Lakefly News & Updates

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.

Poetry As a Healing Art

Words have power—the power to heal, to reveal, and to transform. Through guided reflection, interactive exercises, and a deep dive into the truth beneath the words, attendees will explore how poetry becomes more than just expression—it becomes a path forward.

Participants will engage in a unique writing exercise that illuminates the energy we carry and the light we create, proving that what we release through poetry can change not only ourselves but those who read our words long after we are gone.

G. Anthony is an author, poet, and speaker whose work explores the raw depths of human emotion, healing, and transformation. Known for his ability to strip words down to their essence, he challenges readers to confront their truths and find freedom in self-expression. His debut book, Nobody’s Words is poetry that lives beyond the page, a beacon for those ready to set down what they’ve been carrying and step into a deeper understanding of themselves—thus transforming the poetry written and how it’s received.

Inside the Business of Indie Publishing

How does the publishing business work for Wisconsin’s largest indie publisher? Go inside Orange Hat Publishing and Ten16 Press with owner and editor-in-chief Michael T. Braun. Michael will share details like how works are selected for publication (and why they pass on others), the biggest strength (and biggest weakness) of indie publishing, and the exciting future of the indie publishing industry (and the biggest threats it faces). There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion at the end of the presentation, so come with yours!

Michael T. Braun, PhD, is the owner and editor-in-chief of Orange Hat Publishing and their imprint Ten16 Press. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in English, and master’s degree and PhD in communication science, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to purchasing Orange Hat in 2024, Michael worked as an academic researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Michael lives in Wauwatosa, WI, with his wife and children.

Plotting for Pantsers

Do you write by the seat of your pants? If outlining stresses you out, you can still build a strong narrative foundation without rigid planning.  We’ll let your characters lead the way and lay down the bones of your story, so you can “pants” your way to a satisfying and structured novel.  Unlock your story’s potential and streamline your writing and editing process, even if you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants.

Meadoe Hora writes vibrant stories for teens and adults, blending fierce female leads, rich mythology, and local Wisconsin lore. She is the author of 5 books including, Ariadne’s Crown and the Furious Legacy series. In addition, her work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Sweatpants and Coffee, Literary Mama, and numerous websites. She lives in the Waukesha area with her family, a spoiled basset hound and a black lab who may or may not be a hellhound.

The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club, with support from the Wisconsin Writers Association and Lake Literary Center, Fond du Lac.

The Lakefly Writers 2025 preliminary schedule is now available, offering a wealth of opportunities to enhance your craft. Remember, early-bird registration ends on March 19th, so be sure to secure your spot soon. Seniors and students can take advantage of a special rate of $75. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your writing skills and connect with fellow writers!

Succinct, Savvy Novel Description Workshop
Are you a genre fiction writer struggling to craft compelling loglines and short descriptions for your novel? You’re not alone. This workshop is like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets Save the Cat!—practical, fun, and packed with tools to hook readers fast. We’ll define what makes a logline pop and a short description irresistible, then put it into practice with hands-on formulas and examples. Giveaways, too!

 T.K. Sheffield is a Wisconsin author known for crafting funny cozy mysteries for readers to laugh and escape. Most recently, her dark comedy screenplay achieved semifinalist status in the Wisconsin Screenwriting Symposium contest and was a finalist in the Madison Film Festival. She serves on the board of the Wisconsin Writers Association and is a member of Blackbird Writers and Sisters in Crime.

Literary Magazine Editors panel discussion
Editors from several prominent literary magazines will talk about the inner workings of literary magazines, what place they hold in the literary ecosystem, and how best to get writing accepted by one of these journals.

The Benefits of Writing and Publishing Across Multiple Genres
Writing and publishing across multiple genres can be a highly rewarding, By exploring different genres, writers can strengthen their storytelling skills, increase productivity, expand their readership and enhance their marketability. Learn how to tackle the challenges of writing in multiple genres to create a long and sustainable writing career.

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

Bill’s conversation with Oshkosh author, Ron Rindo
Ron Rindo is a writer, a trout fisherman, a gardener and orchardist, a keeper of chickens and sheep, a lover of books and family and wild places. Small presses published his first three books: two short story collections and a novel. His fourth book, Life, and Death, and Giants, caught the attention of a New York City literary agent who sold it to St. Martin’s Press; they will publish it this September. Bill Gillard will moderate this delightful and informal conversation.

The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club, with support from the Wisconsin Writers Association and Lake Literary Center, Fond du Lac.

Dash of Love: Romantic Subplots for Any Genre
Mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, historical, contemporary – novels of any genre can appeal to more readers (who beg for a sequel) with a solid romantic subplot (see “romantasy”). Learn tips and tricks from the romance genre to make sure your romantic subplot is enhancing the story, adding tension, and not landing flat. Learn about such topics as:

• The difference between a romance and a love story,
• How to avoid the dreaded “insta-love” label,
• The 12 stages of physical intimacy,
• A description of heat levels and how to avoid the cringe,
• Common romance tropes (and why tropes are a good thing), and
• Writing tips the keep readers enchanted with the “push and pull” of a compelling romantic subplot.

Miranda Darrow is an author, freelance fiction editor, and #RevPit online revision contest board member and contributing editor. She’s also a frequent presenter to writing groups, conferences, and online writing events. Miranda’s Concise Fiction Academy series of writing craft books and courses combines her experience as a freelance editor and a corporate attorney into an executive summary of complex writing topics. Miranda grew up in Wisconsin and now lives in Minnesota with her husband, teen boys, and a bossy little dog.

