Iowans writing about Iowa

Amanda Morgan - Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, a 1991 Kennedy High School grad, 1995 UNI grad with a BA degree in Public Relations/Journalism. Lives in Cedar Rapids with husband John, daughter Eva and lab/basset hound mix Buster.

Anne Kapler was born in Cedar Rapids, went to college in Iowa City and joined the working world with a job in Waterloo. She’s happy to be back in Cedar Rapids where she writes, edits and runs a digital photo booth rental company with her husband.

Annette Juergens Busbee - A lifelong Iowa resident, Annette’s reporting and writing career spans over 20 years. She is now an editor and writer for Gazette Communication. When not cheering at one of her sons’ soccer matches, she and her husband like to travel and discover places both in and outside of Iowa.

B.J. Smith – Smith has lived in Des Moines, Stacyville, Iowa City, Ottumwa, Clive and Davenport. He and his wife, Sue Davis Smith, now live in Cedar Rapids, where he blogs about Iowa, bicycling and other stuff.

Catherine Spencer – Catherine Spencer is a freelance writer and active volunteer in Marion, Iowa. She has one husband, two kids and three cats, and although she loves to travel, she is always glad to come home to Iowa.

Erin Roman – I have lived in Cedar Rapids my entire life, but temporarily reside in Iowa City while attending the University of Iowa. I am majoring in English Secondary Education with a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication. Some of my hobbies include camping, writing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Gale K. Smetana is an assistant professor in the Communications Media/Public Relations program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids with more than 20-years of television news related experience both in the U.S. and abroad. A native of Council Bluffs, she has lived as far away as Lisbon, Portugal and Greer, South Carolina, before returning to her home state in 2000.

Gloria Aleff – My writing career started as chief copywriter for Gloria Aleff & Assoc., Advertising and Public Relations Agency in Waverly, IA. In 1989, I moved to Southern California and authored three Limited Edition Disney books. In 2000, I moved back to Iowa and started a career as a freelance journalist and the opportunity to live near my daughter, Janell and her children, Sarah, Blake and Lauren in Coralville.

Jan Clarke – Jan Clarke is an award-winning freelance writer who lives with her husband and two sons near Lisbon, IA—roughly 40 minutes from where her father spent his childhood on the banks of the Wapsi. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and sleeping.

Judy Baldwin – Born and raised in Iowa City, Judy Baldwin has spent nearly 30 years in media and marketing following her graduation from Coe College, Cedar Rapids.

Kathy Hogan – Kathy Hogan grew up in Cedar Rapids and has a degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. She has been an editor, writer, and has worked in marketing and employee communications in the area for the past 23 years.

Katie Mills Giorgio – Katie Mills Giorgio is a freelance writer living, writing and raising kids in her hometown of Cedar Rapids. She’s moved out of state (out of the country even) four times but keeps coming to back to Iowa…not just for the corn, but because there’s no place like home!

Maggie Mills is a recent graduate of Loras College in Dubuque and is happy to be back living and working in her hometown of Cedar Rapids.

Misti Huedepohl – This Iowa native has written for web and print since 2004. As a freelance writer, Misti’s repertoire spans feature stories, annual reports, brochures, promotional materials and more.

Nancy Owen – A native of California, Nancy graduated from the University of Kansas. She now lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband and three children. She works for a national non-profit in media relations.

 We’re always looking for good Iowa writers and photographers, if you have a idea or something to contribute, please email tracy@iowa.com