To inspire people to create a better world through writing and storytelling–that’s the mission behind Larksong Writers’ Place. And, as Larksong founder, Karen Gettert Shoemaker is the primary creative force behind that mission.

Award-winning writer and dynamic community leader, Karen has written fictional and nonfictional prose, poetry, book reviews, and academic journals and, for 20 years, taught writing for the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Master of Fine Arts Writing Program. Most notable is Karen’s work through the Larksong Writers’ Place–an expanding community of writers and teachers collaborating to create a literary center in Lincoln that is an accessible space, a community, and a recognizable presence in literary circles. Karen, along with a number of other award-winning authors and successful writing program leaders, mentor aspiring writers through workshops, small group meetings, writer-focused events, and other programming.

Though deemed the driving creative force behind Larksong, Karen credits the many writers and mentors of the Writers’ Place for its abundant success. Whether from individual or collective efforts, Karen’s and Larksong’s success proves that writing remains a beloved and still executed art form.