Author: Ryan Collins

Transmissions from the Ancestors: A Generative Writing Workshop with Anahit Cass

Posted on by Ryan Collins

Transmissions from the Ancestors is designed to get participants writing about their own ancestral connections and how they impact the future. Using readings, visual images, and written prompts in this 2 hour writing workshop, participants will write a short work that may be the outline for a longer essay, memoir, or story or useful in journaling about ancestral connections and their impact.

Anahit’s new book Reparations of the Heart presents a vibrant tapestry of essays; stories; poems; quotes; and detailed, often surreal images. It crosses time and borders and launches us into a future world informed by our connection to our ancestors.

This is what she wants for the people who attend her workshop.

Iron Pen 2025: Rules, Info, Prompt Announcement 

Posted on by Ryan Collins

Thank you all very much for participating in the fastest writing contest in the Midwest! We appreciate your writing courage & quick imagination, and we look forward to seeing all of your terrific submissions. 

Before we get to the prompt (which will also be available via phone on the MWC’s outgoing voice message at 309-732-7330, via the home page and the Iron Pen page on the MWC website, and on our Facebook page), a few guidelines and other important bits of information: