The 6th Annual

Fourth Lake Writing Weekend

June 26-28, 2026

Craftwork, creative restoration, & community

June 26-28, 2026

Cost: $595

Scholarships available!

We believe that inspiration and energy come from feeding ourselves creatively.

Whether you’re between projects, just starting, or well into a draft, our weekend will offer support, sacred time, stimulation, and shared wisdom.

During our 6th annual FLWW, you’ll generate new work, deepen your creative goals, and connect with a community of writers.

Join us

What to expect

A person's hands with a white long-sleeve shirt, holding a silver pen, writing in a black notebook on a gray desk. The notebook contains handwritten notes. Nearby is an open laptop, a printed document, and a blue paper clip.

All four of our inspiring instructors will lead workshops over the course of the weekend, and each writer will attend all of them.

We’ll provide a light breakfast and lunch Saturday, and breakfast Sunday.

NEW this year: We’ll host an open-mic social hour at Lake City Books on Saturday night.

Out-of-towners can arrange to stay at the locally owned Madison Concourse Hotel or at one of a number of nearby hotels.

Join us

Weekend schedule

Friday, June 26

4-8pm

We’ll start with an introductory session as a large group, with some light snacks, then break into small groups for Workshop I, then end with cocktail/mocktail hour.

Saturday, June 27

9a-6p

We’ll start early with a light breakfast, followed by Workshop II and a break for lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, we’ll have Workshop III, light snacks, and an evening open mic and social hour downtown at Lake City Books.

Sunday, June 28

9a-2p

We’ll start with a light breakfast, followed by Workshop IV and a closing large-group panel discussion.

Where to stay

Group of people sitting around a conference table with documents, notebooks, and a laptop during a meeting.

The Madison Concourse Hotel has reserved a block of rooms for Fourth Lake writers, which are available until May 25.

Reserve here.

There are also a number of places to stay nearby. Here’s a list of downtown Madison hotels.

Join us

  • “The retreat was very important to me as a person and as a writer. I learned so much and met so many wonderful writers. A really special experience.”

  • “I was so happy with the experience! I loved learning about form with Deshawn and using time effectively with Chris. I received extremely helpful feedback on my stories with Susanna and Michelle, and I loved reading my cohorts’ work.”

  • “I learned so much and began applying all I learned to my writing right away.”

  • “I really enjoyed it! I left with new ideas and inspiration. I loved the book exchange!”

  • “I had a great time flexing my writing muscles and getting some different perspectives.”

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  • “I felt entirely in my comfort zone. The topics covered in the breakout sessions were all new to me, and I’ve been to many similar writer’s workshops, eg, Write by the Lake. I came away from FLWR with solid craft tips (thanks, Deshawn! thanks, Chris!). Grateful!”

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  • “You all did a great job of keeping discussions moving, not getting stuck, staying on point.”

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  • “Honestly exceeded expectations. The level of discussion was quite high. I appreciated the relaxed vibe and collegial atmosphere.” — PZ

Scholarships available!

We have 3 full scholarships available for writers planning to attend our 2026 Fourth Lake Writing Weekend.

When choosing recipients, we prioritize BIPOC and LGBTQA+ writers, and writers with significant economic challenges.

Emerging and seasoned writers are equally welcome. We believe that writing is an act of bravery, all stories are worth telling, and we can grow as writers with accountability, feedback, and support.

Please contact us with any questions.

Want to know more?

Ask us!