American Writers Museum

This year's American Writers Festival is just over a month away! The 2026 festival will be bigger and better than ever, featuring 80+ writers and 40+ panels over TWO days of programming! Find out more and plan your festival weekend here hubs.ly/Q04frF_p0

Only a few more days to submit an intent to participate form for this year’s student writing competition! Learn more and submit here: hubs.ly/Q04hLYDc0

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.

Author Talks is back and better than ever with Li'l Sebastian's big podcast! Pop culture historian @jmkarmstrong discusses her latest book, "Parks and Rec: The Underdog TV Show That Lit’rally Inspired a Vision for a Better America." Listen here! hubs.ly/Q04hz6ft0

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.

In this week's episode of Nation of Writers, we discuss the life and legacy of Henry David Thoreau. We're joined by Richard Higgins, author of the recent book THOREAU'S GOD, and writer and professor Tom Montgomery Fate. Listen here! @UChicagoPress hubs.ly/Q04hnW1z0

Excited about this year's American Writers Festival? So are we, and so is author Brian Morra!

#AWFest2026 Highlight: On June 6, Brian J. Morra is joined by fellow writer and AWM Trustee Joanne Leedom-Ackerman to discuss the process of turning real-life events into thrilling plot and action.

In celebration of AAPI Heritage month, read our guide to AAPI writers at the 2026 American Writers Festival next month! We've got programs for sci-fi lovers, history buffs, and even kids, so be sure to check out the whole list!

This week on Author Talks, we chat with poet Naoko Fujimoto. We discuss the work of translation, her poetry process, and her forthcoming book titled "of Women: 20 Japanese Female Poets / 20 Waka Poems" @tupelopress Listen here! hubs.ly/Q04gmj0F0

Calling all comedy fans! Plan out your weekend at this year's American Writers Festival with this handy guide that's focused on all things comedy!

We've got another #AWFest2026 Highlight! In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which starts in Chicago, Amy Bizzarri talks about the food history of the legendary road, and the diners, cafes, soda shops, and dive bars that make up the landscape.

Second City alum Thomas J. McFeeley reflects on the legacy of Del Close and improv acting in this special blog post! hubs.ly/Q04gkqm40

We are seeking a friendly, energetic Storyteller to join our team at the museum's front desk. The Storyteller is responsible for providing exceptional service to our visitors. The position is part-time, starting rate $18/hour. Learn more & apply! hubs.ly/Q04gcQPD0

#AWFest Highlight: Jacob Mchangama, author of "Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media," and co-author of the new book "The Future of Free Speech," is joined by mystery writer and free speech advocate Sara Paretsky to discuss free speech and its importance today.

Our May Staff picks are here! Check out all of the AWM Staff's favorite things to read, watch, and listen to this month. hubs.ly/Q04g7M4Z0

#AWFest2026 Highlight: Acclaimed journalist Randall Sullivan tells the story of baseball in America, from its rough-and-tumble origins through the first decades of the twentieth century and into the pivotal summer of 1933. Sullivan will be interviewed by comedian Joe Kilgallon.

Only a few more weeks to fill out our intent to participate form for this year's Student Writing Competition! This K-12 competition is completely free to enter and includes cash prizes -- don't miss out! hubs.ly/Q04g08TD0

Get to the heart of writing love stories at this year's American Writers Festival! Romance authors Lucy Gilmore and Penny Reid discuss their craft, shaping characters’ feelings, and the creative potentials of the genre. Interviewed by fellow romance author Pamala Knight.

This week on Author Talks, poets Marilyn Hacker and Deema K. Shehabi discuss their powerful new book Water to Water: Gaza Renga, a poetry collaboration in the call-and-response form of renga. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! hubs.ly/Q04fRdfs0

We are now accepting proposals for vendors and partners for the American Writers Festival on June 6 and 7! To submit your interest, fill out the form at the link: hubs.ly/Q04fRdnM0