For more than 80 years writers have come to Iowa City to work on their manuscripts and to exchange ideas about writing and reading with each other and with the faculty. Many of them have gone on to publish award-winning work after graduating. With the spirit of an arts colony and the benefits of the research University of which we are a part, the Writers' Workshop continues to foster and to celebrate American literature in all its varied forms.

Upcoming Events

Events

Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest

Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 25, 2025 (all day)
Virtual
Mark your calendar for our 100-Word Microstory Contest—a free online writing competition for a variety of age groups.You don’t have to be an Iowa Writers’ Workshop grad—or even have participated in a writing contest before—to join in the fun. Just create a story in 100 words or less that uses one of two specific writing prompts. We will announce the writing prompts here on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. CDT.
Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest

Tuesday, July 15 to Friday, July 25, 2025 (all day)
Virtual
Mark your calendar for our 100-Word Microstory Contest—a free online writing competition for a variety of age groups.You don’t have to be an Iowa Writers’ Workshop grad—or even have participated in a writing contest before—to join in the fun. Just create a story in 100 words or less that uses one of two specific writing prompts. We will announce the writing prompts here on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. CDT.
Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

Coming Soon: 100-Word Microstory Contest

Wednesday, July 16 to Friday, July 25, 2025 (all day)
Virtual
Mark your calendar for our 100-Word Microstory Contest—a free online writing competition for a variety of age groups.You don’t have to be an Iowa Writers’ Workshop grad—or even have participated in a writing contest before—to join in the fun. Just create a story in 100 words or less that uses one of two specific writing prompts. We will announce the writing prompts here on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. CDT.