Dust off your journal, shake out your manuscript, open that first draft. The Write Now! Series will offer inspiration and encouragement to aspiring and seasoned authors. Meet others who are interested in storytelling and improving their narrative skills.
This free series begins Wed., March 2 and will be held in the library’s Lower Level Conference Room. You can choose from a broad menu of topics and attend as many as you'd like. Registration is not required.
“If you’ve thought about trying your hand at writing, there are many different opportunities during this series,” says Librarian Ruth Percey. “You’ll be in the company of supportive people, learn from expert instructors and be able to try something new.”
Calendar of Events
Step-by-Step to a Short Story
In this generative workshop, attendees will each build a story from the ground up. We’ll discover the elements that every successful story shares, and then put it all into action. Everyone leaves with a complete story, start to finish! Led by UW-O instructor William Gillard.
THURS | March 2 | 6 p.m. | Lower Level Conference Room
Getting, Accepting and Applying Feedback
Oshkosh writer Patrick McCorkle will draw on his experience of participating in multiple writing critique groups to discuss the different free avenues of acquiring feedback on your writing. Whether through alpha/beta readers or virtual/in-person critique groups, Patrick will guide you on how to accept constructive feedback and apply it to your work in progress, regardless of genre.
WED | March 8 | 6 p.m. | Lower Level Conference Room
Write Your Life Story in an Hour
It’s not a joke; at the end of the session, you will have written your life story in six simple words. Not possible? Attend and see! Presented by the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.
SAT | March 25 | 10 a.m. | Lower Level Conference Room
The Exciting Part of Writing a Poem: Revising!
In this workshop celebrating National Poetry Month, Oshkosh Poet Laureate Tom Cannon guarantees editing will be fun (or your money back!). Attendees will write poems, read them, and then discuss how we can sharpen our poems to push them to their potential. While writing a poem to be remembered, we also process our emotions and find our authentic voice.
THURS | April 6 | 6 p.m. | Lower Level Conference Room
Filling Your Poetry Toolbox
In this collaborative workshop, participants will have fun filling poetry toolboxes with rhythm, meter, rhyme, tone, line breaks, fixed forms, and all kinds of other useful gear to help make our writing sing! Led by UW-O instructor William Gillard.
THURS | April 13 | 6 p.m.| Lower Level Conference Room
After Hours Open Mic
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 fun night of listening and sharing. Refreshments provided.
FRI | May 5 | 7 p.m. | Under the Dome (Enter through the Washington Avenue doors.)
Lakefly Writers Conference
This two-day regional conference features more than a dozen workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. For more information and to register, please visit lakeflywriters.org.
FRI & SAT | May 5 & 6 | Oshkosh Convention Center
Write Now! and the Lakefly Writers Conference are sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.
Art By Librarians
The community is invited to view this week-long art exhibition featuring Oshkosh Public Library staff. The exhibit will feature photography, ceramics, paintings and more! Don’t miss this one-time event.
MON-SAT | April 24 – April 29 | Under the Dome
Public Reception
THURS | April 27 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Under the Dome
