I Found Myself At Lake Okoboji | Discovering words, wonder, dreams, and inspirations | $20 | ISBN 9781948509671 | Coming September 2025
Writing By: R. Leonard J. Gammack P. Howard L. Baxter E. Donovan A. Cullen J. Cantrell A. VandeMoortell A. Garson C. Montag D. Lookingbill J. Sayers J. Wilson J. Olsen J. Kunerth K. Rummer V. Riley V. Minor G. Karp R. Basu D. Engle N. Heftman C. Rainey D. Burns C. Guensburg M. Skopec L. Meyer R. Gilbert C. Britton K. Christy T. Leedom T. Grover S. Semken N. Eller A. Buster M. & A. Engel A. McCracken K. Bigelow T. Rushing
I Found Myself At Lake Okoboji is like a writing retreat itself. You’ll even find blank pages to add your own thoughts inside. Immerse yourself in this collection of writers at all stages of their writing journeys—from prize-winning journalists, long-time playwrights, a satirical one-time donut maker, new songwriters, poets, and many more. Sometimes, it’s as simple as just gathering together with the goodwill and support of others to begin, continue, and create.
Heartfelt glimpses of OWSR’s spirit can be found in these pages. On the one hand, you want to let the world know about this place; on the other hand, you want to keep it your very own secret, well-hidden and tucked away in Northwest Iowa. From early sunrises and writing panels, to words of encouragement under the big tent in the heart of Lakeside Labs.
The Okoboji Writers and Songwriters Retreat has become a pivotal experience for so many. A place like Robert Frost’s poem declares when we must make a choice, “I took the one less traveled by /And that has made all the difference.” Truly, OWSR has made all the difference in the lives of so many writers.