DAVID R. COLLINS WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
June 25-27, 2026
David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
Augustana College – Rock Island, IL
June 25, 26, and 27, 2026
(all times Central)
The Quad City’s Longest Running Writing Event Returns to Augustana College!
MWC and The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference (formerly known as the Mississippi Valley Writers’ Conference) are thrilled return to the campus of Augustana College this summer, June 25-27. Featuring our stellar Conference Faculty leading three-day workshops, an anniversary party, holding a public reading, a concluding luncheon, and more.
Click here for online registration for the 2026 David R. Collins Writers’ Conference!
We will continue to offer scholarships to students, veterans/active duty service members, and those with financial need. 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.
For more information please email MWC, or to register via phone,
please call MWC at 309-732-7330.
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2026 David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
Course Descriptions, Faculty Bios, and Schedule
Complete information coming soon!
Brown Bag Lunches, Faculty Reading & Open Mic, Conference Social, Manuscript Critiques, University of Iowa Press Pitches
20th Anniversary Celebration: Thursday, June 26, 6:00 p.m. – Hauberg Estate, Rock Island, IL
The DRC Writers’ Conference is celebrating 20 years this summer – so we’re having a party…and everyone’s invited! Stayed to for more info…
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Conference Faculty Reading and Participant Open Mic
Thursday, June 25 at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave. Rock Island, IL)
Social at 6pm, Faculty Reading at 7pm, Participant Open Mic at 8pm – free and open to the public
Join us at Rozz-Tox to hear Conference faculty reading their work. Followed by an open mic for Conference participants. Free and open to the public.
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University of Iowa Press Book Pitches – Times will be scheduled during the Conference
Dates and times will be scheduled during the Conference
Sorensen Hall, Augustana College
Complete info coming soon!
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Concluding Luncheon
Saturday, June 27, 12-1 p.m. at Wilson Center, Augustana College
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
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Please call Ryan Collins at (309) 732-7330 to register over the phone today, or email him at mwc@midwestwritingcenter.org for more information.
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Conference Sponsors:
Modern Woodman of America,
Founding Sponsor of the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
The Figge Art Museum
Augustana College
Illinois Arts Council
Rock Island Public Library
Rozz-Tox