At the Indiana Writers Center (IWC), we believe everyone has a unique story to tell; and our goal is simple: to help you tell it. For more than 40 years we have worked to foster a vibrant writing community in Indiana, providing education and enrichment opportunities for both beginning and accomplished writers. Located in the Basile Opera Center in the Meridian Kessler neighborhood and just south of Broad Ripple, we offer a variety of classes and workshops led by some of Indiana’s best writers. In addition, we host literary events such as readings, open mics, critique groups, and the annual Gathering of Writers to instruct, inspire, and connect writers throughout the state.

The IWC also provides community outreach programs in schools, community organizations, nursing homes and correctional facilities, helping people of diverse ages and backgrounds to find their voices. Read more about our outreach initiatives here.

Over forty years ago, writer and teacher Jim Powell envisioned a vibrant writing community in Indiana and went on to found the Indiana Writers Center in 1979. Powell served as the director of the IWC for twenty years. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a small community group into a professional nonprofit organization. Powell instituted weekly classes, weekend workshops, monthly readings and The Flying Island, a magazine featuring Indiana Writers. Some of the authors who have visited over the years include W.S. Merwin, Galway Kinnell, Mark Strand, Mary Oliver, Lisel Mueller, Charles Simic, Thomas Mallon, Tim O’Brien and Rita Dove.

With the assistance of an outstanding staff, dedicated volunteers and an active Board of Directors, the Indiana Writers Center has expanded Powell’s original vision. Added to the growing list of classes, publications and educational opportunities within the IWC, are outreach programs, which serve the community. Hundreds of members across Indiana now benefit from the ever-evolving IWC.   

The IWC supports Indiana writers of all ages and backgrounds and reaches out to people whose voices are rarely heard. Classes and workshops taught by published writers provide writing education that encourages creative expression and enhances the communication skills necessary for success in school, in the workplace, and in life. We envision a thriving center where Indiana writers build the writing skills appropriate to their goals and experience the healing, empowering and joyful benefits that engaging in the creative process brings.

Programs, services, and venue selections reflect our commitment to this mission and to broadening our base as well. More than ever before, the Indiana Writers Center is forging new collaborative relationships with arts organizations, schools and universities, community organizations and social service providers.

Providing enrichment opportunities to a diverse often underserved audiences in the community

• Memoir projects serve diverse audiences, including war veterans, mothers of special need children, senior citizens and girls in prison.

•  Our summer learning program, “Building a Rainbow,” annually serves up to 120 at-risk youth, teaching writing skills and publishing their work in print anthologies.

• Visits to libraries, schools, and a variety of other community organizations promote Indiana writers and writers and provide insight into the writing life.