October 28, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska
The Barton Community College Library and editors of Barton’s “Prairie Ink” literary journal will host a Writers’ Workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Cavanaugh Room of the Learning Resource Center and via Zoom at https://bartonccc-edu.zoom.us/my/brownj.
The workshop, titled “Flashbacks and Backstories,” will focus on how a character’s past shapes their choices and motivations. Participants will learn techniques for weaving past events into the present to create more believable and memorable characters.
Participants will work with “Prairie Ink” editors and Barton Library staff before completing a hands-on activity to develop a defining memory or backstory for a character of their own.
The event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Additional monthly writing workshops are scheduled for Jan. 21, Feb. 18, and March 25, 2027. The annual “Prairie Ink” release party will be April 22.
“Prairie Ink” is also accepting submissions for Issue 18 through Nov. 30. Submissions are encouraged by Barton students, alumni, and residents of Barton’s seven-county service area. Writing and artwork are accepted, with a limit of three submissions per person per year. Late submissions will be considered for the 2028 edition.
For more information about the workshops or submission guidelines, visit prairieink.bartonccc.edu.