Indiana is home to many authors who have made significant contributions to literature throughout the years. A few of those authors include the legendary Kurt Vonnegut, Mari Evans, John Green, James Whitcomb Riley, Etheridge Knight and Gene Stratton-Porter.
They, along with many others, have produced literary works that have earned high praise and can be found in libraries and bookstores around the world. Their achievements have opened the door for a new generation of authors who are using their passion for storytelling to shine a light on the human condition and beyond.
In 2009, Eugene and Marilyn Glick created the Indiana Authors Awards to bring attention to the talent and depth of writers in Indiana. The awards not only highlighted the incredible talent that exists throughout the state but also served and elevated Indiana’s status within the literary community. In 2018, Indiana Humanities was invited to partner with Glick Philanthropies to expand the program’s reach and identify aspiring authors to participate.
As part of our partnership, we are honored to serve as a conduit for this program and are especially proud of a new initiative we are launching in 2022. This spring, we are hitting the road and bringing the inaugural Indiana Authors Awards Tour to communities across the state. This tour, with stops in New Albany, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, not only gives readers the ability to discover new, local talent, but also provides an incredible opportunity for aspiring writers to see what is possible when you are dedicated to your craft and have a passion for storytelling.
The 2022 tour will feature Indiana’s own Ashley C. Ford, who was born and raised in Fort Wayne. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, “Somebody’s Daughter,” the former host of “The Chronicles of Now” podcast, co-host of the HBO companion podcast, “Lovecraft Country Radio,” and much more. Her works cover a plethora of important topics including race, sexuality and body image.
We’re deeply appreciative of Ashley’s participation in this tour. Writers like her serve as a reminder of the talent that grows naturally here.
We want generations of future storytellers to hear about her incredible accomplishments and her journey to success so that they can see firsthand what is possible for them.
As a Black woman, her cultural presence brings a perspective to storytelling that urges others to share their experiences. We want other writers of color to see what Ashley has done with her voice and realize the value of their stories. Having young writers see themselves in positions of success will ensure that historically marginalized voices in our community not only have a chance to be heard but to be fully embraced.
At Indiana Humanities, our mission is to connect people, open minds and enrich lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. We know that by highlighting authors who call Indiana home, we can create opportunities for open dialogue across communities throughout our state and improve the quality of life for all.
For more information about the Indiana Authors Awards and book tour, visit www.IndianaAuthorsAwards.org.
Marisol Gouveia is director of Engagement at Indiana Humanities.
