2023 In-Person Writing Workshops
In-Person Writing Workshops for the Indiana Letters About Literature Student Winners will take place on April 15th, 2023.
In addition, students and families are invited to the Virtual Ceremony which will take place on April 20th, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern. This event will last approx. 50 minutes via Zoom and is open to friends and family of student winners. In the event you cannot attend, the ceremony will be recorded. Our special guest speaker is LEAH JOHNSON. Leah Johnson was born and raised in Indiana. Her bestselling debut YA Novel, You Should See Me in a Crown was the inaugural Reese’s Book Club YA pick.
Families should register separately for each event. Registration links can be found on your 2023 Indiana Letters About Literature Invitation.
Email Suzanne Walker at suwalker@library.in.gov with any questions about the Indiana Letters About Literature competition.
Preliminary Schedule for In-Person Writing Workshops
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Check in for workshops
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Remarks by John David Anderson for Students and Families
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM: Writing Workshops for Students Only
10:15 AM – 12:30 PM: While students are in their workshops, families are welcome to take advantage of the Family Fun options described below.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Book Signing with John David Anderson for students and families
1:00 PM: All students under age 18 must be picked up in person from the Indiana State Library by a responsible adult.
Resources & Instructions
PARKING INFORMATION:
We are excited to be able to offer free parking for our event this year. You can park for free at the State Government Garage with entrances on New York Street and Senate Avenue, or in the flat parking lot located at New York Street and Capitol Avenue. The garage is directly across Ohio Street from the State Library and the flat parking lot is just diagonal from us to the northeast.
Drivers should enter the garage using a lane that has a ticket kiosk. Both entrances to the flat lot have kiosks. When you approach the ticket kiosk, pull a ticket and park your vehicle. Do not park in any reserved spots. Bring your ticket into the library to get it validated. A parking validation station will be available in the check in area. Parking is good for all day on April 15, 2023.
- FAMILY FUN: Visit the Indianapolis Downtown website, or check the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association website to help plan your day's activities.
The Indiana Historical Society generously offers free admission to their Indiana Experience exhibits for parents and families of students participating in our event. Pick up a flyer at check-in and head over to the Indiana Historical Society while your student is in their workshops. The Indiana Statehouse is open for self-guided tours on Saturdays as well. As a reminder no weapons of any kind can be brought into the Statehouse. The Indiana State Museum generously offers free admission to parents and families of our winners. Use code words, “Letters About Literature” at their welcome desk for free admission on April 15, 2023.
- HONORED GUEST: Our host for the 2023 In-Person Writing Workshops is JOHN DAVID ANDERSON. John David Anderson is the author of several critically acclaimed novels for young people. His books have sold more than a half million copies, have been published in multiple languages, and have earned multiple starred reviews from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, and School Library Journal. His works frequently appear on state reading lists, and many have been Junior Library Guild selections. When he’s not writing, John visits schools and classrooms in the U.S. and abroad, both in person and virtually, inspiring young people to harness the power of their imaginations and share their stories. Prior to becoming a novelist, he taught literature and composition at the University of Illinois. He lives with his patient wife and brilliant twins in Indianapolis, Indiana, right next to a State park and a Walmart. He does not wear ties if he can help it.
IYRC SW 4-5-2023