From Pandemic to Flourishing Nonprofit

By Brittany Wren

Larksong Writers Place offers a peaceful spot for writers located in a charming, remodeled Cornhusker Bank building off Cotner Boulevard in Lincoln. Offering a serene and supportive environment, it is the perfect space for writers to focus on their craft without distraction — whether it’s writing a memoir, novels, poems, or blogs.

Larksong members have access to several writing and/or reading spaces each week. Each space has its own unique ambiance, from desks and tables to a fireplace seating area or covered patio. There is even a sunlit communal space with a large conference table for group meetings and classes.

Larksong began in 2015 as a series of weekend writing retreats called Write on the River, held at the River Inn in Brownville, NE. These retreats, led by Karen Shoemaker, featured workshops by authors Amy Hassinger, Teri Youmans, and Twyla Hansen. The retreats continued until 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic caused a change of plans and Shoemaker and her retreat partner Linda Kallhoff created a Zoom version of the retreat. 

"It was surprisingly successful! Even though we were all in our individual homes, miles apart, we came together and had a great time,” says Shoemaker. 

Inspired by this and her experience with One Book One Nebraska in 2016 where she met many writers looking for a way to meet others, Shoemaker created a nonprofit dedicated to helping writers. Larksong was established in 2020 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

Larksong Writers Place opened its physical space in Lincoln in 2022. Today, Larksong continues to offer online workshops led by experienced authors and poets, as well as in-person events and groups, that connect people from urban and rural areas across state lines to develop writers’ skills at every level.

Find Your Community at Larksong

Join a community of other writers no matter where you live. Visit LarksongWritersPlace.org to register for their next event, or follow them on Facebook at LarksongWritersPlace.