Ames Writers Collective

OLLI-ISU | Mining Your Journals For Story Gems
2024-02-12 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-02-05 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-01-29 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-01-22 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | On Zoom
Mining Your Journals for Story Gems
Instructor: Ana McCracken
Four weeks: Monday, Jan. 22 – Feb. 12, 2024 Cost: $55.00 2 – 4:30 p.m. CT
REGISTER ONLINE Class limit 9
$55 for OLLI members only
Do you have volumes of journals piled away in boxes in your closet—a goldmine waiting to be excavated? Maybe there’s a book in there somewhere. Maybe just
a collection of stories. We will visit our journals weekly, select a story, type it up, and read it in class for positive feedback and encouragement to dig deeper into our past that has informed our future. We will discuss avenues for publication or simple ways to create a collection of stories.
Ana McCracken received her B.S. and MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University. McCracken’s writing and poetry can be found in refereed literary publications and anthologies. She is a certified Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator. A former board of director member for the Litquake Literary Festival in San Francisco, she was recently elected to the Willa Cather Foundation Board of Governors. She founded the Ames Writers Collective in 2021.

Swift Youth Writers Group - Writing for Teens
2024-02-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-11-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-08 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Teens in 6th – 12th grade are invited to escape into creative writing and connect with other teen writers. Each month on the 2nd Sunday (unless otherwise noted) attendees will be led through prompts and exercises to help develop and stretch their creative writing skills. Attendees will be given a chance to share their work and have a chance to support others. No experience is necessary so all skill levels are encouraged to attend. At the end of the school year, writers will be asked to submit 1 to 3 pieces (depending on genre) for inclusion in an anthology, and a celebratory reading will be held.
Registration is not necessary. Writing Sundays are FREE! For more information, click here.
Provided in partnership with the Ames Writers Collective and the Ames Public Library

Youth Poetry Contest Winners at The Langston Hughes Project
2024-02-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Stephens Auditorium, 1900 Center Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011
Four Swift Youth Writers poets were chosen from a “blind read” contest after attending three poetry writing workshops led by Caleb “The Negro” Poet Rainey in January. The poetry contest winner’s poems will have original score written to them by Dr. Ron McCurdy, who is the composer of the Langston Hughes Project. To kick off the performance at Stephens Auditorium on February 8th at 7 PM, Rainey will perform the selected poems, accompanied by Dr. McCurdy’s music.
Adela Solano Osmundson, Vienna Rossmanith, Sophia Driest & Nora Nobushawo

ARTIST BIOS
Dr. Ron McCurdy, is a Professor of Music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, where he served as chair of the jazz department for 6 years. Dr. McCurdy is a consultant to the Grammy Foundation educational programs including serving as director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Guest artists he has worked with include Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Leslie Uggams, Arturo Sandoval, Diane Schuur, Ramsey Lewis, Mercer Ellington, Dr. Billy Taylor, Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, and Dianne Reeves.
Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey is an author, performer, and producer. He hails from Columbia, Missouri, and holds a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Iowa. His debut book, Look, Black Boy, became Amazon’s #1 new release in African American poetry, and was awarded first prize in the North Street Book Prize. His second book, Heart Notes was published in 2019 and featured on Iowa Public Radio. He released two spoken word albums, a studio version of Look, Black Boy, and a performance album titled, Heart Notes Live! He co-founded the literary magazine Black Art; Real Stories, was published in Iowa’s Best Emerging Poets – 2019, the Little Village Magazine, and wrote a monthly column for The Real Mainstream. For three years in a row he was named Best Poet/Spoken Word Performer in Cedar Rapids & Iowa City.
THE AMES WRITERS COLLECTIVE
thanks the following organizations for their support:

Writing Circle Wednesdays
2024-02-07 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-31 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-24 15:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-17 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Writing Circle Wednesdays are for individuals who are currently receiving or who have completed cancer treatments.
These sessions meet on Zoom from 3 to 5 PM CT.
Anyone interested may join at any time.
Living with cancer is a lonely journey. Only those who have been or are on that same journey truly understand the emotions, fears and challenges we face each day. I was hoping to gain some insight into how others coped with their diagnosis. I not only gained that, but also came to understand more fully my own reactions to my personal cancer story. This was a valuable experience for me. I don’t feel quite as alone as I did. —A Past Participant
These sessions are led by Ana McCracken, founder of the Ames Writers Collective. Registration is free and required. Contact Ana for questions and to register.

