Lakefly News & Updates

Want to improve your writing techniques? Check out just a few of the engaging sessions offered at the Lakefly Writers Conference. Register by April 23 for only $125. The conference, sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library,  takes place May 1–2 at the Oshkosh Convention Center.

A Bulletproof Beginning – Larry Sommers
Learn how to launch your story with immediate momentum. This session covers five practical techniques for crafting openings that create urgency, draw readers in, and make your first lines impossible to ignore.

The Power of an Inciting Incident – Kate Penndorf
Discover how an inciting incident drives your story forward by shaping your character’s goals, obstacles, and choices. Participants will work on identifying or creating strong scene foundations.

The ABCs of Character Development – Beth Amos
Explore how to create compelling, believable characters. This session focuses on developing motivations, flaws, and emotional depth while honing in on the traits that matter most to your story.

Knocking Boots – Nicole Reid
Learn how to write intimate scenes that enhance your story, whether subtle or explicit. This workshop covers building tension, avoiding common pitfalls, and keeping scenes aligned with your plot.

We hope you join the Lakefly family for a welcoming, inspiring conference experience that will take your writing to the next level!

The Lakefly Writers Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Community Foundation, OrangeHat Publishing and the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.

Publishing doesn’t have to be a mystery. Lakefly ’26 offers programs to help you figure out your next step—explore your options, choose the path that fits, and start building your author presence.

From query letters to self-publishing, here is a sampling of sessions offered at Lakefly ‘26 to help you get your story into readers’ hands.

Take your next step—just $125 if you register before April 23.

Write a Dynamic Query Letter (Barry Putt Jr.) 

Learn how to craft a dynamic and compelling query letter that captures attention. Participants will explore the key elements of an effective query letter, including structure, tone, and how to present their work in a way that engages agents or publishers. 

Choose Your Path to Publication (David Bruns) 

Explore the creative and business trade-offs between traditional, small press, indie, and crowdfunding publishing. This session helps writers define what success means to them, understand the practical and artistic differences between publishing paths, and make informed decisions to align their goals with the route that fits best. 

How to Make it as an Independent Author (James Hamilton) 

Learn what to expect when self-publishing, including the key differences and nuances compared with traditional publishing. Discover what success looks like for independent authors and explore practical steps to make your book launches more effective. This session equips writers with strategies to navigate the indie publishing world confidently. 

Meet the Fresh Water Press Authors! Panel discussion

Fresh Water Press is a traditional-model, independent publisher located in Two Rivers. Since forming in February 2024, the company has published four books and has five forthcoming titles. 

A panel of FWP authors will provide a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to publish with a local, small press. Discussions will center on the personal experiences from seasoned and first-time authors.

The Lakefly Writers Conference, May 1-2, 2026, at the Oshkosh Convention Center, is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library. Partners include the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Writers Club and OrangeHat Publishing.

As many creatives know, getting started and continuing with your art is often the hardest part. The Lakefly Writers Conference will transform your abstract passion into a true inferno! Consider the following Breakout Sessions and preview the full schedule here. 

How to Set a Writing Routine
If getting started writing is the hardest part, staying on task is the second hardest. Sarah will share some tips, strategies, and tools to help you build a writing routine that works for you.

Sarah Read’s work appears in Ellen Datlow’s Best Horror of the Year (Vols. 10 and 12). Her debut novel, The Bone Weaver’s Orchard, won the Bram Stoker and This Is Horror Awards. She is also the author of the collections Out of Water and Root Rot & Other Grim Tales, and the 2024 novel The Atropine Tree.

A Bulletproof Beginning: Five Ways To Anchor Your Story in Urgency from Word One
Learn how to start your story with immediate momentum. This session explores five techniques for structuring openings that create urgency and draw readers in—while using less information than you might think. Discover how strong structure and strategic restraint can make your first lines impossible to ignore.

Larry F. Sommers seeks new meanings in our common past. He is the author of two historical novels, The Price of Passage and the middle-grade Izzy Strikes Gold!, both published by Three Towers Press. His stories have appeared in Creative Wisconsin, Well Read, and The Saturday Evening Post.

The Magic Pill for Writers Block: How to Write When You’re Not Feeling It
The past few years have been rough on creative ambition. Your muse has been bingeing reruns, and motivation feels impossible. In this session, we’ll trick your brain into generating stories and poems anyway. Bring a blank notebook and leave with at least two new starts—and a repeatable method for the next hundred blank pages.

Wendy Wimmer is an author and editor living in Wisconsin. Her debut short story collection, Entry Level: Stories, won the 2021 Autumn House Fiction Prize and received a starred Kirkus review. Her novel The Doomscroller’s Companion was a finalist for the 2024 AWP James McPherson Award and is forthcoming from University of Wisconsin Press in fall 2026.

The Lakefly Writers Conference, May 1-2, at the Oshkosh Convention Center, is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library. Partners include the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Writers Club and OrangeHat Publishing.

We’re excited to welcome you to our newly designed website, where you can find the latest updates on Lakefly’s writing contests, writers’ conference, and book fair.

