Writers

Your story matters. Our tools help you write it, shape it and share it.

If you're passionate about writing or looking to meet, collaborate and share with other writers, you've found the right place! We offer writing-focused programs and events for all levels to help you develop your skills. Connect with fellow writers at open mics. We even host an annual Writers Conference.

Submissions & Spotlights
Resources
In the Catalog
Events
Book Discussions
Writers Conference

Are you Ready for the 2025 Writers Conference?

Writers, come connect, share, and find your community as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Writers Conference »

Staff Picks

Writing Creative Nonfiction

Whether it's a creative nonfiction essay or an investigative narrative nonfiction book, these resources will help guide your writing!

JCLLocalWriters

Publish Your Writing

These resources can help guide you through contracts, marketing, self publishing, and how to get your work into the hands of readers.

JCLLocalWriters

For Writers

List of Lists for Local Writers

All of our lists on miscellaneous topics, like getting published, writing poetry, doing research, and more!

JCLLocalWriters

For Writers

Practical Tips for Creative Motivation

Need inspiration to finish your novel, or "permission" to allow yourself to focus on your creative aspirations? Find tips and tricks!

JCLLocalWriters

For Writers

More Staff Picks for Writers

Submissions & Spotlights

Join our writing community, enter our contests (with a chance to win $200) and contribute to our publications via Submittable.

"Color Our World" Writing Contest Winner: Abigail Knutson

Read Abigail Knutson's winning piece, "Lilac Season".

For Writers

"Color Our World" Writing Contest Winner: Audrey Novella

Read Audrey Novella's winning entry, "What It Becomes."

For Writers

Submit Your Writing

We love local authors! In support of our home-grown talent, we invite submissions of poetry, fiction, and essays. Visit our Read Local…

elementia Submissions Now Open

elementia accepts poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography and illustrations. Bring us your visions; share your legacy.

elementia

See All Contest Winners

Trending Resources

Online Resource

Gale Books and Authors

Explore books, authors, genres and topics plus reading recommendations for similar titles.

Online Resource

NoveList

Reading recommendations, book group guides, book reviews, plot summaries and articles about authors.

Online Resource

Bloom's Literature

A comprehensive resource for the study of literature covering thousands of great writers and their works.

Online Resource

Literary Reference Source

Literary criticism, author biographies, plot summaries and book reviews.

Writers Conference Recorded Sessions from 2024

Recorded sessions from the 2024 conference YouTube in Library OnDemand, as are the pre-recorded lectures.

Online Resource

Brainfuse Adult Learning Center

Study resources and live tutoring for high school equivalency, U.S. citizenship, Microsoft Office help, career exploration and more.

Online Resource

The Great Courses

The best of The Great Courses featuring in-depth video lessons on hundreds of topics taught by expert professors. Stream through Kanopy.

OnDemand

OnDemand access to streaming and recorded events like author talks. Nationally acclaimed authors and our own Library-hosted events.

Define Your Legacy

elementia is our literary arts magazine dedicated to the creative voices of young adults. Our teen editors are gathering works for the next issue's theme, "Legacy".

Submit Your Art