The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference Celebrates 20th Anniversary

What: The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025 through Saturday, June 28, 2025
Where: Augustana College; public events will held at the Rozz-Tox and the Hauberg Estate and will be available later via MWC’s YouTube channel
Cost: Varies: some events are free; full Conference registration is $375 prior to June 5. Scholarships are available for those in need.

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 26-28. Featuring our stellar Conference Faculty (Marguerite L. Harrold, Brett Biebel, Skylar Alexander, and Rebecca Entel) leading three-day workshops, participating in a twentieth anniversary celebration, a public reading, and a concluding luncheon.

Registration is open now, via the Midwest Writing Center website or by calling the MWC office at (309) 732-7330. We will continue to offer scholarships to students, veterans/active-duty service members, and those with financial need.

This year’s conference offers four three-day workshops with established and talented faculty including:

• “Writing Place: Geography in Short Fiction” with Brett Biebel
• “Writing for Your Life: Creative Nonfiction, Historical Narratives & Memoir” with Marguerite L. Harrold
• “Beyond! Rethinking Form, Structure, & the Limits of the Page: Poetry Workshop” with Skylar Alexander
• “Novel Workshop: Planning for the Long Haul” with Rebecca Entel

Complete course descriptions as well as bios for the Conference’s distinguished faculty are available on the MWC website: www.mwcqc.org/events-opportunities/david-r-collins-writers-conference/

DRC Writers’ Conference Public Events

20th Anniversary Celebration: Thursday, June 26, 6pm at Hauberg Estate, Rock Island

Conference Faculty Reading & Participant Open Mic: Friday, June 27 at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave, Rock Island
Social Hour: 6pm / Faculty Reading: 7pm / Participant Open Mic: 8pm

Other Opportunities for Conference Go-ers:
• Book Pitch Sessions with MWC Press ($10, 15 minute presentation) June 26-28
• Manuscript Critique with Conference Faculty (varies) June 26-28
• Concluding Luncheon (free with registration) June 28
• Pre-Conference Book Club (free with registration, books available at discounted prices) May 28 & June 5

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 2025 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 Illinois Arts Council; Augustana College; the Figge Art Museum; Rock Island Public Library; and Rozz-Tox.