Laura Belin talks Iowa politics

During our Monday Zoom lunch session, Laura Belin had 40-50 participants on the call, where the day's appetite was for all things political. Belin is an Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member and the Bleeding Heartland blog publisher. Take a listen to one of the most thoughtful analysts around. Lee Rood will be our guest on Monday, November 20. She is an investigative reporter who created a reader Watchdog column for The Des Moines Register. She recently published a blockbuster series on abuse at Boys Town. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/reports-sex-abuse-iconic-boys-town-youth-home-omaha-kept-secret-publicWe’ll discuss the series, other interests, and stories she’s written. On her own time, she’s enthusiastic about local music and musicians and will be helping us put together songwriting workshops during the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. Lee is also a popular workshop presenter on storytelling and research during OWR.Please join the call on Monday. Zoom with Lee RoodDudley Alert If you’re curious about life with the new puppy, check out Dudley Locked Himself in the Bathroom. Party!Join Belin and members of the IWC community for a celebration of our paid subscribers on December 7. Kyle Munson gives background about the location where the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative will be holding a holiday party on December 7, 5-6:30 p.m. Many of our members will be on hand, including those who have fond memories of the house when Governor Harold Hughes and Bob Ray occupied it, then the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Association. Please meet and mingle with Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members Wini Moranville, Pat Kinney, Chuck Offenburger, Kyle Munson, Robert Leonard, Ed Tibbetts, Jody Gifford, Suzanna de Baca, Laura Belin, Dave Busiek, John Naughton, Kali White VanBaale, Cheryl Tevis, Julie Gammack, Macey Shoforth, Jane Nguyen, Jeff Morrison, and Beth Hoffman.The mansion's current owner, John Beard, will offer a few words of historical interest about the home, and there might be some informal storytelling. The event is meant to be a fun, casual gathering. It’s a “thank you” to all who support our Iowa writers roster.Please RSVP if you’re a paid subscriber. If you’re not a paid subscriber (and want to attend the party), become one. It’s easy. RSVP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe