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.

About the Writers' Workshop

How to Apply

Program News

All Program News

Upcoming Events

Events

100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

100-Word Microstory Contest

Tuesday, July 15 to Friday, July 25, 2025 (all day)
Virtual
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...
Live from Prairie Lights | Jared Joseph - 'Soft Lighting' promotional image

Live from Prairie Lights | Jared Joseph - 'Soft Lighting'

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 7:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
Iowa Writers' Workshop alum and current Iowa Summer Writing Festival instructor Jared Joseph will read from his newest book, Soft Lighting. Bench Editions describes Soft Lighting as "written almost exclusively in the first-person singular and plural, and stages a motley of narrators (or only one) who respond to one another or who do not, and if not, I wonder whether desire for interpersonal connection withers, or excruciates. There is no setting. See if you are in it" (bencheditions.com).Jared...
100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

100-Word Microstory Contest

Wednesday, July 16 to Friday, July 25, 2025 (all day)
Virtual
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...
All Events