Programs That Spark Confidence and Creativity
POW will use a variety of strategic initiatives designed to create positive change in line with the organizations Mission. These programs will use various resources and will require ongoing management to ensure effectiveness. Please see some of the current and future programs offered by POW.
Black Paperback Book Fair
Black paperback After Dark is Play On Words reimagined celebration of literature, storytelling, creativity and community. BPB began as a community centered book fair in 2021, creating space for local writers. The inaugural event welcomed more than 150 attendees!
Returning in 2026, BPB has been transformed into BPB After Dark, an immersive adult literary experience. Rather than a traditional bok fair where guest move through the venue, BPB AD invites people to experience literature. Guest move through the venue, discovering local authors, book vending, a DJ and music, storytelling, wine tasting, book speed dating, creative writing activities, hands on experiences and spaces designed for conversation and connection.
The event also serves as a culmination of the work POW Inc does throughout the year. We encourage you to support local writers and see and experience the stories celebrated
W(h)iny writing Workshops & Wise W(h)iny writing
W(h)iny Writing Workshops (WWW) are monthly, in-person sessions led by subject matter experts who make writing both engaging and approachable. In a relaxed, supportive environment—with wine available for those who choose—participants explore essential writing skills such as journaling, poetry and rap, creative storytelling, and effective organizing and brainstorming techniques. Wise W(h)iny writing is the same concept designed for older adults in senior living and long term care communities. Each workshop blends instruction with hands-on practice, allowing participants to immediately apply what they’ve learned in a final activity. By strengthening foundational writing skills in fun, safe spaces, WWW supports Play On Words’ mission to close literacy gaps, improve academic performance, enhance job readiness, and build the confidence individuals need to succeed in school, work, and life.
Resume writing and Interview Preparedness Workshops
POW recognizes that resumes are more than job applications—they are the collective stories of a person’s career journey. To help participants tell those stories with clarity and confidence, we will continue to host quarterly resume-building and interview-preparedness workshops. These in-person sessions work hand-in-hand with our creative writing programs, ensuring that participants not only develop strong foundational writing skills but also learn to apply them in real-world circumstances. Our first resume workshop, hosted at Indiana Wesleyan University, equipped attendees with practical tools and take-home resources to support both classroom success and future career opportunities. By integrating professional skill-building into our mission, POW empowers individuals to transform their words into pathways toward employment, stability, and self-confidence.
I Love Words
​I Love Words is POW’s multifaceted program designed to support emerging writers as they outline, organize, and refine their work with the guidance of supportive workshops. These sessions equip participants with the skills to transform ideas into polished pieces while also demystifying the publishing process. The program also features a competitive component: writers are invited to submit original work through Submittable for inclusion in our biannual I Love Words publication. This opportunity provides authors with a platform to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and see their hard work celebrated in print