Whether you’re an emerging or established writer, we invite you to explore our resources, stay informed about upcoming events, and connect with our supportive community of writers.

Call for Proposals: 2026 Lakefly Writers Conference

We invite you to submit workshop proposals for the upcoming 2026 Lakefly Writers Conference, scheduled for May 1-2 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. This conference is designed for new and mid-level writers across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

Workshop Details:

• Duration: Each workshop will be 50 minutes long.
• Expected Attendance: 25-35 participants.
• Compensation: Speakers will receive a $100 stipend, free admission to the conference, and a table at the book fair.
• Travel Accommodations: While we do not cover travel expenses, we will provide one night’s accommodation for speakers traveling from 50 miles or more.

Proposal Guidelines: To enhance your chances of acceptance, please ensure that your workshop topic is applicable to both short and long-form writing and can be adapted across different genres. We aim to offer a total of 20 workshops, with one-third focused on the business aspects of writing.

Submission Timeline:

• Proposals will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2025.
• Proposals can be submitted by clicking here.

We look forward to your innovative ideas and contributions to the Lakefly Writers Conference!

Writing for the MG and YA Audience

Writing for kids means tapping not just into their world (school, friendships, clubs and sports, etc) but how they take in those worlds at their particular developmental stage. Kids have an amazing capacity to feel, something many of us lose touch with as we grow up. In this interactive workshop, participants will tap into the lens of their character, drawing on their own younger self to craft interiority, reactions, agency, and more. Come have fun as we explore kid brain logic!

Finding Your Niche When Marketing Children’s Books

Have you published a children’s book but are having problems promoting it? Marketing kidlit differs from marketing for other genres. Your story has to appeal to young readers, but an adult will probably purchase the book. So, how can you find your target market?

We’ll examine how best to use your book’s themes or topics to identify unique and specific venues to help you reach potential customers. We’ll also discuss promotional strategies and resources.

The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club. Additional sponsors include the Wisconsin Writers Association, Lake Literary Center, and Freshwater Press.

Great news for conference attendees! Beginning Thursday, you’ll have the opportunity to register for exclusive one-on-one sessions with industry professionals. These sessions include:

• Author Styling: Learn how to present yourself and your brand effectively.
• Headshots: Get a professional headshot to elevate for use on your website, book jacket and other promotional materials (additional fee required)
• Author Website: Get guidance on creating or enhancing your author website.
• Writing Coach: Receive personalized coaching to refine your writing skills.
• Pitch Sessions: Practice and perfect your pitch for your book or project.

Please note that these sessions are only available to conference attendees, so make sure to secure your spot early!

Author Styling

You’ve written an amazing book that readers will connect with. Now comes the hard part: marketing. How can you stand out? An important and often overlooked way is to match your appearance with your brand. Be instantly recognizable!

In a 40-minute 1:1 session, Author Stylist Bek Bryan will walk you through her questionnaire to determine how you can mirror your writing voice. Whether it’s picking a jaunty hat, establishing a color palette, or wearing a full-on costume, Bek will work with you to develop your personal style as an unmistakable author brand.

Professional Headshots with Shaena Friedman and Andrea Holmgreen
A professional photographer and makeup artist will be on-site to create quality headshots for use on your book jackets, website and marketing materials.

Each session includes light styling, light make-up and hair touch-up. Five professionally edited headshots will be emailed directly to you. Fee is $85 and due at the time of your session. Session will last approximately 15 minutes; you’re welcome to bring different outfits!

Website Coaching with Celeste Anton

Meet with Dandelion Web Marketing and Consulting owner Celeste Anton to discuss options for enhancing your existing author website or how to begin creating a website. Ask questions about the other pieces of an online writer’s platform such as social media marketing, email lists and google analytics. Each session will be 15 minutes.

Writing Coaching with Kate Penndorf

Kate Penndorf of Much Ado About Writing will offer 15-minute, individual writing coaching sessions.

Option 1: Submit 300 words & get a critique

Option 2: Sit, chat, and ask questions
Don’t have words to page yet, but have questions about an idea or plotting? Get answers for all genres of both fiction and non-fiction.

Pitch Sessions with Fresh Water Press Owner/editor Tracey Koach

Fresh Water Press elevates local writers by publishing their work and promoting a rich literary landscape on the Lakeshore. The Press publishes multiple genres with a unifying mission to promote the voices of Northeast Wisconsin. While the subject matter or setting need not be limited to this area, the authors themselves must have a tie to this beautiful part of the state.

To make the most of your 10-minute pitch session, please review these helpful tips prior to your appointment.

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Every writer—whether just starting out or deep into their journey—faces moments of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. That nagging voice whispering, Who am I to write this story? or Will anyone even care? can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: your stories matter, and your voice deserves to be heard.

In this engaging and interactive session, we’ll dive into the mindset struggles that often hold writers back and explore practical, actionable strategies to push through self-doubt. Through guided activities, discussion, and powerful exercises, you’ll gain tools to quiet your inner critic, reconnect with your passion for storytelling, and build unshakable confidence in your work.

