Grace College is pleased to invite the community to two free events, part of the inaugural Winona Christian Writers Conference. On Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m., the public is invited to an author reading by Dr. John Poch and Katy Carl. On Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the conference will host the Summer LitFest, featuring book signings and a variety of literary-themed vendors. Both events will take place in the Morgan Library at Grace College, 921 Connection Circle, Winona Lake.
“We’ve had a tremendous response to the inaugural Winona Christian Writers Conference, with registration filling up completely,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, chair of the Department of Humanities and conference organizer. “We’re excited to welcome 60 writers from all over the country and around the world to the Grace College campus for this event. These two open-to-the-public events will give locals a taste of the conference, which promotes the excellence, beauty and craft of writing.”
The author reading on July 18 will feature readings from Dr. John Poch’s poetry and Katy Carl’s short story collection “Fragile Objects.” The event will include free cookies and coffee.
The Summer LitFest, open to all ages, will feature book signings by many of the conference’s award-winning faculty and featured writers, including Shemaiah Gonzalez, Katy Carl, Dr. John Poch, Dr. George David Clark, David Marsh, Dr. Katherine Higgs-Coulthard, Daniel Bowman Jr., Dr. James Matthew Wilson and Dr. Gary Schmidt.
Schmidt is the bestselling author of numerous children’s and young adult novels, including “The Labors of Hercules Beal” and “Just Like That.” He is also a National Book Award finalist for “Okay for Now,” “Pay Attention, Carter Jones” and “Orbiting Jupiter.” Schmidt has also won multiple Newbery Honors and a Printz Honor.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Gary Schmidt to our town,” said Rich. “His visit is a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most respected voices in contemporary literature. We encourage everyone—especially our local readers and young aspiring writers—to join us, stock up on your summer lakeside reading and get a book signed.”
The LitFest will also feature several literary-themed local vendors, including The Word House, Curioaks, Little Cricket Letterpress and HF Group. Free lemonade will be available to all, and the first 15 attendees will receive a free swag bag.
The conference is organized by Dr. Lauren Rich and Dr. John Poch of the English & Journalism Program at Grace College, with support from generous donors.
To learn more about the Winona Christian Writers Conference, visit www.grace.edu/about/the-winona-christian-writers-conference/. Questions can be emailed to wcwc@grace.edu.
