Midwest Writing Center

05/28/2026

Allison Means, Associate Director at University of Iowa Press will be at the taking manuscript pitches and teaching brown-bag lunch-and-learn sessions about publishing!

Learn more about the Conference, the rest of the offerings, and sign up for Allison's sessions on our website: https://www.mwcqc.org/events-opportunities/david-r-collins-writers-conference/

05/28/2026

Come out tonight!
Doors at 6
Open Mic at 7
Features at 8!

Free at

05/26/2026

THIS THURSDAY we are thrilled to celebrate MWC Press's two newest releases with a special event featuring YOU!?!?! alongside authors Jenna Goldsmith and Brittany Jaekel.

Doors open at 6 and we'll start an at 7 (sign up on a first-come, first-served basis, 3 minutes max) then our featured authors will take the stage at 8 to read from their new books: by and by Brittany N. Jaekel Sanks.

SPECTRA is always free and always at

Thurs. May 28
6pm - doors
7pm - open mic
8pm - features

05/26/2026

The long overdue interview with QC-native Nathan McDowell!

"It's important to remember that writing should be fun."

Today Sarah interviews QC native, creator of literary events, fantastic poet and really good guy Nathan McDowell.They talk about his journey from teen writer...

05/23/2026

Hey QCA authors — we're bringing back our Local Author Showcase!

Authors with a Quad Cities connection are invited to share information about their work and their process with the public. There is no cost to attend, and books may be sold at the event. A table and two chairs will be provided, and a limited number of laptops will be available by request.

The showcase will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

If interested in participating, please pick up a print application at the 2nd Floor Information Desk or complete the online application at molinelibrary.com/LAS.

Applications are due by Monday, July 13. If selected to participate, you will be notified no later than Wednesday, July 29.

For more information, please contact Jan LaRoche at [email protected].

05/22/2026

What to expect when you’re expecting the Collins Writers’ Conference!

This year's Novel Writing instructor for the Collins Writers' Conference, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne talks about what folks can expect from her class this summer....

05/20/2026

Next Thursday we will proudly present MWC's newest authors to the SPECTRA stage for the release of their new chapbooks!

Before our featured poets Brittany Jaekel and Jenna Goldsmith take the stage, we're hosting an open to anyone!

Performers can bring writing, music (acoustic only), stand up, whatever- just keep it to 3 minutes or less.

The new publications will be available to purchase at the event for $10 each.

PS - check the comments for a preview of these writers' work.

Thurs., May 28 / 6pm doors
7pm Open Mic
8pm Features
Always free
Always at

05/19/2026

Finally, after all these years, we get a look inside the head of local literary legend Mike Bayles!

Sarah interviews a staple of the Quad City poetry scene, Mike Bayles. They discuss his work, what he thinks is important for the life of a writer, and how to...

05/18/2026

Meet the Collins Writers' Conference instructor for , Adam al-Sirgany!

Adam's workshop will help writers examine their own short stories in order to write the story that wants to be written.

Adam al-Sirgany is a writer of fiction and poetry, born and raised in the Driftless Midwest. His debut short story collection, More Hell, was published by Whiskey Tit Books last year, and Adam was recently named the Poet Laureate for the city of Rockford, IL. He serves as the Acquisitions & Developmental Editor for the indie press SFWP and also as a freelance editor. He teaches developmental editing for the UCLA Extension Writers Program, and is a volunteer facilitator for teen poetry workshops. You can see more of what Adam is up to by visiting his website, adamalsirgany.com.

Learn more and register for the Conference on our website: https://www.mwcqc.org/events-opportunities/david-r-collins-writers-conference/