The Rooms
"[I love] to hear other writers discuss their projects, inspirations, ideas, failures, and successes on all levels- from prolifically published to writing contest winners and runner-ups to those who love to write for the joy of writing. It's all-inclusive and motivating."
--JJ Vorst, community member
Updated 7/28/24
Come find a Room to call home...
THE PARCHMENT LOUNGE
THE VIOLET REALM
THE RAINBOW ROOM
THE CEDAR ROOM
THE SCARLET BOUDOIR
THE GOLDEN ATTIC
THE LIGHTLESS CORRIDOR
Free Writing Space
"The best Room."
--Emily, Parchment Lounge Concierge
About the Room
This is The Writers’ Rooms’ free-write Room! We meet every Monday. Check the schedule for the latest info. Come enjoy a drink and food, work on your craft, and meet fellow writers! All writers are welcome at all of our Rooms, but the Parchment Lounge is not genre-specific.
Attendees are welcome to stay past 8:30pm, but the event ceases to be affiliated with The Writers' Rooms at that time.
Concierges: Emily, Julia, Jill, and Nick.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
"I love my weirdo sci-fi/fantasy writers. My first meeting was like walking into a room full of strangers who were my instant best friends."
--Leslie Kung, Cedar Room Concierge
Concierges: Erin Casey and Meghan Anderson.
About the Room
Ever wanted to learn how to write science fiction and fantasy? The Violet Realm is the place to be!
It was the very first of The Writers' Rooms! Founded back in 2015 under the Iowa Writers' House, it has grown over the years with high retention and a lovely mix of new people.
We've had a vast array of the community join us. From high school students to senior published authors, everyone can find a home here. We've held exciting sessions such as: world building, map making, sci-fi vs fantasy, and outlining your story.
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
A LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
" I love having a safe environment where I can talk about not only my stories with LGBTQ+ characters/themes, but what it's like to be a gay writer and reader."
About the Room (On Hiatus)
Are you part of the LGBTQIA+ community and looking for a safe location to write and learn together? The Rainbow Room is the place to be!
We know how hard it can be to be "out" and find a place to call home. The Rainbow Room is here to support you. With lessons revolving around LGBTQIA+ topics and a wonderful, welcoming concierge team, you can be sure to find a comforting family.
In 2016 and 2017, The Rainbow Room attended Pride in Iowa City. We hosted a booth that included face painting, LGBTQIA jewelry, a "Tell Your Story" booklet for people to share their coming out tales, treats, and bubbles. We had a great turn out and can't wait to attend Pride in 2018.
We've had a vast array of the community join us, especially in the student realm. We've held exciting sessions such as: the coming out story, identity in fiction, and queercoding.
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
Concierge: Patch and Wolf are the Concierges of the Rainbow Room.
CEDAR RAPIDS
"I love hearing everyone's work, and I love how it's been a positive and accepting place for everyone."
- GARRETT, CEDAR ROOM ATTENDEE
Concierges: Shannon!
About the Room
Do you want to dabble in different genres and find the one that's right for you? Have you been unable to find a writing group that appeals to your own genre? Then join us at the all-genre Cedar Room!
This is our first Cedar Rapids Room that we hope will end up splitting up into different genre Rooms, based on need and request in the CR area. Each week we discuss a different topic that can apply to multiple genres.
We've had a vast array of the community join us, from teens to adult published authors and poets. We've held exciting sessions such as: writing habits: integrating writing with life, writer's block, and editing and feedback.
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
ROMANCE
"An excellent environment in which to learn about one of the most challenging aspects of writing. Eliza is an incredible resource."
--ALEX PENLAND, DIRECTOR
About the Room (On Hiatus)
Ever wanted to know how to write romance novels or add romance elements into your stories? Come visit us at the Scarlet Boudoir...oh la la.
We talk about everything from cliche romance themes to how to integrate the theme in a unique way. Whether you're a new writer or experienced, there's always something to learn here!
We've had a vast array of the community join us, including both men and women. We've held exciting sessions such as: the meet cute, why romance?, and The Funny Thing About Love: Comedy & Romance.
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
Poetry
Come join us and express yourself.
--Erin Casey and ALEX PENLAND, DIRECTORs
Concierges: Jill and Shannon are your Concierges for the Golden Attic!
About the Room
Are you a poet? Whether you write freeform or verse, sonnets or sestinas, quatrains or quartets--or anything in-between--come join us at the Golden Attic! All ages, levels of experience, and poetry styles are welcome. We’ll come together and provide prompts, topic discussions, and the chance to write freely.
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
HORROR/MYSTERY
A spooky good time!
--Emily, Parchment lounge concierge
About the Room
Are you a horror writer? Do you like to delve into mystery and the unknown? Whether you write ghost stories, slashers, grimdark—or other spooky tales—come join us at The Lightless Corridor! All ages, levels of experience, and horror/mystery genres are welcome. We’ll come together and provide prompts, topic discussions, and the chance to write freely with Iowa City’s Community!
See image at the top of the page or check the schedule for the latest time and location!
Concierges: Max and Michelle are your Concierges for The Lightless Corridor!
