Iowa Writers & Readers Weekend
2027
You're invited to a cozy extended weekend in Perry, Iowa for a Writers & Readers retreat.
A weekend made just for writers and readers. Dive into a great book (or two), dig into that writing project, connect with other book lovers, relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful historic hotel. Save the date!
January 21-24, 2027
Hotel Pattee, Perry, Iowa
please note all dates, times, locations and schedules are tentative
Announcing our 2027 Author-Speakers
Chloe Angyal
Saturday, January 23 - Morning Speaker
I’m Chloe Angyal, PhD, an author from Sydney, Australia. I live in the Iowa City area.
A former journalist, I’m the author of the non-fiction book Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers is Saving Ballet From Itself and the romance novels Pas de Don’t, Pointe of Pride, and Barre Fight.
When I’m not writing, you can find me reading, cooking for my friends and family, or rubbing the tummy of my extremely cute dog.
Photo credit: Thomas + Co Photography
Coming Soon
Another fantastic author will be announced soon! Check back for details or sign up for our email newsletter for updates!
A weekend made just for writers and readers. Dive into a great book (or two), dig into that writing project, connect with other book lovers, relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful historic hotel.
Exceptional meals are the heart of our weekend. Whether that’s ordering a coffee just the way you like it at the Courtyard Cafe or sitting down to an outstanding meal with friends new and old at the Pattee Cafe the city of Perry offers a wide variety of choices you will love.
Outstanding Meals & Snacks
A Memorable Retreat Location
Find your home away from home in this beautiful historic and fully restored hotel in the cozy community of Perry, Iowa. Spend your weekend in one of their beautiful themed rooms, meet up with friends in the welcoming library, or tuck into a quiet spot in the lobby and dive into your story.
A Space to Connect or Unplug
Do you need a weekend of solitude and rest? Or do you prefer a little spice of social interaction? Whatever your preference, find it here. Jump into a happy hour and make new friends or retreat to a quiet spot and enjoy your alone-time. The Hotel Pattee offers amenities like a fully restored classic bowling alley, an inviting lounge, a cozy library and an elegant lobby filled with art and antiques.
Register now to save your spot.
Early Bird Price… $250 per person
After November 1 … $350 per person
Prices do not include lodging. Rooms are available at the Hotel Pattee. Lodging at the hotel is optional.
savor your
story
Iowa Writers and Readers Weekend
Book Fair for Grown Ups
We all remember the days when the Book Fair came to school. Truth be told, we’ve been chasing the high ever since. Cat posters. Smelly erasers. Silly stickers and BOOKS! So many books!
The Iowa Writers and Readers Weekend Book Fair for Grown Ups is an event within the event for writers and readers to indulge in the pure joy of finding new treasures of all kinds.
Taking place on the Saturday of our weekend-long event, the Grown Up Book Fair will be open to IWRW participants AND the public.
Book Signings
Meet authors from every genre, let them tell you about their book and get your signed copy to cherish.
Vendors
Book stores, gift stores, and book-ish retailers galore! Shop for yourself or someone you love. (But mostly for yourself!)
please note all dates, times, locations and schedules are tentative
2027 Event Itinerary
Please note this itinerary is tentative and subject to change.
Thursday, January 21
5:00 pm - Registration & Check-In
Dinner on your own - Check out Perry’s Historic Uptown for great options
7:00 pm - Welcome Gathering - Willis Library @ Hotel Pattee
8:00 pm - Mix & Mingle — Inter-Urban Lounge - Cash Bar & Bowling
Friday, January 22
7:00-8:00 am - Continental Breakfast & Coffee included
8:00 am - Welcome & Introductions - Author Interview - Author TBA
9:00 am - Break for Reading & Writing Time - suggested spots: Willis Library, Courtyard Cafe at Hotel Pattee, Historic Carnegie Library (across the street), Perry Community Library (across the street), Century Farms Bookstore (walking distance) or your room
1:00 pm - Snack Bar - Hotel Patee Library included - stock up on lite bites to keep you going through the afternoon
2:00 pm - Break for Reading & Writing Time - suggested spots: Willis Library, Historic Carnegie Library (across the street), Perry Community Library (across the street), Century Farms Bookstore (walking distance) or your room
5:30 pm - Mix & Mingle - Inter-Urban Lounge - cash bar - unwind and network with fellow attendees
Dinner on your own - Check out Perry’s Historic Uptown for great options
After Dinner - Join us in the Hotel Pattee Lobby for live music and fun!
Saturday, January 23
7:00 am-8:00 am - Continental Breakfast & Coffee included
8:00 am - Morning Meeting & Author Interview - Author TBA
9:00 am - Break for reading/writing time
1:00 pm - Snack Bar provided - stock up on lite bites to keep you going through the afternoon
1:30 - 3:00 pm - Reading Circle - bring your work or the book you are reading to share, join us to offer feedback and ideas.
3:00 - 5:00 pm - Book Fair for Grown Ups - Spring Valley Ballroom - You remember the days of smelly erasers, Nancy Drew books and cat posters! Join us for an afternoon book fair to shop for your collection. Meet authors, get your books signed, find gifts and other goodies.
Sign up to exhibit as an author or vendor
Dinner on your own - Check out Perry’s Historic Uptown for great options
7:00 pm - Open Mic Night - Join us at a fun local spot and share your work or something you love.Location TBD
Sunday, January 24
11 am - Check Out