The Kansas City Chiefs and Poetry. BBQ and Creative Nonfiction. The Middle West is a hotbed of creativity and sports these days. We just hosted the 2024 AWP Conference and we’re hosting six games during the 2026 World Cup! And who’s to say what’s in store for the Kansas City Royals or the next generation of poets and writers as we thrive in the shadows like a league of supervillains biding our time?

One thing is for certain; we are witness to the Golden Age of Kansas City!

For those of you lingering through the weekend, I’d love to buy you a tea or catch up over a stroll downtown. It may be Superbowl Weekend but we’ve much to discuss!

Welcome everyone, I hope you enjoyed the 2024 AWP Conference! Here’s Your Guide to Kansas City

A guide to Kansas City’s writing and publishing scene | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR

Kansas City Chiefs… What more is there to say?

In the heart of America, where the Kansas City Chiefs reign supreme and the literary community thrives, the 2024 AWP Conference set the stage for a convergence of creative minds. Poetry, with its enduring power, creative nonfiction that pulsates with the American psyche, and YA literature that just captures every eye looking for a page to read and audiences across generations, all find a welcoming home in Kansas City. This city, known for its vibrant culture and enthusiastic support for the arts, offers a unique backdrop for writers and creatives looking to explore, network, and grow. As the city gears up for Superbowl Weekend, there’s an electric atmosphere that promises much more than just football; it’s an invitation to immerse in the rich tapestry of Kansas City’s writing and storytelling scene.

The AWP Conference 2024 Overview

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference in 2024 promises to be an unforgettable gathering of writers, educators, and literary enthusiasts. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of sessions and workshops focusing on various aspects of writing, publishing, and literary culture. With a special emphasis on inclusivity and community, the conference aims to provide a platform for voices from all walks of life, offering insights into the evolving landscape of literature and publishing.

Exploring Kansas City’s Literary Scene

Kansas City’s literary scene is as diverse and dynamic as its population. From historic bookshops and cozy reading nooks to vibrant literary festivals and open mic nights, the city is a haven for writers and readers alike. Local institutions like the Kansas City Public Library and independent publishers play a crucial role in nurturing the community’s literary talents, making the city a fertile ground for creative expression.

The Kansas City Chiefs: More Than a Team

While the Kansas City Chiefs are celebrated for their prowess on the football field, their influence extends far beyond sports. The team’s success has become a source of inspiration for the city, symbolizing perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. For writers, the Chiefs’ storylines of triumph and challenge provide rich material for exploration and reflection, bridging the gap between sports and the arts.

Living the Writer’s Life in the Middle West

The Middle West, with its expansive landscapes and close-knit communities, offers a distinct setting for writers. The region’s history, culture, and values deeply influence the themes and narratives explored by local authors. Living the writer’s life here means tapping into a supportive network of fellow creatives and finding inspiration in the everyday wonders of Midwestern life.

Come visit me and meet Simone!

Your To-Do List

1. Visit me
2. Home – Prospero’s Bookstore (prosperosbookstore.com) a neighbor of your’s truly, Prosperos was founded in 1997 and hosts three floors of books and media. Here you can “meet and take home the greatest minds in history, or join in on KCs finest, running conversations at the counter. Located in the scrum of KC’s bohemia. A five-minute ride from the Plaza and downtown convention district. Make a day of it: grab a drink and a bite just outside our door along 39th Street’s restaurants and bars.”
3. Afterword Tavern & Shelves (afterwordkc.com): “BOOKS BEER WINE SPIRITS FOOD HIJINKS DISCOVERY – A REFUGE FOR THE THIRSTY AND INQUISITIVE OF KANSAS CITY.”
   A good book has the remarkable ability to connect friends over midnight discussions, or to a garrulous passenger on the streetcar who loves the same writer. Simple paper pages can inspire a visit to a city or reconnect someone to a time and place of their past. Books can spark an idea or incite an argument and provide a tranquil escape from the chaos.
   Beer, wine, spirits, and food share this quality. Rather than leave one of ’em out we decided to combine their collective powers under a single roof.
   Thus, Afterword Tavern & Shelves was born. While it may be libations and books we’re selling on paper, at a philosophical level we are peddling discovery and the city in which we live. We invite you to walk through our door, and when you depart we hope that you do so having discovered something stirringly novel.