Ames Writers Collective
On Monday, April 13th, our founder Ana McCracken spoke with Nathan Porter on Studio 308’s Face to Face segment. During their conversation, Nathan, an Iowa State University Journalism student, and Ana discussed the Ames Writers Collective outreach programs, Writing Through Cancer and the Swift Youth Writers Workshop. To close the conversation, they briefly touched upon Ana’s memoir, Redacted: A Memoir of Adoption.
Teens in 6th – 12th grade are invited to escape into creative writing and connect with other writers. Regardless of your genre, for five days writers will come together in a safe space to write together to writing prompts. We’ll touch upon fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry collage and more. The week’s writing will be published in the Swift Youth Writers Summer 2026 anthology. 
We’ll wrap up each day with meals from the Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens at 12pm.
Up to 12 spots are available. To register, CLICK HERE.
FREE Writing Workshop for youth grades 6 to 12.
The Swift Youth Writers Workshops are designed to nurture creative writing and in-person connections among youth.
The 4th Annual Swift Youth Writers Workshop—a week-long writing workshop scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ames Public Library.
FREE Writing Workshop for youth grades 6 to 12.
The Swift Youth Writers Workshops are designed to nurture creative writing and in-person connections among youth.
The 4th Annual Swift Youth Writers Workshop—a week-long writing workshop scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2025, from 10 AM to 12:00 PM at the Ames Public Library.
Unlock Your Creativity This Summer!
Join us for the Swift Youth Writers Free Creative Writing Workshop — a five-day experience for students in grades 6–12 to explore their voice, meet fellow young writers, and grow their storytelling skills in a supportive, fun environment. Whether you love poetry, fiction, or journaling, this workshop is your chance to write, share, and shine.
Held at the Ames Public Library from June 22 – 26 daily at 10 AM – 12 PM. Click here to register.
OUR FACILITATORS:
Connor Ferguson is a graduate of Iowa State University’s MFA Program in Creative Writing and Environment.
Adela Solano Osmundson is a graduate of the Swift Youth Writers programs and is currently studying English at DMACC. She plans to teach middle school English.
The Ames Noon Kiwanis Club is pleased to announce support of the Ames Writers Collective for the week-long Swift Youth Writers Workshop to be held June 24 to 28th at the Ames Public Library.
“As a nonprofit, we are excited to receive this grant which affirms to us that our programs for youth are worthy. Monies received will allow us to pay a facilitator to help facilitate this writing program for Story County youth,” said Ames Writers Collective founder, Ana McCracken.
“This request aligns with the Kiwanis mission to Improve the World one Child and One Community at a Time,” said John Core of the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club. “Specifically it serves the youth of Story County, providing access to arts and culture for all children.”
The Ames Writers Collective is thrilled to receive this award that supports its mission of creating healthy communities through the art of writing.
