With the sixth annual Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat (OWSR) only a couple of months away, I jumped at the chance to chat with event founder Julie Gammack and discuss the magic of the retreat, its evolution, and learn firsthand about some new developments for OWSR VI.
Born as a response to COVID-19 pandemic distancing, the retreat created a much-needed environment for authors, journalists and aspiring writers to come together, share their stories and bring ideas to life. Each OWSR has been bigger and better than the last, welcoming wordsmiths from across the country to attend workshops, share experiences, and explore new creative pathways together. This is where memories (and memoirs) are made. According to Julie, word of mouth is the number one driver of increased OWSR attendance. These enthusiastic testimonials keep her motivated to push the envelope—expanding the retreat’s offerings each year.
Three years ago, Julie added songwriting to the curriculum, an exciting development for those of us in the music space. I attended OWSR for the first time last year; it was a joy to interface with so many creative forces of various disciplines. From songwriters to entertainment attorneys, publishers to public relations pros, authors, poets, documentarians, Hall of Fame musicians—you name it, I probably hobbed knobs with them. This collected group of individuals is robust, accomplished and shares a mantra of “meeting others where they are” in the process. While the majority of attendees are from the Midwest, the retreat now attracts people from across the country (at last report there were at least 17 coming from California addresses).
In addition to the numerous avenues of education, there will also be a series of intimate concerts woven throughout the retreat. An array of incredible musicians and storytellers such as Dartanyan Brown, Chad Elliott, Kathryn Severing Fox, Johnny Lipford, Carol Montag, Dave Moore, David G Smith, Jason Walsmith and others will share beautiful voices and life experiences in listening room settings that bring artist and audience together in a profound and meaningful way.
Julie often quotes her father, beloved Iowa writer Gordon Gammack, saying “there’s a story in everyone.” I very much believe this, too. I appreciate the wisdom and tools that come from being a part of OWSR. Last year I attended a session on podcasting and now the medium has a critical role in the stories and voice here at Chip Happens, playing an integral role in my survival as an artist and independent professional. If there’s a story in you that could use a little lift to come to life or you’re just interested in a new experience built around socialization, stories and humanity, I hope to see you in Okoboji the last weekend of September. Details and sign-up information are available at www.okobojiretreat.com or just click here to get started.
“What’s Next, Chip?”
My next show is a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. I invite you to join Terri Leedom, author of “Play the Game,” and me Thursday, August 6 at 5 PM in the Iowa chapter’s West Des Moines headquarters. (Please visit www.chipalbrightmusic.com for a full listing of shows.)
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. Many of us will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this fall and we’d love to have you come join us. It’s for writers and learners at all stages in the creative process and full of wonderful people connecting in new and meaningful ways. You can learn more here.
Other Ways to Support Chip Happens?
Did you know I carry my health insurance license and help folks navigate the caregiver journey in addition to my writing and music? Please learn about my personal experience and licensed services at www.chiphappens.life. I help folks evaluate strategic alternatives to traditional long-term care based on my personal experience as a family caregiver with loved ones that endured difficult cancer and dementia diagnoses. More than 63 million Americans were caregivers in 2025 so I believe it’s an important conversation for friends and families to undertake. Please read and share my article Prepare to Care with your network to better understand the role of caregivers as the “invisible backbone” of the American health care system.
NOTE: All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs and an autograph if you request it. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our boutique strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark.
