Writers Center

The ECC Writers Center is an outreach program for students and community members interested in writing and literature. The Writers Center promotes and coordinates various activities for area writers in all stages of development who wish to share their work in an atmosphere of constructive, respectful criticism.

Reading Series

Welcome to the ECC Writers Center Reading Series, where we showcase the literary brilliance of critically acclaimed authors. These engaging sessions are enriching, free, and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of distinguished writers. For specific event details, please refer to the events calendar provided below.

Coffee House

An opportunity for writers to share their original work is open to all ECC students, faculty, and community members. Whether you want to share, receive feedback, or be part of the audience, join us for the Coffee House events.

Spire Magazine

Spire, ECC's annual literary and visual arts magazine, offers the opportunity for student works to be published. Published each spring by ECC students, Spire welcomes submissions of original works in poetry, prose, drawing, printmaking, and photography.

Contests

Writer's Competition - Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference

This is an annual event for the eight schools in the conference. Each school puts forth three entries in four genres (creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama), which compete for the top three prizes. The deadline will be determined annually and will be posted here once available.

The Paul Simon Essay Contest

The Paul Simon Essay Contest is a one-time $500 scholarship. Students are asked to write a 500-word essay that best describes "How My Community College Has Changed My Life" from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.

The ICCTA Gandhi/King Essay Contest

This is a state-wide competition with a $1,000 award. Students are asked to write a 500-word essay on peace.

2024 Writing Prompt

Both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., advocated for nonviolence as the way to confront the hate and discrimination that so often accompanies the disrespect of other human beings. The work and words of Gandhi and King are both an example and a road map for the way forward for our country. As a community college student, outline a plan that will educate the members of your college community about the scope of the problem and the elements of and rationale for a nonviolent response. In the description of your plan, draw on the lives and writings of Gandhi and King.