Call For Submissions on the Theme of RADICAL HOSPITALITY — Paid Opportunity!

Posted on by Ryan Collins

St. Ambrose University College of Arts and Sciences, Galvin Fine Arts, and the Midwest Writing Center (MWC) are partnering on a series of events and a publication around the theme of Radical Hospitality. This theme calls people to “welcome the stranger” and to extend “an expansive and committed welcome to all regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances, and particularly to those who face barriers to belonging. More than politeness, radical hospitality calls for a generous sharing of time, resources, and life together” (more on the theme below).

For this project, we are looking for submissions of poetry (30 lines max.) and flash prose (fiction or nonfiction, 500 words max.). Submission open October 1, and close on December 15 (see complete guidelines below). MWC will select the strongest 20-30 works for publication in an anthology, to be published by MWC Press in April 2024. All contributors to the anthology will receive $100 to their work in addition to two copies of the anthology, and the opportunity to record their work for a podcast. Selections will be announced in early January 2024.

Announcing the Results of the 2022 Foster-Stahl Chapbook Series

Posted on by Ryan Collins

Thanks to all the terrific poets and writers who shared their manuscripts with us for the Foster-Stahl Chapbook Series. We are grateful for everyone who gave us the opportunity to read and consider their work. The excellence and range of the submissions made for a difficult task in selecting a manuscript and a thrilling reading experience.

In the end, one manuscript was selected for publication. Below are the complete results, including the finalists…

The Big Read Kick-Off is Tonight! Wed. 11/8 at 7:00 p.m. on YouTube

Posted on by Ryan Collins

MWC is thrilled to be partnering with Illinois Humanities on the Big Read! Illinois Humanities is supporting this project throughout the state with the National Endowment for the Arts. 

This year’s theme is “Reconsidering The American Dream” through the two books chosen: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh, and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. 

The Midwest Writing Center will be assisting with facilitating book groups here in the Quad Cities. If you do not yet have a reading a group or have not yet reaching out with a group in mind, please email Sarah Elgatian to indicate whether you are looking for a group, or if you’d like to participate in Big Read with a group you’re already in.

SPECTRA Lives! A Special Event, Featuring erica lewis On Tour For Her New Book :: mahogany ::

Posted on by Ryan Collins

The SPECTRA Reading Series will host a special event featuring acclaimed poet erica lewis on Thursday, October 19 at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave. Rock Island, IL). lewis, who lives in the Bay Area, will be stopping in the Quad Cities on the Midwestern leg of the tour for her new book mahogany, recently published by Wesleyan University Press.

Doors for the event open at 7:00 p.m., and readings will start at 8:00 p.m. lewis will be joined by another celebrated poet, Becca Klaver, and two local rising stars: Melissa Conway and Htoo Htoo. Event is free and open to the public, with a $5 suggested donation to support youth writing programs at MWC. Local bookseller The Artsy Bookworm will be on hand selling copies of mahogany as well.