This past weekend, the OWC attended the AWP conference in Baltimore, representing Iowa's literary legacy at the bookfair, panels, and an off-site reading! Our "Homecoming" event was the highlight of our weekend, and featured Carmen Maria Machado, Paul Harding, Alexander Chee, Sarah Minor, Lauren Haldeman, and Rodney Dailey II. With over 150 attendees, the event was filled with different genres, styles, and voices that form the heart of the Writing University. 

"This particular AWP has been especially magical," said Lauren Haldeman, Iowa Writers' Workshop alumni and author of the brand new book Wild That We Are Alive. "It feels like we are one big family—at the Iowa Homecoming event, but also at the bookfair as a whole. We loved talking to everyone who came by the booth, sat on the couch, got coffee, and picked up our swag. I've had a blast."

The Iowa booth became a meeting place for prospective students, proud alumni, and friendly conversations that made us feel like we were right at home. Thank you to all who stopped by and shared stories that reminded all of us why we love Iowa. We can't wait to see you all again at the next AWP! The future of writing is now, and we are excited to see what comes next. 

Learn more about Iowa's presence at this year's AWP here.