Kurt Vonnegut Museum Library's writing program inspires young authors

Chris Speckman makes his way from table to table Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, during a Shortridge Creative Writing Club session at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. The club, staffed by volunteer mentors through the Kurt Vonnegut Museum Library Youth Writing Program in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, connects students with writing mentors.

The Shortridge Creative Writing Club meets Thursday, Nov. 3, 2023, inside the library at the Indianapolis high school. The club, staffed by volunteer mentors through the Kurt Vonnegut Museum Library Youth Writing Program in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, connects students with writing mentors.

Mia Butler, a senior at Butler University, shares some of her favorite stories Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, written by Shortridge High School students participating in Shortridge's Creative Writing Club.

Mentors and students share stories about Thanksgiving food Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, during Shortridge High School's Creative Writing Club.

Ace Butler, a sophomore at Shortridge High School, writes Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, as a fellow writing club member prepares their work station. "I've been in the program since last year," Butler said. "My favorite part is standing up and bring my stories and poems to an audience. I love seeing their reactions."

Gabriella Roberts, a sophomore at Shortridge High School, reads from a writing prompt Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, during Shortridge's Creative Writing Club. "We're doing something on food today. Food is always a good thing to write about," Chris Speckman, who runs the program, said. "People have strong opinions about food, good experiences, family recipes."

A sticker near a pencil sharpener Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, lends a gentle reminder to Shortridge High School's library patrons.