David R. Collins Writers’ Conference

June 22, 23, and 24, 2023 (all times CDT)
Workshops, Book Fair (6/24), and Luncheon
at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

Public Events at the Figge Art Museum (6/22) and Rozz-Tox (6/23)
and via Livestream on MWC YouTube channel

The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference is back! With five three-day workshops, book pitches, faculty reading and participant open mic, book fair, and keynote event, there’s something for everyone.

*Downloadable copy of the DRC Conference Brochure available soon*
Please call MWC at 309-732-7330 for more information.

Download a scholarship application for the DRC Writers’ Conference here. We offer scholarships to students, veterans/active duty service members, and those with financial need. 

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Please register via PayPal below. A new browser window should open where you can see your selection in the PayPal shopping cart, which should update with each selection you make.

**You can use these buttons pay with a credit card even if you do not have a PayPal account (click on the gray Check Out button to pay without a PayPal account using a credit card).**

If you have any issues registering online, please call MWC at 309-732-7330 and we will be happy to take your registration over the phone.

For details, including workshop description and faculty bios, click here.

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IMPORTANT: Please follow the registration steps in order, and please see notes in BOLD/ITALICS to ensure your registration is received properly. Thanks!

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ONLINE REGISTRATION,
PLEASE CALL RYAN COLLINS AT (309) 732-7330, OR EMAIL HIM AT mwc@midwestwritingcenter.org. THANKS!

STEP 1. Registration Fee — REQUIRED

If you are taking workshops and/or signing up for a critique or a pitch, you MUST pay the non-refundable registration fee, which includes the luncheon on Saturday, June 24.

Please note: If you are only attending the luncheon, you do not need to pay the registration fee — see Step 3 below.

You do not have to pay the fee if you are only attending free events (Keynote on 6/22, Reading on 6/23, and/or Book Fair on 6/24). 

Registration Type (Member / Non-Member)

MWC Member Registration $70.00 USDMWC Non-Member Registration $90.00 USD

Final Day Luncheon Sat. 6/24 (included w/ Reg. Fee)

I will attend Final Day Luncheon Sat. 6/24I will not attend Final Day Luncheon Sat. 6/24

STEP 2. Workshop Selections – Early Bird (before June 10) – Online Registration Closed

Please choose either the Full Conference Registration (all 4 workshops) for the first PayPal menu below…

Full DRC Conference Registration (all 4 workshops, 1 each block)

Before June 10 $250.00 USDAfter June 10 $275.00 USD

OR, if you are not registering for the full conference, please skip the Full Registration PayPal button above and proceed to the second Registration Menu below to select individual workshops

You can select your workshops here, up to 3 workshops total. Please note: there is only one workshop per time block.

Choose Number of Workshops (up to 3)

1 workshop – Before June 10 $75.00 USD2 workshops – Before June 10 $145.00 USD3 workshops – Before June 10 $210.00 USD

Workshop Preference 8:45am

Novel WorkshopNo workshop for this time slot

Workshop Preference 10:30am

Short Fiction WorkshopNo workshop for this time slot

Workshop Preference 1:45pm

Memoir WorkshopNo workshop for this time slot

Workshop Preference 3:30pm

Poetry WorkshopNo workshop for this time slot

STEP 3. Concluding Luncheon – Saturday 6/24, 12-1 p.m. CDT (Optional) – 

Free with Paid Registration Fee, or $15 for MWC members without paid registration fee, and $20 for non-MWC members without paid registration fee

Conference sponsors will be recognized, and the faculty will reflect on their workshops over a catered lunch. Cost is included with your Conference Registration fee, or $15 for MWC members without paid registration fee, and $20 for non-MWC members without paid registration fee. Please confirm or register on or before June 20 (Optional):

Luncheon – No Reg Fee – June 24

Price for MWC Members $15.00 USDPrice for Non-MWC Members $20.00 USD

STEP 4. Community Book Fair – Saturday, June 24, 10am – 4pm, Gävle Hall, Augustana College

Book fair for local/regional authors, publishers, booksellers, and more. Conference registration fee not required to participate in the books fair. Tables for participants are $10, or two for $20.

Free information tables are available for libraries, community organizations, etc. Please contact MWC for more information.

The Community Book Fair is free and open to the public.

If you are interested in participating in the Community Book Fair, please follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/4WEkHXzMZKc8qT298

Or, call MWC at 309-732-7330 or email mwc@mwcqc.org to register and to get more information. (Optional):

Number of tables ($10/table)

1 table $10.00 USD2 tables $20.00 USD

STEP 5. Pitch Sessions to MWC Press   

Pitch Sessions – Scheduled in advance of, or during, the Conference for author convenience and to avoid schedule conflicts with other events. During the allotted times prior to the first day of the Conference. $10/pitch (Optional):

Select Publisher You Would Like to Pitch

MWC Press $10.00 USD

Conference Sponsors:

Modern Woodman of America,
Founding Sponsor of the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference

The Figge Art Museum

Augustana College

Illinois Arts Council Agency 

Illinois Humanities

Rock Island Public Library

Rozz-Tox