Midwest Writing Center

10/13/2026

October's --our poetry critique group--will meet next Wednesday, October 21 at MWC!

What A Poem Wants
Weds., Oct. 21 / 5:30-7:30pm
MWC - ground floor, Rock Island Public Library
401 19th St, Rock Island

This group is for poets looking to improve their work toward publication. We use an inquiry-based workshop method (direction will be provided in advance) aimed at giving and receiving feedback that best fits the writer's needs, rather than the readers' tastes.

This group is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis and no one will be turned away for lack of funds, though advance registration is required. To register, email mwc(@)mwcqc(.)org by Sunday.

More information is available on our website (in comments).

10/13/2026

2026 Collins Writers' Conference Faculty will be in conversation with our own Sarah Elgatian for this release event on Friday with our friends at The Atlas Collective - Bookstore & Coffee Bar!

TATIANA AT ATLAS IN 3 DAYS!!!! Not a drill🤭❌🚨!

October 16th, 5:30-7:30pm. Will you be there?

RSVP on our website

10/12/2026

Thank you for including us!!!!

10/11/2026

YA Writing Class
Wednesday, October 21
6-8pm / $20 for MWC members & $30 for non-members
scholarships available

We're hosting a writing class on YA novels, led by author Stephanie Guerra, on October 21!

This workshop will support the creation of books for teens and help writers to better understand how to write gripping openings for YA novels.

This two-hour workshop will focus on the craft of writing the first five pages of a YA novel. Through instruction, demonstration, reading analysis, group discussion, and generative writing, participants will work through how to establish compelling plot hooks in the first five pages of a YA novel.

This workshop also includes manuscript review from instructor and children’s author Stephanie Guerra.

Register now on our website!

10/10/2026

We're excited to be part of Playcrafters Barn Theatre Vendor Fair next weekend!

Come see us and lots of your local favorites next Saturday, October 17 at Playcrafters!

11am - 4pm / Playcrafters Barn Theater
4950 35th Avenue, Moline

10/09/2026

This week's episodes will cover what it means when writing instructors say "write what comes" and a preview of our upcoming workshop .

MWC Director and poet Ryan Collins will tell us about what difficulties people face when reading and writing poetry and how to get over those hurdles.

Subscribe to our YT channel to get notified when the videos go live on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

10/09/2026

Sunday's Open Mic is going to be a celebration of us!

Join us at Clock, Inc LGBT+ Community Center for a gorgeous afternoon of q***r story and art. We'll include features from Adrian Cole, Mel Conway, Sarah Elgatian, Mary Francis, and George Young!

Sunday, Oct. 11
1-3pm
CLOCK (Rock Island)

10/08/2026

Make Writing Less Difficult 💡

10/08/2026

YA Novel Writing Class coming up with Stephanie Guerra!

Sarah sits down with YA author Stephanie Guerra to discuss what mak...

10/08/2026

YA Writing Workshop
October 21 / 6-8pm
$20 MWC members / $30 non-members
scholarships available
10 participants max

Stephanie Guerra, author of young adult novels including Torn, Betting Blind, and Out of Aces, will be leading a two-hour workshop on writing the first pages of your YA novel.

This workshop will include reading and discussing the opening pages of standout YA novels and generative exercises to make sure that your novel is on track to successfully hook readers and follow through on its opening promises.

Stephanie Guerra is also offering to review the first five pages of each participant's YA manuscript and give feedback in the two weeks following the workshop.

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Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance. Please find the form on our website and reach out if you need a scholarship.

https://www.mwcqc.org/events/ya-first-pages-workshop-with-stephanie-guerra/