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...

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...

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

TICKETSFree and open to the public, no ticket requiredPart of Hancher's 53rd seasonThe Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Hancher Auditorium, and the Iowa String Quartet Residency Program present the Harlem Quartet for an intimate hour-long afternoon concert at Glenn Schaeffer Library/Dey House in the Frank Conroy Reading Room. This event is free and open to the public with limited seating capacity.Harlem Quartet is a New York-based, award-winning ensemble engaged in a week-long residency at the University...