By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University is welcoming award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez to campus this Fall as the guest author for the University’s annual Writer-in-Residence program.
Ms. Gonzalez is the author of the Edgar Award-winning mystery Concealed, the USA TODAY best-selling graphic novel Invisible, and the critically acclaimed historical fiction novel, The Red Umbrella.
During Ms. Gonzalez’s week-long visit to the University—Nov. 3-6—she will speak to Ball State students in the classroom as well as participate in multiple book-related events with students at various elementary and middle schools in Muncie.
The events featuring Ms. Gonzalez that are free and open to the community include:
- Monday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.: “Writing for Young People,” L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom. Doors open for the literary fair at 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.: Pizza Party Meet & Greet, Ross Community Center (1110 W. 10th St., Muncie, IN 47302)
- Thursday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m.: Featured Reading and a Conversation with Ashley C. Ford, L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom
Ms. Gonzalez will be available to sign books after each event. After 7 p.m., free parking is available in most campus lots and garages.
Ms. Gonzalez’s visit to Ball State is sponsored by the creative writing program in the Department of English, with generous support from the Efroymson Family Fund, the College of Sciences and Humanities, and the Office of the President.
“Now in its fourth year, our Writer-in-Residence program continues to benefit people on our campus and in our community,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “I am grateful to our generous sponsors, to the participating authors, and to my colleagues whose hard work makes this enriching program possible.”
Hundreds of students in Muncie schools have received copies of Ms. Gonzalez’s books and will study and discuss them with her—both in English and in Spanish—during her visit.
“Because of this program, we’ve put books into the hands of many students, some of whom say it’s the first time they’ve ever engaged with an author,” said Jill Christman, program coordinator and professor of English at Ball State. “Some of the kids write us thank you notes afterward, and they share how meeting the author inspired them to read a book all the way through for the first time.”
Please visit the Ball State Writer-in-Residence webpage for a complete calendar of events, Ms. Gonzalez’s welcome video to Muncie readers, and a list of previous authors who have participated in the program.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. We Fly!
