Okoboji Writers' Retreat

09/05/2026

You never know what might show up at a garage sale….

09/01/2026

We have a handful of spots available but will be closing registration soon.

08/31/2026

Tomorrow the price increases. Will we see you in Okoboji this year? We’d love to become a part of your meaningful story and journey.

08/30/2026

Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat News

You’ve been to Okoboji. You know.

You know that this retreat is about more than becoming a better writer or songwriter.

It's about finding community and voice.

The sixth Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat is September 27–30, and if you haven’t enrolled, we’d love to welcome you back.
If you have, please tell a friend. They'll be grateful you did.

We’re getting very close to full.

Only 14 spots remain.

And on September 1, the registration price increases by $100.

Come to work on what matters to you:
Memoir — whether for an audience of 1 or thousands, tell your story.
Fiction — strengthen your craft and characters.
Songwriting — write, perform and create alongside other musicians and songwriters.
Opinion writing — find your voice, sharpen your argument and write something that can make a difference.
But perhaps the biggest reason to come back is something harder to put on an agenda:
Community.

For four days, you’ll be surrounded by creative and curious people who will listen to your idea, ask about your writing, hear your song, challenge your thinking, introduce you to someone you should know—and sit down beside you for a conversation you never expected to have.

Some will be people you met at an earlier retreat.

More than 60 writers, songwriters, journalists, authors, poets, filmmakers, literary agents and other creative people will gather on the shores of West Okoboji.
There will be classes and conversations. Music and storytelling. New friendships and old ones renewed.

This year’s theme is “Courage Is Contagious.”

Maybe there’s a memoir you’ve been afraid to begin.
A novel you need to finish.
A song that hasn’t quite found its way out.
An opinion you’ve decided it’s finally time to express.

And bring yourself back to a community that believes creative work matters.
You’ve been here before.
You know what happens.

Register by August 31 to save $100 and claim one of the final 20 spots.
Come back to Okoboji.

We’d love to see you!

Julie

Who’s Coming?
https://jgammack.substack.com/p/roster-of-who-is-coming?r=fkojq&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Click here for an update from The Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat V!

08/26/2026

This award-winning duo will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat next month. Will you?

Congrats Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox on your continued ascent! We love hearing you play at Okoboji ❤️

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Weary Ramblers are winners for the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards in the American Roots category for our song, “Memphis, You & Me" feat. Sam Bush!

Big thanks to the Intercontinental Music Awards for this recognition!

Link to full list of winners: https://www.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/winners/winners2026/

08/25/2026

Where will you be the last week of September? Tag a friend you look forward to seeing at OWSR 2026. It’s not too late to enroll. 20 seats remain but hurry fees increase September 1. See comments for site registration.

08/21/2026

Interested in writing memoir? Looking to meet other authors? Need some inspiration to finally sit down and write?Beaverdale Books will host a conversation with Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat founder Julie Gammack and Debra Landwehr Engle, executive director of Story Summit.

An author, teacher, and coach, Engle has guided hundreds of writers through the process of writing memoirs. Together, Gammack and Engle will discuss the power of storytelling, the craft of memoir writing, and the ways each of us can preserve the stories that define our lives.

Whether you have already begun writing or are simply curious about where to start, this promises to be an inspiring conversation.

Some refreshments will be provided, so let us know if you are planning to attend. Please RSVP: https://bit.ly/OWSR_Preview

08/19/2026

We’re looking forward to this discussion on Friday with Julie Gammack and Deb Engle at Beaverdale Books. OWSR VI is only five weeks away. It’s not too late to sign-up.

Interested in writing memoir? Looking to meet other authors? Need some inspiration to finally sit down and write? Beaverdale Books will host a conversation with Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat founder, Julie Gammack and Debra Landwehr Engle, executive director of Story Summit.

Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegoWpU6NwfKLWRz9fbvyrXIjZt-VDAZHfT4MYUbB9XtKe2Tw/viewform

08/18/2026

If you still haven't enrolled but plan to, let me know asap as we are getting close to needing to expand room blocks.

08/16/2026

Interested in writing memoir? Looking to meet other authors? Need some inspiration to finally sit down and write? Beaverdale Books will host a conversation with Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat founder, Julie Gammack and Debra Landwehr Engle, executive director of Story Summit.

Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegoWpU6NwfKLWRz9fbvyrXIjZt-VDAZHfT4MYUbB9XtKe2Tw/viewform