Inlay

Profile

Our mission is to excite audiences about the impact of American writers—past, present, & future—in shaping our collective histories, identities, & daily lives.

American Writers Museum

Our new pop-up exhibit is here! This special exhibit includes an 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, along with a 1776 British first edition of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Visit the AWM today to see Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence!

Will you be joining us at ALA Annual Conference June 26-29? Stop by the AWM at booth #2030 and say hello, we can't wait to see you!

Author Talks is back & better than ever with Li'l Sebastian's big podcast! Pop culture historian Jennifer Keishin Armstrong discusses her latest book, "Parks and Rec: The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America." Listen here! americanwritersmuseum.org/podcast/epis...

This Sunday, bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, and advocate Jen Hatmaker talks about her faith journey, God and politics today, and finding hope in difficult times. Hatmaker will be interviewed by AWM President Carey Cranston. Don't miss out, visit the American Writers Festival this weekend!

Join us at the American Writers Fest 2026 for a conversation about writing short stories with three-time National Book Award finalist Lauren Groff & John Stauffer, editor of the "American Short Story" anthology, moderated by author and professor Peter Coviello.

In this week's episode of Nation of Writers, we discuss the life & legacy of Henry David Thoreau. We're joined by Richard Higgins, author of the recent book THOREAU'S GOD, and writer/professor Tom Montgomery Fate. Listen here! @uchicagopress.bsky.social americanwritersmuseum.org/podcast/epis...

A lawyer, a model, & a news anchor walk into a…panel discussion about their recent memoirs! Join attorney Walter Pryor, former model Sarah Hartshorne, & television journalist Bill Kurtis for a conversation moderated by book critic & Editor-in-Chief at Booklist Donna Seaman.

For all poetry fans, plan out your time at the American Writers Festival with this handy guide to all of our poetry-themed programming! Featuring @shortpoemz.bsky.social, Mayda Del Valle, Maggie Smith, and Eve Ewing

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at writing craft? We've got you covered! On June 7, at 1PM, get the inside scoop on ghostwriting from @lisawritesbooks.bsky.social; then, at 2PM, learn how authors write across different mediums with Zakiya Dalilah Harris and Angela Nissel.

Looking forward to speaking at the @americanwritersmuseum.org festival at Chicago's Harold Washington library June 7, 11:50am. I'll be in conversation about John McPhee with terrific book critic Donna Seaman. I'm honored to be with dozens of writers from around the U.S. Full schedule: bit.ly/42KChdb