Writers' Center of Indiana

[Bryan Furuness]

Hi all. Bryan Furuness here, writer and new board member of the Writers' Center of Indiana. I've got a question for everyone: what is your perception of the Writers' Center?

Give me your bare-knuckle answers. Whether you think it's fantastic or horrible, I want to know your opinion. If you've never heard of it, or you thought it was dead, I want to know that, too.

And if you want to add extra stuff, like how you think the WCI might better serve someone like you, feel free to add that, but it's certainly not necessary.

Thanks!

[Maurice Broaddus]

it's been a while since i've been to the writer's center. i do know that i have been looking for a place to connect with other writers serious about pursuing their writing. i don't even know what the writers' center offers. i think when i was going, there was a group of poets that met regularly.

[Robby Slaughter]

It's dead, isn't it? I got a long winded email a while back and the site reported a lack of funding.

Oh wait, it's back alive!

I think the best thing the Writers' Center can do is head over to Vertical Response (http://www.verticalresponse.com/non-profits/) and start a massive email campaign. It's amazing how many writing groups there are in Central Indiana who have never HEARD of the Writers' Center.

(Sorry, ExactTarget. Offer a free program for non-profits and I'll be your best friend.)

[Jeff Bowe]

Hard to write an opinion when I didn't know it existed. I'm curious as to what it is, how it can (really) help, and how it makes money. One book is done and I use it in my training series, another book is on the back burner while I finish my doctorate, and the dissertation will spawn a third book, and I have a fourth rolling around my head. So, I'm guessing I am in your target market, waiting to be tapped.

[Erik Deckers]

Bryan, I thought the thing had died. Are they still looking for board members? Is there anything Smaller Indiana can do to help get the word out? I would also be willing to help you in the social media realm. Contact me through SI's email, and let's see if we can work something out.

[Marcia Ellett]

Bryan, I hope I don't get run out of town for saying this, but the WCI could stand to improve its reputation. I have taught writing workshops at conferences as well as continuing education classes for fledgling writers, and more than a few of my students have mentioned that they checked out the WCI or took a course there and found it to be too elitist for their liking. I believe that writing can change people's lives. It can be freeing, empowering, cathartic, and a whole lot of fun, but not when you get a teacher who doesn't believe in constructive criticism or encouragement. I don't believe someone should pay money for guidance in writing and leave feeling dejected, but I know that's happened at the WCI. Clearly, not everyone is cut out to be a whiz at writing, but stamping out someone's desire to be creative should not be tolerated.

[Scott Emmett]

Never heard of it. The only writing center I ever had any contact with was a one-woman operation in Greenwood and it is long gone.

If I had to describe the "perfect" writing center, I guess I would begin with staff that is encouraging and yet realistic. Not everybody who aspires to write should. Conversely, there are those whose hidden talents should be explored and developed. New writers need help finding their "voice" and experienced writers sometimes need help as they develop themselves.

My two cents.

[Cindy Dunston Quirk]

I have never heard of it. I like to think I keep my ear to the ground and know resources around Indiana but I honestly didn't know WCI existed.

Question back to you....what does the WCI aspire to do for writers?

[Hazel "The Queen" Walker]

Gee I took some programs there with Ingrid Cummings, but I too thought that it DIED because I got an email that said so! Very poor marketing and networking. Could be a great place to have some Writer Networking events. Might want to consider using twitter as a tool to generate some local word of mouth.

[Cindy Dunston Quirk]

Good idea Hazel!

[Bryan Furuness]

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. I appreciate it all, and will personally guarantee that you won't get run out of town for your honesty. A strong pattern is emerging in your responses, and I'd like to hear more, so keep it coming.

Cindy, that's a good and fair question. Here's the mission:

Founded in 1979, The Writers' Center is Indiana's only comprehensive community-based literary service organization. Our mission is:

 To nurture a writing community
 To support established and emerging writers
 To improve written and verbal communication
 To develop an audience for literature in Indiana


Programs, services, and venue selection reflect our commitment to nurturing the practice of writing and the appreciation of written expression among diverse segments of our community. More than ever before, the Writers' Center of Indiana is reaching out to forge new collaborative relationships with arts organizations, schools and universities, community organizations and social service providers, to increase the economy, quality and impact of our programs and services.