DAVID R. COLLINS WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
June 22-24, 2023
David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
Augustana College – Rock Island, IL
June 22, 23, and 24, 2023
(all times CDT)
The Quad City’s Longest Running Writing Event Returns to Augustana College!
After twenty-plus years, the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference (formerly known as the Mississippi Valley Writers’ Conference) will return to the campus of Augustana College this summer, June 22-24. Featuring our stellar Conference Faculty (Kali White VanBaale, Keith Pilapil Lesmeister, Jesus “Chuy” Renteria, and Rebecca Wee) leading three-day workshops, participating in a Community Conversation keynote event, and holding a public reading. We’ll also be hosting community book fair on Saturday, 6/24 for local/regional authors, publishers, booksellers, and more.
Visit the Conference page for complete information on workshops, pitches, public events, and more.
Registration discounts available for early bird registrations and for MWC members —
reserve your spot today!
Public Events – David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
Keynote Event: Community Conversation featuring Writers’ Conference Faculty
Thursday, June 22, 6pm – 8pm at Figge Art Museum (225 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA)
Public Reception at 6pm, Keynote Event at 7pm
For this year’s keynote event, the Conference faculty will start a conversation MWC will be continuing in a series of events throughout the year by responding to a simple question: Why is writing important?
They will give their individual responses, to begin a conversation among themselves, and then attendees will be invited to join via Q & A. The event will start with a reception from 6-7pm, and the Community Conversation will start at 7pm.
Conference Faculty Reading and Participant Open Mic
Friday, June 23 at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave. Rock Island, IL)
Social at 6pm, Faculty Reading at 7pm, Participant Open Mic at 8pm
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.
Community Book Fair
Saturday, June 24, 10am-4pm at Gävle Hall (in the Gerber Center for Student Life, Augustana College, 3435 9 1/2 Ave. Rock Island, IL)
Book fair for local/regional authors, publishers, booksellers, and more. Registration fee not required to participate in the books fair. Tables for participants are $10, or two for $20. Free and open to the public.
For more information about the Writers’ Conference, please contact Ryan Collins, ryan.collins@mwcqc.org, 309-732-7330, www.mwcqc.org/events-opportunities/david-r-collins-writers-conference/
The 2023 David R. Collins Writers’ Conference is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and grantors: Modern Woodmen of America, Founding Sponsor; the Regional Development Authority; Illinois Humanities; the Illinois Arts Council Agency; Augustana College; the Figge Art Museum; and Rozz-Tox.