Lindsay Li at Iowa Young Writer’s Studio
Lindsay (AQF '25) shares her reflections on the IYWS creative writing program and how it was a life-changing experience.
"This summer, with the support of the Anthony Quinn Foundation, I attended the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (IYWS) summer program. I had been hoping for the chance since middle school, after I’d heard tales of high school writers who’d made it in and loved their experience. I had also started writing more seriously around that time and, though I hadn’t yet decided that I would try and pursue creative writing in college as well, I knew that IYWS would be a life-changing experience for me if I was admitted to the program. Now, I’m glad to say that it was and that I learned from fantastic instructors, became friends with very talented writers, and read works that I would have never found on my own.
Though high schoolers in grades before me praised the program, I had actually never heard anything about how it was organized. I expected an intense, perhaps even grueling, day-to-day workflow where everyone was expected to write an inordinate amount. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the balance between workshop and independent work time. With one morning and one afternoon session, each two hours in length, there was actually plenty of time to finish assignments and readings, explore Iowa City, or play board games with friends. There were a variety of planned evening activities as well, both in town and downstairs in the residential hall.
I felt extremely welcome during the entire process. My workshop peers, instructor, roommate and friends I met out of workshop, and counselor were all very easy to talk to and I have fond memories of chatting while walking in town, having brunch as a group of seven, playing Gartic Phone on the last day of workshop, and surprising our instructor with a painting while he was out sick. I was honestly intimidated by everyone at camp first because of how impressive their accomplishments were, but I made friends quickly and already had a group of people I could depend on by the end of the first week.
Ultimately, my experience at IYWS was amazing, and I would absolutely repeat the two weeks or even extend my time there if I had the opportunity. I’m so grateful to the Anthony Quinn Foundation for recognizing my potential and allowing me to fulfill a dream of mine. To anyone considering applying for a scholarship or filling out the IYWS application form, I encourage you to go for it. I have absolutely no regrets, and chances are that you won’t either."
Lindsay Li