Lakefly Writers Conference Roundup

The Fresh Water Press community had a lovely time at the Lakefly Writers Conference, which was held in Oshkosh on May 1–2. Conference organizers gathered an outstanding bunch of experts to lead workshops, panels, and take pitches. Attendees also had the opportunity to have professional author photos taken. Saturday featured a well-attended, open-to-the-public book fair.

The conference began in 2013 and grows each year. Unchanged is the supportive and welcoming environment for beginning and seasoned writers alike.

Seven Fresh Water Press authors attended the conference and participated in a panel, facilitated by Editor and Engagement Manager Sophia Dramm. They took questions from the audience, which included why they chose to go the traditional publishing route, feedback they received that changed the course of their books, and unexpected things they encountered in the publishing process.

Pictured above, left to right: Tina Prigge, Jason Prigge, Julie A. Jacob, Lisa Lehmann, Raquel Durden, Karin Derenne, Brittni Nelson, and Sophia Dramm.

Lots of other activity happened at the conference. Pictured above, top row, left to right: Brittni Nelson got a first look at her middle-grade mystery, The House on Hemlock Hill (forthcoming July 2026). Raquel Durden made a special trip from Georgia to share strategies on weaving wellness into our routines with her book, Dial Down: Holistic Strategies to Move from Chaos to Calm. FWP Co-owner and Editor Tara Huck connected with Karin Derenne—in fact, they met one another at Lakefly in 2024!

Pictured above, bottom row, left to right: Tara presented on memoir writing for a breakout session. Lisa Lehmann traveled from Sheboygan to share her novel RADIO STARR. And Editor Sophia Dramm took pitches from attendees.

Thank you to the organizers for an unforgettable and enjoyable weekend! Fresh Water Press is grateful to the Lakefly Writers Organization and the Oshkosh Public Library for hosting this event each May. Pictured is coordinator Ruth Percey (center), and Thomas Cannon (left), and Bill Gillard (right). The conference is supported by volunteers from the Oshkosh Area Writers Club.

Here’s what the Fresh Water Press authors who attended had to say:

“Writing and publishing flourishes with connection and encouragement. The Lakefly Writers Conference provided us an incredible forum for both. I’ll be back!”—Raquel Durden, author of Dial Down: Holistic Strategies to move from Chaos to Calm

“The Lakefly Writers Conference was so well organized that it was easy to navigate the classes, book fair, and main hall, and made even better by the convenience of the adjoining hotel.”—Lisa Lehmann, author of RADIO STARR

“I left Lakefly invigorated and excited about my writing. It was wonderful to connect and learn from other writers.”—Julie A. Jacob, author of Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella

“Lakefly was a great opportunity to learn and connect with other local authors.”—Brittni Nelson, author of The House on Hemlock Hill (forthcoming July 2026)

“Attending Lakefly Writers conference with Fresh Water Press was an immersion in a world of unlimited possibility, sharing the vision with kindred souls and embracing one’s place in its midst.”—Karin Derenne, author of The Show Must Go On (forthcoming 2027)

“It was rewarding and inspiring to share the space with fellow literature lovers.”— Tina Prigge, co-author of Unbroken Us: A True Love Story (co-written with her husband Jason Prigge; forthcoming 2027)