In this flagship series, we’re highlighting graduating University of Iowa students who have woven writing into their academic journeys across disciplines.
Today we are featuring Danny Willis, a writing student originally from Detroit, Michigan. She is a recipient of the 7th annual Iowa Chapbook Prize, the Dewey Stuit Fund for Undergraduate Research, and the 2024 Iowa City Open Screen film festival's Audience Choice Award. After graduation, she plans to move to the Chicagoland area to focus on her writing career.
In a few short sentences, tell us how writing impacted your time here at the University of Iowa?
The unique thing about writing at Iowa is the trove of people, events, and opportunities that Iowa City and the University of Iowa provide students with. I now have a massive network of peers, mentors, and community members who I can lean on well beyond my years at Iowa.
What was one of your favorite classes or activities related to writing?
I loved the Undergraduate Writers' Workshop.
What advice would you give to incoming students about writing at Iowa?
The best way to make the most out of your time at Iowa is to get to know your professors and instructors, attend events, and build a group of peers whom you can rely on to give good, honest feedback on your writing.
What are your plans for post-graduation? Any projects, continued studies, or exciting work news we can share?
I simply want to give myself as much time as possible to focus on writing. I plan to move to Northern Illinois, find a day job, and dedicate most of my time to writing. My two main projects are trying to option a screenplay I wrote in an independent study with Rachel Yoder, and editing and eventually querying a novel. If I'm bored enough in ten or so years, I'll start to apply to writing programs.
Find Danny Online!
Instagram: @d_will_hollaatyagirl
Professional website: dwillwriting.com