September 3, 2014
If you are located in the Indianapolis metro area the Indiana Writers Center is a wonderful local resource.
They offer classes and workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics. The organization is wonderful about ensuring that there are offerings for writers of all skill levels
The Indiana Writers Center is located in north Broad Ripple in the Cultural Complex on the campus of the Indianapolis Art Center. Please note that they do not have regular hours. You will want to visit their website for a list of classes and other events: http://www.indianawriters.org.
June 17, 2014
Today I completed a volunteer orientation training at Indy Reads Books. The parent organization, Indy Reads, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving adult literacy in Indianapolis. Nearly 20% of adults in Marion County struggle with reading, so needless to say this organization is very much needed. Indy Reads Books is a new and used book store that helps provide the revenue needed for the non-profit to function.
The store is located on the verrrrry far end of Mass Ave. across from Black Market. Unlike most of Mass Ave, the store does have a small parking lot. There is also plenty of street parking as that end of Mass Ave. is rather quiet.
You guys...the space is absolutely gorgeous. It does not feel (or smell!) at all like a used book store. It is bright, airy and happy. I have not yet attended an event at the store, but my understanding is that they do have readings, classes and other great events that take place.
At the very front of the store there is a "name yo...
May 30, 2014
Recently I attended a seminar held by the Indiana Writer's Center that was entitled, "How to Write A lot - And Write it Well." The class speaker was Ben H. Winters. Ben is a New York Times Bestselling novelist as well as an adjunct professor for Butler University's MFA program. I am ashamed to admit that Ben's "The Last Policeman" is sitting in my to-read pile, but I will definitely get to it soon.
Ben's seminar was focused on time mangement, but Ben also has a way of truly motivating the crap out of a room. I left not only with some good ideas for managing my time but also feeling energized and driven. Most important of all, Ben treated us all as writers. Not aspiring writers. Writers. Peers. While I am certainly not a co-equal of Ben in the world of writing, he definitely made it feel that way. And you know what? It felt amazing.
I am sure there are many people in my shoes currently or that have been or will be in my shoes at some point. I love writing. In school it was my strengt...