Times-Republican contributor and former staff writer Sara Jordan-Heintz, is again a recipient of the Artist Innovation Grant sponsored by the Arts + Culture Alliance.

As one of six people awarded the grant in 2025, she used her funding to establish The Write Club, which met in person June through November at the Marshalltown Public Library. The group then moved to Zoom only from December 2025 through February 2026. It returns in person March 21 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in Meeting Room B of the Marshalltown Public Library. Meetings will be held monthly through November. Additional sessions are scheduled for these dates, with more to be finalized: April 18, May 16 and June 13, all in Meeting Room B, same time.

“The Write Club is a wonderful example of how our Artist Innovation Grant empowers local creatives to build meaningful connections through their work,” said Amber Danielson, executive director of the Arts + Culture Alliance. “By creating a welcoming space for writers of all ages to learn, share, and grow together, Sara is strengthening Marshalltown’s creative community in a way that is inclusive, inspiring, and deeply impactful.”

The Write Club is free to join and open to writers seeking feedback, encouragement, camaraderie and assistance getting published.

“During last year’s grant cycle, my club saw participation from people ranging in age from 11 to 81, mainly from Marshalltown, but from as far away as Belle Plaine and Baxter,” Jordan-Heintz said. “Our members write in a variety of genres and range from published authors, students, business professionals, retirees, and those who write only as a hobby — their works meant for their eyes only. Everyone has a safe place in The Write Club.”

As one of four people receiving the Artist Innovation Grant for the second year, Jordan-Heintz has these goals in mind for 2026: build off last year’s momentum, recruit new members and offer some mentoring time exclusively for teens.

Jordan-Heintz, who is a journalist, author, book editor and writes speculative fiction in her spare time, has enjoyed mentoring and sharing her insights with participants.

“I always say ‘use me as a resource.’ Learn from my mistakes, but also take a leap of faith like I have, which has led to some unique publishing opportunities,” she said. “I lead group discussions plus lecture on a writing topic of interest at each session. Pick up writing tips, let me help you navigate the publishing process, how to pitch story ideas, stay organized, and keep sane while doing what we love: writing.”

Registration for the first session is appreciated, but not required. For more information, to register for sessions, or to suggest a topic(s) for discussion, contact her at: sara.jordan909@gmail.com.