Shadow and Light Showcases County & Hoosier Writings

A new literary anthology celebrating the depth, grit and creative spirit of Indiana writers will make its debut this spring as Purple Aardvark Publishing launches its inaugural collection, Shadow and Light: New Writing from Indiana.

The anthology gathers poets, essayists, storytellers and photographers with strong ties to the Hoosier state and asks them to create “good work about hard things.” The collection reflects on the beauty and heartbreaking moments that shape human lives, refracting them through art.

“Hard things, like diamonds, have many facets,” the editors write in the anthology’s introduction. “When we dare to write through them, they catch the light.”

“Writing to and from a place grounds me,” says contributor Helen Hudson. “Everything is really so entirely miraculous, everything is pierced by wonder and delight, if you just pause for a minute and pay attention.”

In Shadow and Light, first-time authors appear alongside award-winning writers well into their careers. The result is a book that feels both intimate and wide-ranging—firmly rooted in Indiana soil yet resonant well beyond the state’s borders.

The collection includes work from more than 30 contributors, including Alec Jarvis, Andrew Chandler, Ann Graham Price, Anna Williamson, Dave Krohbne, Doug Calisch, Gwen Carlson, Gwynn Wills, Helen Hudson, J.R. Jamison, J.M. Wheeler, Katie Daniels, Kelly O’Dell Stanley, Kelly Shea, Kim Kile, Linda Haslanger, Lisa Rice Wheeler, Luke Blakeslee, Maggie Hoover, Marc Hudson, Marla McDaniel, Mary Glass, Michael Brockley, M.L. Greynolds, Nicole Brooks, Patrick Schlegel, Roberta Barmore, Robin Lee Lovelace, Sandra Salazar, Steve Bowman and Steve Charles.

The anthology will launch with a public celebration featuring author readings, book signings, an open mic and a short question-and-answer session with the editorial board.

Readers and supporters are invited to attend the book launch cocktail reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 at the Detchon International Center at Wabash College. Fans of the contributors, members of the literary community and the general public are welcome.

The event is graciously sponsored by Wabash College’s Restoring Hope, Restoring Trust grant in partnership with the English Department.

Additional information about the anthology can be found at:
https://www.purpleaardvarkpub.com/our-books/

Shadow and Light: New Writing from Indiana marks the fourth publication from Purple Aardvark Publishing, a new collective imprint dedicated to championing distinctive voices and creative work connected to Indiana and the Midwest.