Five Steps to Writing Meaningful and Marketable Devotions

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner eager to share your faith, this is the perfect workshop for you. Good devotional writing uses anecdotes and illustrations from your life, but the lesson should always be drawn from scripture. In this interactive workshop we delve into the essentials of compelling devotional writing including choosing relevant scriptures, connecting with readers through personal stories, and motivating action through thoughtful application.

Crafting Emotionally Resonant Stories

This workshop will explore various methods on how writers can cultivate a sense of empathy between their characters and readers, including a discussion on how point of view, voice, narrative structure, and specificity of detail can be utilized to further deepen characterization and reader engagement. Participants will learn a variety of techniques on how to ensure their readers not only feel immersed in their characters’ stories but also leave changed by the experience.

The Lakefly Writer Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club. Additional sponsors include the Wisconsin Writers Association and Lake Literary Center, Fond du Lac. 

Self-Publishing Simplified: Insider Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Independent Authors
Self-publishing may give independent authors full creative control, but without guidance, the process can be overwhelming. In this session, publishing professionals from Spoonbridge Press will break down what it takes to self-publish successfully, from assembling a team of editors and designers who can help you produce a high-quality product to navigating top distribution platforms and steering clear of predatory service providers. You’ll learn key tips for positioning your book, how to avoid printing pitfalls and what it really   to publish a book. Whether you’re just considering self-publishing or looking to modernize your approach, this session will give you the knowledge and resources to publish with confidence and clarity.

Sarah Kolb-Williams, cofounder and lead editor of Spoonbridge Press, is a copyeditor, writer, and self-publishing consultant with over 15 years of experience helping authors and publishers refine their manuscripts. She is passionate about coaching new writers through the editing and self-publishing process and showing them the full potential of their books. Sarah enjoys gardening, spicy food, exploring the Twin Cities with her family, and tinkering with various writing and creative projects.

Britt Peterson, cofounder and project manager of Spoonbridge Press, is a knowledgeable publishing coordinator with a background in education and a focus on organization and efficiency. She leverages her experience as a teacher to develop clear publishing plans for authors, offering insightful guidance and hands-on support while streamlining the publishing process for every client. Britt lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and two children and enjoys crafting and playing violin.

Spoonbridge Press is a Twin Cities–based team of publishing professionals committed to helping independent authors navigate the self-publishing process. With over 20 years of combined experience in editing, book design, and publishing, this small but dedicated team provides expert advice and personalized recommendations, allowing authors to maintain full creative control while bringing high-quality, professional books to life.

Finding Your Niche When Marketing Children’s Books
Have you published a children’s book but are having problems promoting it? Keep in mind that marketing kidlit differs from marketing for other genres. Your story has to appeal to young readers, but it’s probably an adult who will actually purchase the book. So, how can you find your target market?

We’ll examine how best to use your book’s themes or topics to identify unique and specific venues to help you reach potential customers. We’ll also discuss strategies and resources for you to use for promotion.

Kathleen (K.M.) Waldvogel, a former teacher who writes for children, is the author of the middle-grade book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, as well as two picture books, Three Little Ghosts, and Whoo, Who, Who’s Out There? She is a member of SCBWI, Wisconsin Writers Association, and writing groups in Wisconsin and Arizona.

Financial Record Keeping for Writers
Do you scramble to prepare your writing business revenue and expenses for your tax preparer? Does the thought of it make you cringe?

Financial record keeping is important for any business, including your business as a writer. Accurate financial information is needed not only for you to assess the sustainability of your writing business, but for your tax preparer as well. In this workshop, you’ll learn tips and tricks on how to organize your business records and record them for yourself and your tax preparer.  (Tips will include using both spreadsheets and manual processes.)

Valerie Clarizio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting a Master’s Degree in Business and has worked in finance and accounting for over 30 years. She began her publishing career in 2012 with Melange Books, LCC, then wrote for two other small publishers before venturing into the world of self-publishing. You can find the USA Today best-selling author’s website here.

Current Issues in Publishing
This presentation will explore current issues in the world of publishing and how it impacts today’s writers. Topics such as traditional publishing vs. independent publishing will be discussed as well as the implications of A.I. There will be time for questions at the end!

Heather Buchanan is an award-winning publisher and film producer. She is the owner of Aquarius Press, which was founded in 1999. The press’ flagship imprint, Willow Books, publishes many of the top writers of color in the nation.

She speaks on the business of writing across the country.

Panel Discussion: Connecting with Libraries
Join us for an informative and engaging discussion designed for authors seeking to enhance their book’s visibility by connecting with libraries. Our panel of experienced librarians will share valuable insights on how to get your book onto library shelves and arrange memorable author visits that resonate with readers.

Panelists: Vanessa Taylir, Director, Jack Russell Memorial Library (Hartford); Michelle Carter, Director, Aram Public Library (Delavan); Natalie Beacom, Director, New Berlin Public Library: Elizabeth Timmins, Director, Muehl Public Library (Seymour).

The Lakefly Writers Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club. Additional sponsors include the Wisconsin Writers Association and Lake Literary Center, Fond du Lac.