Writing Circle Mondays | John Stoddard Cancer Center
2024-01-29 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-01-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)

Swift Youth Writers Poetry Workshop
2024-01-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Youth writers, listen up! You are invited to join poet Caleb Rainey for three poetry workshops designed especially for Central Iowa Youth. These workshops are completely free and will be held in-person and as a hybrid option at the Ames Public Library on January 7th, 14th, and 21st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The workshops will build upon each other to prepare you for a contest where you can submit your best poem. After the workshops, a panel of poets will conduct a “blind read” contest, with two poems being chosen for scoring by Dr. Ron McCurdy, the composer of the “Langston Hughes Project.” To kick off the performance at Stephens Auditorium on February 8th, Caleb Rainey will perform the selected poems, accompanied by Dr. McCurdy’s music.
POETRY WORKSHOP DETAILS
Location: Ames Public Library / Hybrid
2 to 4 PM on all Dates
Jan 7—Generative poetry workshop
Jan 14—Poetry Revision Workshop
Jan 21—Revised Poetry Workshop
Jan 21—Submit your poem to the contest
This one-of-a-kind opportunity is funded in part by an Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA) Special Project Grant and a Discover Ames Community Grant. Don’t miss your chance to develop your poetry skills and showcase your talent!
Registration is required. Click Here!
ARTIST BIOS
Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey is an author, performer, and producer. He hails from Columbia, Missouri, and holds a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) from the University of Iowa. His debut book, Look, Black Boy, became Amazon’s #1 new release in African American poetry, and was awarded first prize in the North Street Book Prize. His second book, Heart Notes was published in 2019 and featured on Iowa Public Radio. He released two spoken word albums, a studio version of Look, Black Boy, and a performance album titled, Heart Notes Live! He co-founded the literary magazine Black Art; Real Stories, was published in Iowa’s Best Emerging Poets – 2019, the Little Village Magazine, and wrote a monthly column for The Real Mainstream. For three years in a row he was named Best Poet/Spoken Word Performer in Cedar Rapids & Iowa City.
Dr. McCurdy, is a Professor of Music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, where he served as chair of the jazz department for 6 years. Dr. McCurdy is a consultant to the Grammy Foundation educational programs including serving as director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Guest artists he has worked with include Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Leslie Uggams, Arturo Sandoval, Diane Schuur, Ramsey Lewis, Mercer Ellington, Dr. Billy Taylor, Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, and Dianne Reeves.

Author Spotlight Featuring Joe Geha
2023-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KHOI Community Radio Station, 622 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010
Join us for an Author Spotlight featuring Joe Geha, author of Kitchen Arabic. Hear stories about his aromatic dishes and the writing of his book, which is a fabulous holiday gift idea for the “home chefs” in your life.
Joe Geha, Professor Emeritus at Iowa State University, is also the author of Through and Through: Toledo Stories, and Lebanese Blonde. His poems, plays, essays and short stories have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies. His work was granted an NEA award, Pushcart Prize, and the Arab American Book Award.
Copies of Kitchen Arabic, perfect for your holiday gift-giving, will be available for purchase and author signing.

This event is held in partnership with the
Ames Writers Collective and KHOI Community Radio.

Author Spotlight Featuring Gary Eller
2023-11-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KHOI Community Radio Station, 622 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010
Join us for an Author Spotlight featuring Gary Eller, author of True North.
Eller’s previous collection of short fiction, THIN ICE AND OTHER RISKS (New Rivers Press) was well-received and described by one reviewer as “reminiscent of Raymond Carver’s best work.” In addition to many short stories, he has published nonfiction articles on various topics such as commercial fishing in Alaska, rare museum collections, and post-divorce life. He has also published interviews and several articles on the craft of writing. His focus in the nonfiction genre, however, has been on baseball, one of his many loves.
His writing awards include the River City Award in Fiction, the Fowler Prize, and a Minnesota Voices Award, among others. He is a former Pushcart Prize nominee and recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also taught fiction and nonfiction at Iowa State University and lectured widely on aspects of creative writing.
Copies of True North will be available for purchase and author signing.

