Iowa Writers & Readers Weekend
January 21-24, 2027
Hotel Pattee, Perry, Iowa
please note all dates, times, locations and schedules are tentative
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.
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.
Outstanding Meals & Snacks
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, the Hotel Pattee and the city of Perry offer a wide variety of choices you will love.
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, even a relaxing spa to soothe and satisfy.
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Iowa Writers and Readers Weekend
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 Grown Up Book Fair 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.
A portion of the proceeds will
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!)
Grown Up Book Fair
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 14
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 15
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 16
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 - Grown Up Book Fair - 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 Sign up to be a 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 17
11 am - Check Out
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Meet the Founder
Hi! I’m Amber. I’m a writer, a freelance nonprofit fundraising consultant and a passionate advocate for families, children and communities.
I am currently writing a memoir about my family’s struggle through the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. In an effort to recover their financial losses and their dignity, my parents joined a cult that sold soap. That cult was called Amway. Our family faced some serious challenges and it is my honor and duty to tell those stories.
I am a first-generation college student, graduating with a BA in journalism from Iowa State University and a Masters in Communication, Public Policy and Advocacy from Drake University.
In 2018, I ran for Iowa Senate in a closely watched race against the top-ranking Republican in the legislature. I didn’t win but I learned a lot and I was inspired by the voters of my district to keep telling the stories of the underdogs, the forgotten folks, the overlooked and the impoverished.
As I have worked through the process of bringing this book into the world, I have discovered a few things:
1) Writing can be a very lonely business. I love to write but I’m an extrovert so I prefer to write with friends.
2) Writing can be the last thing on my to-do list. I’m a busy mom and a working professional. I need to put writing time on my calendar.
3) Book people are the best people. Whether you love to read or love to write or love both, you will find your vibe at the Iowa Writers and Readers Weekend — and you will make a few new friends, too!