The following press release is written by Sarah K. Ginter for the Indiana Writers Center.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 29, 2025) – The Indiana Writers Center (IWC) will host its annual Gathering of Writers conference on Saturday, September 27, from 8:25-4:30 p.m. at the Indiana State Library. This year’s keynote speaker is Ashley C. Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Somebody’s Daughter. Ford will deliver the keynote address, “Imagine the Future of Art in Indiana,” and lead a breakout writing session, joining twelve other esteemed writers.
Ashley C. Ford is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Somebody’s Daughter (Flatiron Books). Ford is also the former co-host of The HBO companion podcast Lovecraft Country Radio, and the current host of Ben & Jerry’s Into The Mix.
“The Indiana Writers Center is proud to once again bring The Gathering of Writers to the Indiana State Library,” said Sarah K. Ginter, Executive Director of the IWC. “This event is open to writers of all experience levels. Our goal is to help you write your story because language is powerful, and creative community is vital to all artists.”
Attendees can choose from a variety of writing topics in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, cross-genre writing, oral storytelling and so much more. Presenters include Agata Izabela Brewer, Andrew Black, Anthony Borruso, Angela Jackson-Brown, Mitchell L.H. Douglas, Ashley C. Ford, Melissa Fraterrigo, Sarah Layden, Lylanne Musselman, Max Newman, Nick Reading, Barbara Shoup, and Natalie Tombasco. Writers will leave full of inspiration, armed with writing drafts ripe for experimentation—along with a hundred other writers who feel the same way.
Cost: Nonmembers: $200; Writer/Reader Members: $137; Teacher, Student, Senior, Military, & Librarian Members: $123. Parking and lunch included. Students can contact edu@indianawriters.org for a discounted rate. Scholarships are also available.
The 2025 Gathering of Writers is made possible by the generous support of the Indiana Center for the Book and grants from the Indiana Arts Commission, Indy Arts Council, and Allen Whitehill Clowes. Lunch is provided by the Illinois Street Emporium. To read class descriptions, visit here. Doors open at 8:25 am. Keynote address starts at 8:55 am. The event ends at 4:30 pm. Advance registration is required. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.indianawriters.org/product/gathering2025/
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About the Indiana Writers Center:
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 45 years we have worked to foster a vibrant writing community in Indiana, providing education and enrichment opportunities for both beginning and accomplished writers. IWC offers a variety of classes and workshops, both online and in person, led by some of the region’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.
https://www.indianawriters.org
