Indiana may not have the literary pedigree of cities such as New York or San Francisco.
But from James Whitcomb Riley to Kurt Vonnegut to modern authors such as John Green, the state has its share of world-class authors.
Starting next school year, Franklin College and the entire Franklin community will celebrate that history and recognize some of the best Hoosier authors and poets working today.
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The college has organized a series of book readings and literature-related events to start in September in an effort to raise awareness and change perception of modern writing. “The Future is Now: Indiana Creative Writers Read” will bring accomplished Hoosier authors to campus to read from their works and discuss its potential impact.
While Franklin College is the host of the series, the entire Johnson County community is invited to attend.
“Sometimes, we think of writing as happened a long time ago, or something that people aren’t doing currently or that we don’t have access to,” said Callista Buchen, English professor at Franklin College and organizer of the series. “So a reading series is a great way to demonstrate how vibrant and alive the writing scene is.”
The program is made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities, a statewide nonprofit aimed at connecting people by encouraging them to read, think and discuss.
Franklin College received $1,997 to bring the writers to the area. The college was one of 13 applicants to receive a Humanities Initiative Grant. Indiana Humanities bestows the grants on projects that engage the public while introducing them to the wide scope of the humanities, said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities.
“Dynamic humanities programs such as these are vital to Hoosiers,” she said. “They help us learn more about our communities, view history
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“The Future is Now: Indiana Creative Writers Read”
What: A reading series bringing some of the best Indiana authors and poets to Franklin College.
When: Events are planned for September, November and either February or March 2017; exact dates are still being finalized.
How it’s made possible: The series is funded with a $1,997 grant from Indiana Humanities. Franklin College matched that grant in contributions, as well.
Where will it be: The readings will be conducted in the Johnson Center for Fine Arts on the Franklin College campus.
Who can come: The series is free and open to the public.
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