writing

Romance is the #1 selling genre in mass-market fiction with readers clamoring for more! To pen a novel romance readers' love, you'll need to understand how to meet and exceed their expectations. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this course will help you broaden your skills and understand exactly what makes a romance reader finish a book with that "Ahh" of satisfaction. You will start by learning about the genre of romance and exploring why you fell in love with your favorite romance novels. You will explore how to craft three-dimensional characters your readers will love and how to weave a plot so your story grabs the reader's interest from page one. You will gain valuable techniques—your "romance writer's toolbox"—to apply to your own manuscript.

Publish and Sell Your E-Book

If you can use a word processor, have a book written (or have an idea for one), and want to see your name in print, you just might have what it takes to succeed in self-publishing.

This course introduces you to everything you need to know to do a professional job of turning your manuscript into a book that will help you make money on the Internet, whether you want to self-publish a novel, a nonfiction book, or a picture book. You will learn how to format your e-book and get it ready to sell through bookstores like Amazon and Apple. By the end of the course, you could have your e-book published in over 100 countries worldwide and available to libraries and book clubs.


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!

Writing The Fantasy Novel
Fantasy is an increasingly popular genre of fiction, and now is a great time to become a fantasy fiction writer! This course is perfect whether you have an idea for a book or even if you don't know where to start. With the tools you'll gain in this course, you'll be ready to tackle your first fantasy novel.

In this course, you will learn what separates fantasy fiction from other types of fiction. You will also discover how to create characters and populate your world with unique, compelling, and interesting creatures. You'll learn how to outline your book, come up with a theme, and commit to actually writing. Finally, you'll get a number of tips about how to stay motivated and complete your novel - because, after all, writing is hard work!

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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!

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

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!

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

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!

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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!

Sunday, August 14, 2022

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. 

Thursday, August 04, 2022

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.

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

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!

Tuesday, August 02, 2022

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!