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

Thursday, July 24 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...
100-Word Microstory Contest promotional image

100-Word Microstory Contest

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 | Anna Bruno in conv with Claire Lombardo - 'Fine Young People'

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 7:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
Iowa Writers' Workshop alum and current University of Iowa instructor Anna Bruno will read from her newest novel, Fine Young People, and will be joined in conversation with bestselling author and former Prairie Lights bookseller, Claire Lombardo. Described by publisher Algonquin Books as the story of a high-school senior investigating the death of a star hockey player at her elite Jesuit school, which uncovers "the rot" within the institution as well as the truth of her own past, Fine Young...
All Events