The Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame was created to recognize Kentucky writers whose work reflects the character and culture of our commonwealth, and to educate Kentuckians about our state’s rich literary heritage. For a writer to have been eligible this year, he/she must be 1) published; 2) someone whose writing is of enduring stature; and 3) someone connected in a significant way to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Inductees are chosen by committees at the Carnegie Center and the Kentucky Arts Council that inlude some of Kentucky's well-known writers. Nominations are accepted from the public. To nominate someone, email a nomination letter here.
Special thanks to VisitLex, LexArts and the Kentucky Arts Council for their support.
2022 Inductees
George Ella Lyon
James C. Klotter
Loyal Jones
Ted Poston
Robert Hazel
2021 Inductees
Nikky Finney
John Egerton
Robert K. Massie
John Jacob Niles
Caroline Gordon
Albert Stewart
2020 Inductees
Cleanth Brooks
Lucy Furman
Hollis Summers
Sam Shepard
Sena Jeter Naslund
2019 Inductees
Ed McClanahan
Gurney Norman
Alice Dunnigan
Jane Gentry
Sue Grafton
Helen Thomas
2018 Inductees
Annie Fellows Johnston
bell hooks
John Fox, Jr.
Walter Tevis
2017 Inductees
Irvin S. Cobb
Joseph Seamon Cotter, Sr.
A. B. Guthrie, Jr.
Gayl Jones
Barbara Kingsolver
2016 Inductees
Bobbie Ann Mason
Harlan Hubbard
James Lane Allen
Alice Hegan Rice
Jean Ritchie
2015 Inductees
Wendell Berry
Guy Davenport
Elizabeth Hardwick
Jim Wayne Miller
Effie Waller Smith
Hunter S. Thompson
2014 Inductees
Rebecca Caudill
Thomas D. Clark
Janice Holt Giles
James Baker Hall
Etheridge Knight
Thomas Merton
Jesse Stuart
2013 Inductees
Harriette Arnow
William Wells Brown
Harry Caudill
Elizabeth Maddox Roberts
James Still
Robert Penn Warren
Kentucky Literary Impact Award
The Kentucky Literary Impact Award recognizes someone who has made great contributions to the state’s literary culture, but not necessarily as a writer. The award was inaugurated in 2020 and will be made only occasionally.
