An image of the logo for Write Now: The University of Iowa's Writing Contests.

Announcing the Winners of the University of Iowa 100-Word Microstory Contest

Thank you to the 175 UI alumni and friends who submitted microstories during July’s contest.

We asked participants to create a fictional story of 100 words or less based on one of two photographs celebrating the UI Alumni Marching Band’s 50th Anniversary.  

Prompt A

Prompt A, a man with a flag
Photo credit: Tim Schoon

Prompt B

Prompt B, a man playing the trumpet
Photo credit: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement (2018)

Our judges worked diligently the past few weeks to read submissions that poured in from 32 states, Washington, D.C., and as far away as the Netherlands.

Without further ado, here are the winning microstories. Winners in each of the four grade-school categories will receive a conductor's baton (handle made from a tree on the UI campus) and a $25 bookshop.org gift card. The winners of the two adult categories will each receive a conductor's baton (handle made from a tree on the UI campus) and a $50 bookshop.org gift card.

2023 UI 100-Word Microstory Contest, Winning Stories and Honorable Mentions

Thank you to all who participated! Please join us for the next Write Now contest: Hawkeye Haiku, Oct. 25–Nov. 8. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading these stories from your fellow Hawkeyes as much as we did!

Enjoy the music of the Hawkeye Marching Band.

It's time to get ready for the boom! Immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of the Hawkeye Marching Band. The Hawkeye Marching Band performs in many different venues, including home football games, the Homecoming Parade (along with the Alumni Marching Band), and the annual Band Extravaganza. Visit the Hawkeye Marching Band website to learn about the people and history behind one of the university’s greatest gems.

Still have the writing bug?

Keep your creative juices flowing by exploring these University of Iowa literary resources.

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.