Our 100-Word Microstory Contest is a free online writing competition for a variety of age groups. Writing prompts here on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. CDT.

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.

The age categories are:

· Grades 3 & 4

· Grades 5 & 6

· Grades 7 & 8

· Grades 9–12

· Adult (University of Iowa Alumni)

· Adult (Friend of the University)