News & Events

AWC Author Talk – Janis Cooke Newman September 29, 2021 Join me October 3 at 4pm as I talk with author Janis Cooke Newman about books, craft, and the writer’s life. Janis Cooke Newman is the author of two award-winning historical novels, Mary: Mrs. A. Lincoln and A Master Plan … Continue Reading→		Ames Tribune Picks Up Launch of Ames Writers Collective September 22, 2021 The Ames Tribune has posted a nice piece on the Ames Writer’s Collective, with a bit of background on why I’ve created it, as well as the upcoming launch. From the article: Author Ana McCracken saw a need in the … Continue Reading→
August 11, 2021 I am honored to be interviewed by Anna Jinja Magnusson on her Heart2Heart Messages radio show on KHOI 98.1 FM Continue Reading→		Write Around The World with Ana McCracken May 24, 2021 Every May, Amherst Writers & Artists workshop leaders across the globe Write Around the World (WAW) in order to raise funds. For as little as $5 or up to $20, you can write with me in support of writing! Continue Reading→
KHOI Radio Interview May 10, 2021 Join our lively conversation about writing and books on Mary Richards's "Community Book Shelf" program, Tuesday May 11th, at 1 pm (CT) Continue Reading→		Member of the Week – Ames Community Arts Council April 17, 2021 I am honored to be chosen as the Member of the Week! The Ames Community Arts Council is a wonderful local resource for those who enjoy the arts and want to support art and artists here in Ames, Iowa. Some … Continue Reading→
Workshop: Writing Small in Memoir, Spring 2021 – SOLD OUT February 24, 2021 Writing Small in Memoir at OLLI ISUAA, Spring 2021 In this six-week course, we will focus on “making the most of small moments.” Drawn from personal experiences – encapsulated memories – we will write memoir in short form. (Max: ~700 … Continue Reading→		Emerging Writers Series – Thursday, November 5, 2020 November 5, 2020 If you missed the live Iowa State University MFA Program in Creative Writing & Environment Emerging Writers Series this evening, you can view it here. This evening I read from my MFA thesis, Redacted Lives A Memoir. My reading is … Continue Reading→
Going Virtual—An Afternoon with Debra Marquart at the Author Café October 2, 2020 Sunday, October 4th, the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation will feature Debra Marquart, Iowa’s Poet Laureate at the Author Café. Normally this event takes place in the auditorium of the Ames Public Library with tea service and delectable edibles. Due … Continue Reading→		Write With Ana! \| Friday, May 29 \| 2-4 CDT May 21, 2020 Every May, workshop leaders across the globe Write Around the World (WAW) and raise funds in support of Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) and its mission. What kind of writing experience is it? During our two hours together in a virtual modality, … Continue Reading→
Shooting The Curl—Forthcoming in Telepoem Booth® Iowa March 9, 2020 My poem, “Shooting The Curl” was accepted by Telepoem Booth® Iowa. Once Telepoem Booth® Iowa is live, you’ll be able to dial in and hear me read “Shooting The Curl”—a one-sentence rant about my search for the perfect hairstylist in Iowa. Forthcoming March … Continue Reading→		SOLD OUT: The Micro-Memoir February 21, 2020 The Micro-Memoir: Writing for the Moment Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 Six Weeks, March 30 – May 4 Cost: $60 In this six-week course, we will focus on “making the most of a moment.” Drawn from personal experiences—quirky memories, meeting a … Continue Reading→
Emerging Writers Reading Series January 20, 2020 One of the perks of the MFA in Creative Writing and Environment Program at Iowa State University is the monthly Emerging Writers Reading Series. At this event, attended by writing colleagues and the community, MFA candidates read from their work … Continue Reading→		Bookclub Presentation-June 10th, 2019 (Private Event) April 18, 2019 Today I accepted my first invitation to present at a local Ames bookclub. Continue Reading→
103rd President – Iowa State University Women’s Club April 15, 2019 Today the Iowa State University Women’s Club held their annual spring luncheon. Those who attended were treated to a wonderful program featuring operatic bass-baritone, Simon Estes. An Iowa native, and Iowa Treasure, Simon was born in Centerville, and has sung … Continue Reading→		The Avy Report – Mommy’s a Graduate Student July 10, 2018 Last fall, Mommy surprised friends and family by announcing she was heading back to school. Her goal—to get accepted into the MFA in creative writing and environment program at IOWA STATE (ISU). I capitalize IOWA STATE, because invariably if Mommy doesn’t … Continue Reading→
The Typewriter Cookie & the Legacy of Lisa Bonchek Adams July 10, 2018 The other day an email landed in my inbox from Rita Bonchek, mother of Lisa Bonchek Adams. Many of my writer friends will remember Lisa for the blogs she wrote after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Lisa, … Continue Reading→		Fun, and Hats, at the 2018 Cardinal & Gold Gala February 15, 2018 The 2018 Iowa State Alumni Association fundraiser raises money for scholarships and more. Great fun was had by all, but sadly, no awards for "Best Hat" were given. Continue Reading→
Elizabeth Berg Said Yes! September 6, 2017 Elizabeth Berg said yes to my invitation for her to speak next year at the Peninsula Volunteers Annual Authors Salon on Sunday, March 25th, 2018. Continue Reading→		Ana Goes (Back) to School August 22, 2017 On my way to being an over-achieving, “A” student this time around. First day of my non-degree creative non-fiction class. First assignment…Done. If I can pass two sections of the GREs, I’ll apply for the degree program in January. Continue Reading→
Sonoma Writer’s Camp Recap August 7, 2017 The Sonoma County Writer's Camp with Ellen Sussman & Elizabeth Stark, was an amazing experience. We wrote, ate, hiked, laughed and bunked together for 5 days, breaking boundaries and taking risks with our writing. Continue Reading→		Paparazzi Moment April 9, 2017 At the Iowa State University Fashion Show, Ed and I were caught on the red carpet by the local paparazzi! I am so proud of The Fashion Show produced by my college at Iowa State. The fashion merchandising program is ranked #3 in the nation and #1 in the Midwest. Continue Reading→
SF Examiner’s Love Letters Column March 18, 2015 Letters I found in the back of my parents master bedroom linen closet are the subject of Janet Gallin's SF Love Letter Examiners column. Continue Reading→		Chicken Soup Reissue March 9, 2015 Exiting news: Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul (2008) in which I was a contributor is getting reissued under a new title. Continue Reading→
Congratulations to Suzanne Brazil March 8, 2015 A very special congratulations to Suzanne Brazil for getting published in the recent release: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks to My Mom. Continue Reading→