The 7th Annual Madison Writers’ Studio

Fourth Lake Writing Weekend

june 2027 / dates TBD

Craftwork, creative restoration, & community

Group of people sitting around a table during a meeting or discussion in a conference room.

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

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

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

This year, in addition to workshops with our three inspiring instructors, plus we’re adding a One-on-One Manuscript Review option for an additional fee.

June 2027 dates TBD

Scholarships available

Weekend Schedule

A man with gray hair wearing a green shirt is sitting in front of an audience in a bookstore or library during a storytelling event. The shelves behind him contain children's books and plush toys, including stuffed animals with large eyes and a giraffe. The audience is mostly women, some with glasses, listening attentively.

Friday

4p Introductions

4:30-5p Book exchange + snacks

5-7:45p Workshop I (we’ll provide snacks!)

7:45p+ Optional mocktail/cocktail hour in the hotel bar

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

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

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

Saturday

8-8:45a Breakfast

9-11:45a Workshop II

12-1p Lunch

1-2p Write-in

2-4:45p Workshop III

5-6:30p Dinner on your own

6:30-7:0p Open Mic

Sunday

8-845a Breakfast

9-11:45a Workshop IV

12:15-1:15p Panel discussion

A man wearing glasses and a checked shirt sits at a conference table with his hand on his chin, engaged in listening or thinking. A woman with glasses and blonde hair is seated next to him, also at the conference table in a professional setting.

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.

One-on-one Manuscript Evaluation (optional)

A person sitting at a desk with papers, a pen, and a purple water bottle, reading a document.

For the first time, we’re offering 10 writers a one-on-one manuscript evaluation as an optional add-on to your weekend.

Michelle or Susanna will read up to 6,000 words of your work-in-progress, offer detailed feedback on what’s working and what we suggest, then meet with you individually Saturday afternoon.

A manuscript review is particularly helpful for opening pages, short stories, and personal essays.

$150/review / Limited to 10 writers

“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.”

Description goes here
“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!”

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

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

Join us for the Fourth Lake Writing Weekend / June 2027 (dates tbd)

We look forward to getting to know you and your work!

Scholarships available

We have offered 3 full scholarships and 4 partial scholarships for writers planning to attend our 2027 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 feel free to apply for a 2027 scholarship, and contact us with any questions.

Multiple women sitting at a conference table during a meeting, some with notebooks and laptops in front of them.

The 7th Annual Madison Writers’ Studio

Fourth Lake Writing Weekend

june 2027 / dates TBD

Craftwork, creative restoration, & community

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

Weekend Schedule

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Where to Stay

One-on-one Manuscript Evaluation (optional)

“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.”

“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!”

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

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

Join us for the Fourth Lake Writing Weekend / June 2027 (dates tbd)

Scholarships available