Who they Are

Iowa has a thriving literary arts community coupled with a global reputation in literature. In 2008, Iowa City was designated a UNESCO City of Literature making it a destination for writers, near and far. But up until 2014, Iowa City didn't have a literary center. Writers not in a full-time MFA program had limited opportunities to engage, learn, or even meet other writers. Without a literary center, there were also limited job opportunities for our graduates, many of whom wanted to stay in Iowa. 

Founded by Andrea Wilson, the Iowa Writers' House is a hub of literary activity, filling that need and operating as a central access point for writers.  The house holds workshops, lectures, and educational opportunities. We feature the best and the brightest literary talent as instructors, providing jobs and experience for writers who have called Iowa home! Our mission is to extend the Iowa literary legacy and to strengthen community among writers, editors, readers, audiences, and all those who honor the power of words.

Why we love them

The Iowa Writers' House is where we got our start: there wouldn't be a Writers' Rooms without them.  Andrea Wilson is one of the warmest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet, and the workshops are taught by some amazing writers.  

They're held in such a welcoming space, too! The House itself is absolutely gorgeous, with comfortable couches and nooks to write in. 

Who They Are

Our store is locally-owned and operated by Bill and Ursla Lanphear. Ursla’s mother, Marilyn was an avid reader who loved used bookstores. Marilyn frequently traded books — mostly murder mysteries — with her niece Meg who lives in San Francisco. Marilyn passed away in 2017. The store is dedicated to her memory and named for her and Meg.

Our mission is to connect readers with books. Our inventory contains over 50,000 books and changes every day. We offer a wide variety of genres including adventure, autobiographies, biographies, children’s, christian fiction, classics, cozy mystery, general fiction, horror, mystery, nonfiction, paranormal romance, science fiction/fantasy, “spicy” romance, true crime, war and young adult.

Why We Love Them

Ursla, Bill, and Terri have been incredible friends to The Writers’ Rooms. They have hosted many of our writers for readings and signings, and they are now offering writing space every 2nd Thursday of the month starting in January 2020! They are huge lovers of books and helping the communities surrounding the store. We don’t know what we would do without them!

Who They Are

Welcome to Iowa Writers. We are a state-wide collective of professional Iowa authors, poets, and book illustrators. Originally created as the networking group PAL of Central Iowa (Published Authors Liaison) by author Wendy Delsol in 2009, PAL has since evolved and expanded to celebrate and support our storytellers statewide. Now Iowa Writers, our members write and traditionally publish adult fiction and nonfiction of every genre and subject, young adult fiction, middle grade books, children's picture books, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. We illustrate children's books, write text for pictorial books, ghostwrite memoirs, and edit and write for national literary journals. We all live in Iowa, and are connected through the often tough business of professional publishing. Iowa Writers is a showcase of the talented and hardworking storytellers of our state.

Why We Love Them

We met both Wendy Delsol and Kali VanBaale through The Iowa Writers’ House. Alex Penland had the wonderful opportunity of concierging both of their workshops. The left such an impression, that we’ve stayed in contact with them. They do a wonderful job of supporting the literary community and showcasing local authors and their works. They’ve promoted TWR events on their website and interviewed Alex as well. If you’re a published author in Iowa, reach out to them!