Tag: fiction

DRC Writers’ Conference Starts in Less than 2 Weeks! Slots still available

Posted on by Ryan Collins

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, two public readings, a concluding luncheon, and more. 

There’s still time to register either by using the registration portal on our site or by making a donation to Birdies for Charity. The schedule of events is below, and complete info can be found on the Conference page. Please contact MWC with any questions: mwc@mwcqc.org or 309-732-7330.

Announcing the Winners of Iron Pen 2026!

Posted on by Ryan Collins

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in Iron Pen 2026. We received many terrific entries, and our excellent judges— Kate Wiegele (nonfiction), Dan Woessner (fiction), and Kristen Sneed (poetry), who are last year’s winners in each category—had very difficult decisions to make in their evaluations. We appreciate everyone’s time and talents in making this year’s contest one of the most competitive we’ve ever had.

Without any further ado, here are the winners of the 2026 Iron Pen Contest, by category…