Festival Overview
Testimonials
“[Our instructor’s] performance as a teacher was flat-out virtuosic. She asked us to send her nine poems or other samples of writing before we met in Iowa and to answer some questions about our interests. In her workshop, she seamlessly wove this information together with examples of great writing and with exercises to help us generate new work. She did this with grace and humor and a total respect for each participant. I have never felt in such good hands. We worked hard and grew artistically and produced a lot. I will never forget this week.”
Judy Neri
Silver Spring, Maryland
“Summer in Iowa City is a writer’s utopia! Each day is challenging and inspiring and leaves you wanting more. It is such a joy and encouragement to be part of a vibrant, creative body of people.”
Juline Grabowski
Union City, California
“The tone of the workshop was positive and encouraging. Our instructor met the needs of a diverse group of writers—our resumes varied from relative beginner to workshop veteran—and displayed great skill leading discussions and eliciting helpful comments. We’re not talking everybody-gets-a-hug, mind you. High standards are implicit in his teaching. His love of the craft shines through. His jokes aren’t bad either.”
David Penhale
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Now, three months later, my wheels are still turning, thinking, working on how to employ all that I learned.”
Jacinta Hart
West Branch, Iowa
“[The instructor] taught me how to find the theme of my novel and how to stay true to that theme while moving the story forward. . . . It’s been the most productive learning experience I’ve ever had . . . and so much fun.”
Vicky Myers
New York, New York
“I felt privileged to be among such a rich mix of talents and backgrounds and ages. Published writers (not just our instructor!) and seekers, like myself. Our class had a three-generation family of writers—residents of Oklahoma, New Jersey, California, Iowa, Colorado and New York; artists, administrators, dancers, and on.”
Becky Hoffbauer
Iowa City, Iowa
“Time and again I return to Iowa City for my writers’ education because of the dedication of faculty to their students. My instructor spoke of writing poetry as the making of art. The bar is set high. Something important is at stake. What goes on at the Festival is sublime, not cookie-cut and transplantable anywhere else.”
C.J. Anthony
St. Paul, Minnesota
“This is my fifth year attending. I find the experience exhilarating—reading scripts and having them critiqued, the ambience of the town, the people, the bookstore, others who are interested in the same aspects of writing. I have made wonderful, lasting friends here.””
Grace Fishman
Highland Park, Illinois
“When I came into the course, my novel had a beginning, middle, and end, all in parts. The course provided the information and the devices I need to fill in the cracks and pull the parts together. Our instructor and the others in the group suggested new directions I could take. The workshop helped me focus my writing, while making it more complex. It’s also given me the confidence I need to continue.”
Richard Modlin
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama
“[Our instructor] could teach the art of making mashed potatoes, and the class would be spellbinding.”
Andy Harp
Columbus, Georgia
“This workshop . . . was a gift to myself after years of focusing on family and work. It exceeded every expectation—and my expectations were high. I will definitely be back!”
Jan Sokoloff Harness
Olathe, Kansas
“[The instructor] was the type of leader I’ve dreamed of: constructive, compassionate, kind, organized, and supportive. I was impressed with his assignments, which each built upon the other and with the utmost care and direction.”
Mary Shannon
Portland, Oregon
“It was an illuminating and productive week. I leave with all kinds of new ideas and renewed motivation for the work ahead.”
Jach Pursel
Santa Barbara, California
“[The instructor’s] teaching style was gentle, intuitive, encouraging. She set up a very supportive atmosphere, and we connected really well as a group. It was more than I could have hoped for. Perhaps most importantly, my writing improved tremendously. I got to a deeper level that I had been unable to reach before.”
Susan Cole
Delray Beach, Florida
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Sponsored by the Division of Continuing Education
Iowa Summer Writing Festival
C215 Seashore Hall
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone 319-335-4160
FAX 319-335-4743
iswfestival@uiowa.edu
Last updated on February 11, 2008