INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In 1979, late writer James (Jim) Edward Powell (1950-2020) envisioned a vibrant writing community in his home state of Indiana. He melded his vision with a group of like-minded people and founded what is now the Indiana Writers Center.
Today, the IWC announces the James Powell Writer-in-Residence, a position now held by former IWC executive director Barbara Shoup. The WIR will help fulfill the mission of the IWC — to support, inspire and connect Indiana writers of all ages and backgrounds through writing classes for aspiring authors and free outreach programs for underserved audiences.
The WIR is a community ambassador for that mission, combining speaking and writing instruction with the WIR’s own individual writing projects. Shoup said naming the position for Powell is a fitting tribute for someone who was a lifelong devotee of the written word.
“The Indiana Writers Center exists because of Jim’s vision and his drive and desire to support writers in Indiana,” said IWC executive director Rachel Sahaidachny.
Sahaidachny said there will be a small monthly stipend attached to the position. The “term” will be determined by the IWC board of directors.
Under Powell’s leadership, the IWC grew from a small community group (formerly Writers Center of Indianapolis) into a professional nonprofit organization. Powell instituted weekly classes, weekend workshops, monthly readings, and The Flying Island, a magazine featuring Indiana Writers that exists online today.
Authors who have visited over the years include W.S. Merwin, Mary Oliver, Thomas Mallon, Tim O’Brien, Rita Dove, and Indiana’s own Dan Wakefield, who was Powell’s neighbor and friend for years.
In recent years, Powell, a graduate of Purdue University and Bowling Green (Ohio) State University, was a senior lecturer in the English Department at IUPUI. In 2019, Jim published Only Witness, a collection of short stories, through the Indiana Writers Center to commemorate the Center’s 40th anniversary.
“This decision fills me with joy,” said Powell’s widow, writer Karen Kovacik . “I know Jim would be honored by this legacy.”