Website: https://www.hiram.edu/academics/centers-of-distinction/lindsay-crane-center-for-writing-and-literature/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycranecenter

Words and language are at the heart of how we communicate with one another, how we interpret the world, and how we understand what it means to be human. The Lindsay-Crane Center for Writing and Literature places the value of the written word at the core of its programming. The Center builds on the College’s strengths in creative writing, literature, and writing across the curriculum while developing exciting college and community-wide programs that enhance all students’ educations and provide Hiram College graduates with more expansive career choices. The Lindsay-Crane Center is known for its commitment to the interdisciplinary nature of writing, its lively community of writers, its innovative programming, and the distinctive writing experiences it makes available to students.

Areas of Distinction

  • The Hiram College writing program specializes in creative nonfiction and is well-known for the expansive writing opportunities available in this genre for majors and minors, as well as for non-majors.
  • A distinguished Visiting Writers Series that always brings writers into the classroom has featured authors Tim O’Brien, Ian Frazier, Donovan Hohn, Alissa Nutting, Roger Rosenblatt, Thrity Umrigar, Mary Norris, Hanif Abdurraqib, and many others.
  • The Lindsay-Crane Center runs writing contests in the genres of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, giving students the chance to have their work judged by professionals and to receive public recognition for their achievements.
  • The community reading program brings together the Hiram College community, area libraries, local high schools, and community members for events focused on a single book and its themes. The community reading program is funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant.
  • The Lindsay-Crane Center is located in two unique buildings: an 1892 Queen Anne house, offering students a rare studio environment in which to learn and work; and Bonney Castle, a former nineteenth-century inn offering cozy classroom and discussion spaces.
  • Students are given numerous on-campus professional writing and editing opportunities, including editing the Hiram Poetry Review; reading their work publicly; and working with faculty in programs sponsored by the Lindsay-Crane Center (the Emerging Writers Workshop and community reading programs).
  • The Lindsay-Crane Center works closely with students to identify and apply for internship opportunities with editors and managers of small presses, magazines, and journals, corporations, and arts organizations.
  • Since the 1970s, Hiram College has been nationally known for its Writing Across the Curriculum program, and since 1990 has trained undergraduate writing assistants to help implement and sustain it, while also providing these students with professional teaching experience.

Primary Academic Programs Associated with the Center

  • Creative writing major
  • Minor in writing
  • English major and minor
  • Writing Across the Curriculum
  • Writing assistantships

Key Personnel

  • Kirsten L Parkinson, Director of the Lindsay-Crane Center for Writing and Literature; Professor of English; Coordinator of Gender Studies Minor; Co-Coordinator of Film Studies Minor
  • Kathy Luschek, Program Coordinator