This event is held in partnership with the
Ames Writers Collective and KHOI Community Radio.

Building Community through the Art of Writing
2023-11-13 13:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Bethesda Fellowship Hall, 1517 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA, 50010

Author Spotlight Featuring Dr. Douglas Gentile
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KHOI Community Radio Station, 622 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010
Join us for an Author Spotlight featuring Dr. Douglas Gentile, author and Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Iowa State University. A Zen Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, he wrote and narrated the best-selling audiobook Buddhism 101: How to Walk Easily over Rough Ground and Finding the Freedom to Get Unstuck and Be Happier. He has been featured on such radio shows as National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, To the Point, the BBC World Service, and his work has been reported on CNN, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Jo Frost’s Extreme Parental Guidance, as well as the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times.
Copies of Buddhism 101: How to Walk Easily over Rough Ground and Finding the Freedom to Get Unstuck and Be Happier will be available for purchase and author signing.
This event is held in partnership with the Ames Writers Collective and KHOI Community Radio.

John Stoddard Cancer Center | An Evening With the Ames Writers Collective
2023-10-19 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Writing Through Cancer with the
Ames Writers Collective
A safe space is created for attendees to write for timed intervals to writing prompts. Writing prompts inspire stories from our lives. After each timed-writing session, participants will have the opportunity to read their stories to the group, which is healing on many levels.
Facilitator: Ana McCracken, Founder of the Ames Writers Collective
Location: Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines; Off the menu ordering of food, snacks & coffee will be provided

This program is sponsored by
John Stoddard Cancer Center

Writing That Scary Thing—A Women's Writing Retreat
2023-10-16 08:00 - 2023-10-18 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 East Boyson Road, Hiawatha, 52233, United States
Writing That Scary Thing—A Women’s Writing Retreat
at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
in Hiawatha, Iowa
Most of us give little thought to how we would like to be remembered in our obituaries. The thought of writing it may be scary. But writing your obituary does not signal the end of your life. Instead, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, receive feedback from others, and to plan how you wish to live the rest of your best life. And, wouldn’t you rather be the author of your obituary as opposed to leaving the writing of your life to someone else?
This two-and-a-half day workshop will help demystify writing about ourselves and explore the history of obituaries—both newspaper and online versions. Step-by-step exercises will help each of us gather our own anecdotal and biographical data, and easy writing exercises will produce draft obituaries, both online and newspaper versions. During our final-evening celebration, everyone will be invited to read their obituary to the group.
Join Mary Lou Nosco and Ana McCracken for a fun-filled and reflective writing retreat at Prairiewoods. You don’t have to be “a writer” to join us. During our time together, we will gather in community for walks, good food and conversation, and time to reflect and write. And, of course there will be wine!
Ana McCracken received her B.S and MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University, and she the founder of the Ames Writers Collective. Ana enjoys reading a well-written obituary, and wants to be the author of her own.

Mary Lou Nosco has a B.A. in history, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and is a retired Army officer. While in the Army, Nosco wrote too many obituaries for soldiers. Additionally, she has written obituaries for five family members and would like to spare her own family that duty.

DATES
Arrival: October 16 (Noon)
Departure: October 18 (by 1 pm)
COST: $295 includes lodging (single rooms) and meals, materials and wine! Click here for payment instructions or to make inquiry. Pre-assignments and itinerary will be sent closer to the retreat date. Plan to bring a notebook and pen and/or your laptop for writing and taking notes.

John Stoddard Cancer Center | Writing Through Cancer
2023-10-09 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | On Zoom
Writing Circle Mondays are open to cancer patients and cancer survivors who have completed treatments and who are served by the John Stoddard Cancer Center.
Each evening during this 8-week session, a safe space is created to write and respond to each other’s writing. Stories and/or poems are inspired by writing prompts. Sharing stories with the group is healing on many levels.

