The Literary Champion Award is given to an individual or organization for exceptional contributions to Indiana’s community of readers and writers. Anyone may nominate a Literary Champion, but the nominee must be a current resident of Indiana who has resided in the state for at least five years. Winners receive $2,500 to honor and support these literary activities.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an author for superior literary achievements throughout an entire career. Lifetime Achievement award winners should have significant connections to Indiana (e.g., have lived in the state for the majority of their writing career or have spent significant time writing about the state). Their body of work should demonstrate excellence and considerable contributions to the literary arts both statewide and nationally. Winners receive $5,000 and an opportunity to provide a $500 award to an Indiana library of their choice.
Marianne Boruch has written twelve books of poetry and lives in West Lafayette, Indiana, with her husband where they raised their son.
Women Writing for (a) Change, Bloomington, the 2026 Literary Champion, has been growing its welcoming writing environment for the past 22 years. The organization creates safe and inspiring learning opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue the art of writing as a tool for growth and change. Throughout the years, it has grown from a group of about 16 women to a nonprofit with several outreach programs created in collaboration with local organizations and nonprofits.
