Please plan to join us June 18-22, 2012

Participant from 2011 retreat gets two-book deal

We’re pleased to announce that Melissa Olson, Madison, Wis., a participant in Lori Devoti’s section in our “Write-by-the-Lake Workshop & Retreat” in 2011 has sold a sci fi/fantasy murder mystery, Dead Spots, to editor Alex Carr at 47North in a two-book deal done by agent Jacqueline Flynn at Joelle Delbourgo Associates. By coincidence, Joelle Delbourgo will be taking pitches at our upcoming April 13-15, 2012 Writers’ Institute in Madison. Lori Devoti will be leading a new full-manuscript critique Master Class during the upcoming June 18-22 Write-by-the-Lake Retreat.

Immerse yourself in a focused, intensive and exhilarating writing experience this summer when you "Write by the Lake."

In 2011 we welcomed writers from 10 states plus Luxembourg and Newfoundland. To read what they have to say about Write by the Lake, view their comments.

Registration will open January 6th, 2012. Some sections fill early; mark your calendar to visit us in January. If you would like to stay informed on this program as well as others offered by the Divison of Continuing Studies, please join our mailing list. If you have any questions, see how to contact us.

Enjoy the creative setting

Your workshop time will be spent in our new, state-of-the-art adult education building, The Pyle Center, overlooking Lake Mendota.

It's also next door to the famous Memorial Union outdoor terrace where you'll find good food, camaraderie, and musical entertainment.

A lakeshore path running from The Pyle and Lowell Centers to the west end of our campus provides spectacular views for an inspirational walk or jog.

Nearby on State Street you'll find great places to explore: theaters, history and arts museums, public library, bookstores, shopping, new restaurants and coffee shops, the State Capitol, a Wednesday and Saturday farmer's market, and the new arts district and Overture Center.Memorial Union Terrace

Our city also features a botanical garden, a children's museum, historical and research libraries open to the public, geology museum, an observatory, a beautiful free zoo, and much more to do in your spare time or with family.

You'll go home invigorated, with your goals achieved. And if goal-setting has been a challenge in your hectic life, we'll help you lay out a plan for the week and beyond.

Why consider the Write-by-the-Lake program?

  • Because you're serious about making breakthroughs in your writing. Under the guidance of professional writers and writing coaches, you'll receive the individualized—and top notch—attention that you've always wanted.
  • Limited registration ensures that you receive a friendly, yet thorough and professional laboratory experience. (See comments from past participants.)
  • Critiques on your work will be compassionate and stimulating.
  • In addition, Christine DeSmet and Laurie Scheer are available throughout the year, ready to answer your questions anytime as you further polish your writing. This service is included in your fee.
  • Come to Madison-voted America's No. 1 city on just about everybody's list. We promise more than just those wonderful views of sailboats coursing Lake Mendota out your back door. (See comments from past participants.)

The week will also offer:

  • New master classes for even more in-depth focus on your novel manuscript.
  • Techniques on the art and craft of writing.
  • Plenty of time to work on your writing. (Credit students have three weeks to finish projects.)
  • Opportunities to re-fuel your creativity.
  • Additional mini-workshops included in your fee-you make discoveries from other genres and styles of writers.

Graduate Credit Option

This program has a graduate credit option for an optional 1-3 graduate credits in English. Graduate credits are an additional fee on top of the conference fee. Questions? Email or call director Christine DeSmet, cdesmet@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-3447.

Grants for returning adult students pursuing a degree:
Continuing Education grants provide in-state tuition for adults with a significant break from education taking one class to get started with their studies. Criteria and application information available at: www.dcs.wisc.edu/info/finanserv/ce-grant.htm. Or contact Adult and Student Services, Division of Continuing Studies, 608-263-6960.

Choose one topic from 12 choices to study for the week

Visit syllabus page for complete descriptions

Limit of 15 writers for each section unless noted otherwise. Fee is $345 unless noted otherwise. Credits cost extra (see general information for details).

    Fiction

  1. The Strangest Thing Happened: How to Get Editors & Agents to Pay Attention to Your Writing, Tim Storm
  2. Five Days to your First Novel, Christopher Mohar
  3. Writing Rhyming Picture Books: A Logical Approach to Sweet Stories, Silly Verse, and Soothing Lullabies, JoAnn Early Macken
  4. The bestselling edge…Tactics and techniques for writing a WOW! novel, Kathy Steffen
  5. Fiction in a Flash – The Art of the Very Short Story, Angela Rydell
  6. Reboot Your Writing: Lifting Your Projects to High Concept Status, Laurie Scheer
  7. Stage, Screen, or Story: Creating Characters that Write it for You, Gail Sterkel
  8. Master Class:  Deep Novel Revision: Polishing and Perfecting for Publication, Laurel Yourke. Limit 10 writers, 20 pp. $450.
  9. Master Class for Genre Novelists: Complete and Ready to Compete? Lori Devoti. Limit 6, 300 pages; $750.
  10. Master Class for Genre Novelists: Finish, Polish, Publish (for writers of literary/mainstream or genre fiction), Christine DeSmet. Limit 6, 300 pages; $750.

    11. Creative nonfiction

  11. Anthologies and the Nonfiction Writer/How to get essays (including short memoir material) published this year, Amy Lou Jenkins

    12. Poetry

  12. Nuts, Bolts, and Jackhammers: a Craft Wrokshop for Poets, Marilyn Taylor

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Student comments:

"I really appreciate Write-by-the-Lake for providing such a supportive atmosphere where all writers, no matter our level, are encouraged and taken seriously." -Katie Songer (Plotting with Lori Devoti)

"It's intense, exhausting, and a ton of work-and it's over way too soon!" –Melinda Young (Plotting with Lori Devoti)

"Clarified so many basic tools." -Tom Braunger (Short fiction with Bob Curry)

"Wonderful instructor! Very warm environment." -Eileen Schnabel (Fiction Master Class with Christine DeSmet)

"The [afternoon optional] panel discussions offered insight, information and ideas. The panel members were funny and knowledgeable and so willing to answer questions. Thank you!" -Carol Owens Campbell, Long Grove, IL

"The setting was outstanding. The instructor was perfect for the subject." -Melvin McCartney, Madison, WI

"The 3-hour class format is the best I've been in. Finally time to do more than just get started." -Peg Rosin, Ringle, WI

"Well, I almost chickened out and cancelled, but thank goodness I didn't. I found the discussion very helpful...and it gave me a confidence that surprised me. I liked the three-hour format...the pressure-free optional participation." -Martha Grasty, Madison, WI

"I feel energized, and I can't wait to get back to my computer. An outstanding experience!" -Charles P. Murphy, Abingdon, IL

More student comments

Back to top.

How to contact us:

Christine DeSmet, director
UW-Madison Liberal Studies & the Arts
21 N Park St., 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715

cdesmet@dcs.wisc.edu

608-262-3447 for program questions
608-262-2451 for registration

Join our mailing list:

To join the mailing list for any of our writing program complete our mailing list form.

Tell-a-friend:

We also encourage you to tell a friend about this page!

Also of interest:

The annual Writers' Institute: A two-day conference for fiction and nonfiction writers.