The 2026 QC Libraries' Teentober Art, Writing & Film Contest begins on October 1st! This is a great opportunity to prepare your submission! The first half of the workshop will consist of generative writing exercises (lead by Sarah Elgatian from the Midwest Writing Center), and the second half will be a guided free write. Writing materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring anything you may need for this workshop (your favorite pen or notebook, headphones, an emotional support water bottle, etc.).

Teens only (11-19). Registration is not required, though an event reminder will be sent to those who register. Please email Claire (ctrimble@davenportlibrary.com) with any questions!

Sarah Elgatian is a mixed-identity writer whose cross-genre work has appeared in, or is forthcoming from journals including Beholder Magazine, BRINK, and Cutleaf. She has been featured on several podcasts about writing and identity and has worked as editor for several publications. Sarah has been teaching writing and storytelling for over a decade. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Young Emerging Writers Youth Internship Program at the Midwest Writing Center where she facilitates bi-monthly workshop groups and a bi-weekly educational webseries called Write More Light. She likes bright colors, dark coffee, loud music, and long sentences. Dislikes: meanness, corporate farming.