We are excited to announce that the 2014 Montezuma All-Iowa Writers’ Conference will be held on Saturday, September 20 in Montezuma, Iowa.

Writers’ Circle Workshop Opportunity: Wanting to send off that long-brewing book proposal and sample chapter to a publisher or agent? Ready to enlist expert eyes to actually read and provide constructive feedback on your opening pages, not just listen to your pitch? Assuming a well-crafted cover letter, it’s the writing sample that’s likely to make or break your prospects with editors, agents, and potential publishers. Join graduate writers’ workshop core faculty member Zachary Michael Jack as he leads these genre-inclusive, friendly-yet-focused critique sessions for serious writers committed to their craft. To ensure individual attention to each and every manuscript, space is limited to four students per session on a first-register, first-serve basis. Sessions will be held after the 2014 conference on Saturday, Sept. 20. Pre-register for one or more sessions to join this unique, expert-led circle of devoted writers gathered in good-spirited community. All genres welcome. Cost $35 per person, per session. This opportunity is for conference attendees, only. More information is listed on the Zachary Michael Jack page under the 2014 Writers’ Conference header.

Prizes for our 2014 fiction writing contest are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. The rules are: fiction, no more than 2500 words, 1 entry per person, $5 entry fee. The deadline for submitting entries is Sept. 8. Winners will be announced at the 2014 Montezuma All-Iowa Writers’ Conference (need not be present to enter or win).

Our Front Porch Books, located in Montezuma, Iowa, is the proud publisher of two Iowa photography books, Iowa’s Tradition: An ABC Photo Album of the Iowa State Fair and Family Reunion: Midwest Old Threshers, both by J.O. Parker and Debbie Tindle Parker.

Our Front Porch Books also offers freelance design and layout, proofreading, book marketing and typesetting. We also offer various photography options. If you have any of the above needs, please call (641) 990-8026 for details.