For Writers

Writing Contests

Enter to win $200 and share your work at a Library event!

Upcoming Events

Meet authors, get writing advice, and connect with fellow writers.

Lists from the Local Writers Committee

See resources for publishing, boosting creativity, writing prompts, and more!

Johnson County Library loves local writers!

We are committed to supporting writers at each stage of their career, and as such offer a variety of programs, resources, and opportunities to help each writer develop their craft and grow their portfolio.

Follow #jocowrites on Instagram and make sure to tag us or use #jocowrites if you're at a JoCoLibrary event for writers!

What's New

Scheduled: Fri, 05/23/25 - 10:07 am

Volume 8 Open for Visual Art and Writing Submissions

In 2017 library staff hatched a plan to share work by local artists and writers in a spiral bound, easy-to-carry publication. Ea ly editions contained work from local creatives whose work had previously been published on our Staff Picks blog or displayed in Library buildings as part of our exhibitions.  

Since then, Volume has evolved to its own contest, and we are currently accepting submissions via our Submittable page on the theme of Food Culture.  

Our food culture colors our world in many ways. Here in Kansas City, many would say our food culture is barbecue! The world’s first museum

Writers Conference

Save the Date!

Adults sitting at desks in a classroom type setting. They face away from the camera.

We’ve chosen a date for our 2025 Writers Conference and it’s a slight departure from the past. We’ll see you in October!

2025 Writers Conference
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 18
Central Resource Library
Keynote speaker: Steve Almond
Conference Book: Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow

Recorded sessions from last year's conference continue to be available via YouTube in Library OnDemand, as are the pre-recorded lectures for those of you that missed them.  

Thank you again for joining us. We had a blast!  

Writing Contests

Contest

Our Writing Contests award each winner with a $200 honorarium and the chance to read their work at an upcoming event. (Psst, we also have contests for kids.)

Our contest prompt for May-August is Color Our World. Read more about the guidelines and enter your original works »

Read previous adult Writing Contest winners »