“I’ve come to regard Writing Through Cancer writing circles as an integral part of my cancer treatment. As much as I appreciate the efforts of my medical team and support from family and friends, I still feel an “aloneness” in this journey. Writing Through Cancer writing circles has proved a convenient opportunity to air my worries, concerns, hopes and fears that only another cancer patient can truly fathom. It is a safe space to share insights, tears, and laughter.” – NJ
These writing sessions are held on Zoom to enable individuals to write from the comfort of their home. A reminder and Zoom link will be sent prior to each session.
We will meet on:
Oct 9, 23, & 30. Nov 13, 20, & 27. Dec 11 & 18.
This program is sponsored by John Stoddard Cancer Center as part of the Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Program

Writing A Life Into Memoir—An introductory workshop on craft
2023-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Join author, Tom Montgomery Fate for an introductory workshop that teaches craft strategies to mine your life stories. Points shared during this workshop are useful for other genres such as fiction and poetry. Strategies shared during our time together are intended to inspire your writing. This workshop will not include in-depth writing, however bring a pen and paper or laptop for brief generative exercises and to capture your ideas.
Tom Montgomery Fate is a professor emeritus at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where he taught creative writing and literature courses. He is the author of six books of creative nonfiction, including The Long Way Home: Detours and Discoveries, a Travel Memoir. A regular contributor to the Chicago Tribune, his essays have appeared in the Boston Globe, Baltimore Sun, The Iowa Review, and many others. His essays have aired on NPR, PRI and Chicago Public Radio.
To register for this FREE event, click here. The workshop will be held in the Danfoss Room at the Ames Public Library.
Provided in partnership with the Ames Writers Collective and the Ames Public Library

Swift Literary Festival—Pop-Up Event
2023-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Octagon Art Festival, 409 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
Join the Ames Writers Collective at our
2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival
at the Octagon Art Festival
Sunday, September 24th from 10 to 4 PM
Under our tent located in front of 409 Douglas Avenue, we will feature the following:
LOCAL AUTHORS
10 to 11:30
Bi Ayers
Tom Geraty
Jackie Haley
11:30 to 1
Hallie Baur
Stephanie (S.L.) Hansen
Pamela Riney-Kehrberg
Moriah Rose
1 to 2:30
Paul Brooke
Dennis Maulsby
Clara McKenna
2:30 to 4
Joe Geha
Pattie and Kevin Kimle
Deb Kline

Writing-prompt free-writes
A chance to contribute to our Community Story
A contributor to last year’s Community Story!

Author Spotlight Featuring Pamela Riney-Kehrberg
2023-09-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KHOI Community Radio Station, 622 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010
Join us for our Author Spotlight featuring Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, author and Distinguished Professor of History at Iowa State University. She will read excerpts her latest book, When a Dream Dies: Agriculture, Iowa, and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, and take questions from the audience.
Pamela Riney-Kehrberg is a Distinguished Professor of History, and the author or editor of a number of books, including Rooted in Dust: Surviving Drought and Depression in Southwestern Kansas, Childhood on the Farm: Work, Play and Coming of Age in the Midwest, and The Nature of Childhood: An Environmental History of Growing Up in America, 1865-Present. She is the author of a historical book for children, Always Plenty To Do: Growing Up on the Farm in the Long Ago. When a Dream Dies is her latest book.
Copies of When a Dream Dies will be available for purchase and author signing.
This event is held in partnership with the Ames Writers Collective and KHOI Community Radio.

Author Spotlight Featuring Deb Kline
2023-09-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KHOI Community Radio Station, 622 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010
Join us for our Author Spotlight featuring Deb Kline, author and singer songwriter, who will read excerpts, lyrics, and poems from her book Forgetting to Remember: A Healer’s Journey of Surviving and Thriving. She will share her process as a nontraditional writer and take questions from the audience.
As an Ames author and entrepreneur, Deb Kline shares her passion for thriving beyond trauma by inspiring others to discover their inner healer. Her music, art, writing, and holistic practice, Wellspring Wellness, LLC, collectively expand the ability of individuals and communities to hold, honor, and validate difficult stories while celebrating kindred survivors.
Copies of Forgetting to Remember will be available for purchase and author signing.
This event is held in partnership with the Ames Writers Collective and KHOI Community Radio.
