Posted in fiction, Fiction & Nonfiction Writing, Literary Community, Memoir writing, Novel writing, Travel Writers, Travel Writing

Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, Sept. 22-25

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Want to take your writing to new dimensions? Want to learn from other writers to shorten your own learning curve? Want to rub shoulders with writers from the Washington Post or the New York Times? Want to generate a network of fellow writers interested in helping you grow as a writer?

If so, then the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, welcomes you to a whatever–conference, retreat and workshop experience–you’ve been looking for.

Where or what is “Okoboji?” It is a lake and a town, a location in northwest Iowa. Though not a typical conference site like Chicago or LA, natural beauty invades the retreat site. Speakers often take their sessions outside on the lawns of the recreation site.

Check it out for its unique format, bevy of faculty members (50+), and variety of learning options.

I’ll serve on the cadre of speakers, as a travel writer, memoirist, and fiction writer. I’ll be a participant and faculty member for the first time. I’ve gotten acquainted with the organizer, Julie Gammack. because of pre-retreat zoom calls with speakers to be sure we understand the culture of this retreat. In one of those calls she told us (I’m paraphrasing) that she believes we (all people around the globe) need writers to make the changes needed in our world. I’m on board with that. The list of speakers illustrates the diversity in writing experiences they bring.

Other faculty members who have participated before indicate that it is three full days of fun exchanges between writers of all levels. Speakers attend as participants, as well. They are available for one-on-one networking, discussing direction for a participant’s next book, or coaching. “The meetings between meetings” can be valuable networking. Relationships have continued past the retreat as long term friendships and/or writing groups emerged during their time at Okoboji.

I can’t wait! Will you join me at Okoboji Writers’ Retreat September 22-25? Let me know if you too are registered, so $100 in your registration will be deducted from your fee.

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Wiley-Jones is fiercely committed to guide life-sojourners and travelers toward supercharged writing benefits to unlock transformative experiences. She will unpack journal-writing techniques, tools and tips with which you can experiment. She can facilitate exercises for you to delve into the depths of yourself, and/or to write stories for yourself, your family, and/or for publication. She is a skilled facilitator with a Masters degree in Adult Learning and 40+ years in creating safe envirionments and intentional workshop experiences. Wiley-Jones is an award-winning travel writer. She has two published books, 1) a coming-of-age travel memoir, and 2) a travel adventure historical novel. Her work other work can be found in national anthologies and local lifestyle magazines. Her motto about life-long learning can be summed up by an E.L. Doctorow quote, "Writing (or learning) is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." That's true in life, writing, and travel.

2 thoughts on “Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, Sept. 22-25”

  1. Hi Rhonda!
    That retreat is very tempting since I grew up in Iowa and attended Iowa State University. What a temptation!
    Looking into the details as I type this 🙂
    joan here in Kerrville

    1. I don’t recall that I knew you were from Iowa and went to ISU, where I worked the last 20 years of my professional life. I’d enjoy having another friend there. I have invited someone from Ames that I knew. She is joining the retreat as well. I hope you decide this is for you. Whoopee, Iowa here I come!

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