The History of Mystery – The Craft of the Murder Mystery from Godwin to Christie focuses on discovering the origins of the murder mystery genre before Agatha Christie.  The presentation provides a broad knowledge of many pre-Christie authors and their infamous works, which contributed to and influenced authors then as well as now.  The presentation will broaden your understanding of the development and background of the murder mystery genre by discussing the many works of the early murder mystery writers, leading up to the best of the best, Agatha Christie.  Come and enjoy learning more than ever about the wonderful world of murder! 

Judith Maupin openly and enthusiastically discusses the lifelong pursuit, fascination and appreciation of murder in its many forms from real life, television, movies, acting and in our beloved books. Not a great conversation starter, but it has been, however, a mainstay of Judith’s. While not pursuing murder, Judith enjoys her murder free real life with her twelve year-old twins and husband (who seems to need to sleep with one eye open) while imagining attempting to write a series of fiction murder books. locally based, fine tuning her murder mystery play and ongoing acting on stage in local theatrical murder mysteries. 

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

The Lakefly Planning Committee is dedicated to providing an exceptional conference experience, and we appreciate your patience as we finalize our speakers and programs. To ensure you have ample time to see the value in all we have to offer, we are extending the early-bird registration fee of $90 until Wednesday, March 19. By that date, the complete conference schedule will be available, allowing you to review the sessions and activities offered to help with your decision to attend. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your spot at a lower rate!

Wisconsin author Tammy Borden will keynote the 2025 Lakefly Writers Conference.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Writers Association, Tammy’s presentation is part inspirational, part motivational and 100% authentic as she shares insights into the transformative power of stories and how to capture the hearts of readers.

About Tammy: She is a professional copywriter turned novelist, compelled to document the unforgettable story of her mother’s life growing up in Nazi Germany. Released in summer 2023, her debut novel, Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany, rose to become a #1 Best Seller on Amazon #1 in Historical German Biographies and has captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world.

As a first generation American, Tammy grew up hearing stories from her mother about coming of age during World War II, and began recording them more than a decade ago, even traveling with her mother to Germany to walk the cobblestone streets and document stories in their actual settings. Now, those heart-gripping stories of love, loss, strength, and resistance have been artfully woven into a narrative that allows readers to step into Waltraud’s remarkable journey as an intimate observer.

Founded in 1948, the Wisconsin Writers Association is a creative community dedicated to the support of writers and authors. WWA sponsors and hosts year-round workshops and events throughout Wisconsin, offering discounts and exclusive resources. They aim to share experiences and knowledge while encouraging its members in their pursuit of this most noble art.

What Makes a Great Author Website? Celeste Anton will share the essential pages and features every author website should have and talk about common author website mistakes in her workshop on Saturday, May 3. She will also explain how your website can integrate with your social media, email marketing, and book sales to create a seamless and effective marketing platform. Lastly, you will learn strategies to ensure a user-friendly online platform that attracts visitors, engages readers and sells books.

In addition to the workshop, Celeste will be available for free, one-on-one consultations throughout the conference. Pre-registration is required and opens in April; stay tuned!

Celeste Anton is a digital marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience in website design and online strategy. As the owner of Dandelion Web Marketing, she specializes in helping writers and businesses develop effective web platforms to connect with their readers. You can learn more at her website: https://dandelionwebmarketing.com

Discover Your Writer’s Voice

This workshop is designed to help people find their unique writing style (“writer’s voice”) by using storytelling, journaling, and observation. Participants will be guided by Victoria Reeves to write/share personal stories and receive creative tips and prompts to help unearth memorable moments. We will also practice descriptive writing to help define/refine our personal writing styles.

Victoria Reeves is a memoirist, storyteller, and writing coach. Her work includes “The Quandary” (Chicago Storytellers: from Stage to Page), “Queen of Flossmoor” (www.storied-stuff.com) and her upcoming memoir: “How to Raise a Black Genius on $20K Year.” Explore Victoria’s private coaching and engaging STORY CRAFT classes @ www.coachvictoriareeves.com

Writing Through the Pain of Loss

Pain is a part of life whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job, a friendship, or even a pet. Authors Patricia Skalka and John DeDakis will share their personal grief experiences and discuss what they learned from their losses and how they use those lessons to add depth to their stories and characters. Even though grief is a part of life, it need not be crippling or debilitating. In this session, we’ll look at strategies that will help you mine the emotions of your personal experience and apply them to your writing. The workshop includes short writing exercises.

John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” DeDakis is the author of six novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. In his most recent political thriller, Enemies Domestic, Lark is a pregnant White House press secretary when abortion is a crime and a dictator becomes president. DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is also a writing coach, manuscript editor, podcaster, and rank amateur jazz drummer. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, DeDakis now lives in Baltimore, Maryland with Cindy, his wife of 46 years. Learn more at www.johndedakis.com

Patricia Skalka turned to fiction following a successful career in nonfiction and is the author of the award-winning Dave Cubiak Door County Mysteries. Her other credits include: Staff Writer for Reader’s Digest, freelancer, ghost writer, writing instructor, and book reviewer. She is past-president of the Sisters in Crime Chicagoland Chapter and a member of several professional organizations, including The Authors Guild of America, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Midland Authors. She lives in Milwaukee and Door County, WI.

The Lakefly Writers Conference is May 2-3 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. For more information or to register, please visit lakeflywriters.org

The Lakefly Writers Conference and Book Fair are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.