You know our city is famous for horses, bourbon, and the Wildcats. You might even know that US Poet Laureate Ada Limón + Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House call Lexington home. But did you know the Horse Capital of the World plays host to an impressive + expanding writing scene?

At the center is the Lexington Writer's Room, a collaborative High Street work space designed to welcome newcomers to the literary world, while offering opportunities for growth to everyone who enters.

LWR is a nonprofit + co-working space where people actively engaged in a writing project can come to socialize, network, and write. More than 100 writers in the 859 and beyond call the space home.

The open desk, in-person membership includes all of that, plus 24/7 access to the space, a well-stocked snack counter, access to literary events + workshops, and all the coffee an aspiring author can drink. Bonus: Your first month of 2026 is $26 for a limited time.

Thanks to virtual memberships, writers around the globe are able to connect to online networking, as well as open mic + workshop opportunities throughout the year.

The centerpiece of the LWR's mission of inclusion is the need-based membership. Members of historically marginalized communities or individuals with significant financial need are able to join LWR through Grant-Funded Scholarships.

An inviting environment, cool co-workers, free snacks + sodas — what more could a writer want? | Photo courtesy of Lexington Writers Room

Bookish bonafides

More than just a calm space for local creatives, LWR creates opportunities to learn from other writers + rub shoulders with popular authors, poets, and literary luminaries.

Co-founder and board chair Gwenda Bond is the New York Times bestselling author of “Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds," “The Frame Up," “Not Your Average Hot Guy," and more.
Award-winning poet Katerina Stoykova is a prolific creator of writing groups, as well as the founder of Accents Publishing, a local independent press.
David Arnold is another notable member whose novels, including “The Electric Kingdom” and “Mosquitoland”, have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

How you can support

Schedule a tour — Becoming a member is the most straightforward way to support a worthwhile community while enjoying all of its benefits.
Make a donation — No amount is too small, or too large. Corporate and individual donors interested in supporting a unique charitable organization are encouraged to contact the board of directors
Become a partner — Any group with shared values seeking strategic partnerships for workshops or events can contact Community Manager Pam Dorrel at cm@lexwritersroom.org and the Board at board@lexwritersroom.org.