Indiana Writers Center Honored As 2020 Literary Champion

The Indiana Writers Center has been declared Indiana’s 2020 Literary Champion by the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards. 

For more than three decades, the Indiana Writers Center has instructed, coached and encouraged Indiana writers ranging from novices embarking on their first literary adventures to accomplished authors with long lists of publications. Founded in 1979 by the late writer and teacher Jim Powell, the Indiana Writers Center is the only statewide organization dedicated to writers and writing.  

 Awarded to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the community of readers and writers in Indiana, the Literary Champion Award is part of the biennial Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards, designed by Indiana Humanities with support from Glick Philanthropies.  

“The Indiana Writers Center is a champion of Indiana writing in the truest sense of the word,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “It not only has allowed countless Indiana writers to raise their voices and sharpen their skills, but it has also given them a community and worked tirelessly to put the works of Indiana writers in front of readers.”  

 Based at the Circle City Industrial Complex in Indianapolis, the Indiana Writers Center offers a variety of workshops and classes for writers, as well as events that have attracted nationally known authors such as W.S. Merwin, Mary Oliver, Thomas Mallon, Tim O’Brien and Rita Dove. It also publishes a magazine featuring Indiana writers and provides enrichment opportunities that include memoir projects and a summer learning program for at-risk youth.  

 “This award is truly an honor, and we are so grateful to be recognized for one of the best parts of our mission: supporting writers and writing in Indiana,” said Rachel Sahaidachny, executive director of the Indiana Writers Center.  “It’s thrilling that after 40 years the Indiana Writers Center is still here helping writers in Indiana achieve their goals. IWC’s founder, Jim Powell, passed away this year—and he is on my mind as we accept this award, and we hope to thrive for another 40 years (and more).” 

 “I am delighted to see the Indiana Writers Center honored as Literary Champion because we share the same passion: to raise the profile of Indiana writers and encourage them in their work,” said Marianne Glick, chair of the Glick Family Foundation and daughter of Eugene and Marilyn Glick. “The Writers Center has done immeasurable good for writers and writing in Indiana, and I look forward to seeing how they help Hoosiers tell their unique stories for many years to come.”  

 On Sept. 1, the Indiana Authors Awards announced the eight books being recognized with awards in 2020. Chosen from among 35 shortlisted works, the winning submissions were written by a diverse collection of authors who all have deep connections to Indiana. To see the list of winners, go to www.IndianaAuthorsAwards.org.