Kentucky Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Next in our series of State Writing Resources is Kentucky. (I considered having a separate category for “Commonwealth Writing Resources,” but in the end I didn’t want to confuse anybody, myself in particular.) The Bluegrass State/Commonwealth was the 15th admitted to the Union, the second after the original 13 colonies, which surprised me more than it should have; seems I forgot my history lessons, Daniel Boone, Cumberland Gap, Lexington, KY being named for Lexington, MA after the Revolutionary battle and so on. This is why I do not consider myself a history buff. Nor any other kind of buff.
Anywho.
Kentucky writing has a strong history and a strong present. Sue Grafton was born in Kentucky (K is for Koincidence?). So were Wendell Berry, Jude Deveraux, Bobbie Ann Mason, Barbara Kingsolver, Robert Penn Warren, Elizabeth Hardwick, and so many more. Austin’s Jo Whittemore was born in Kentucky. So was William Shakespeare … Hays.
Presented in no particular order, here are ten Kentucky writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you live in the Bluegrass State or are planning a move there, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
The University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum is a nonprofit, nationally-recognized literary event. It is dedicated to showcasing renowned authors and interviewers in the Louisville community.
2) Kentucky State Poetry Society
Founded in 1966 by a group of Kentuckians with a love for poetry, among them Jesse Stuart, Kentucky Poet Laureate, who continued to support KSPS until his death in 1984.
3) The Kentucky Outdoor Press Association
Its mission is to improve communications between the public and the outdoor industry, while improving the professional skills of its members, promoting the highest ethical standards and encouraging public enjoyment, conservation, and use of natural resources.
4) Kentucky Romance Writers
A nonprofit organization of romance writers who meet bimonthly to exchange market news, share ideas, and give each other support and encouragement.
Educating members about the craft of writing and the business of publishing.
A group of writers from Owensboro, Kentucky and the surrounding area who share writing, brainstorm writing ideas, give and receive constructive critiques, and encourage each other.
7) Kentucky Literary Newsletter
News from the literary arts capital of mid-America.
8) Southern Kentucky Book Fest
Its mission is to encourage reading and the love of books and to be a positive force in promoting literacy in the region and state.
9) Kentucky Writers’ Day
The Kentucky Arts Council presents Kentucky Writers’ Day on or around April 24 each year in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. Citizens devoted to the literary arts gather to hear readings from Kentucky’s current and former poets laureate and recitations by Kentucky’s young Poetry Out Loud state champions. The festivities include a public reception where visitors can mingle with the authors and others who share their interests.
Poetry and prose writing workshop groups in Lexington, Kentucky.
Help us add to this list, Kentuckians! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.