Matthew Bovee's Guide to Lincoln's Literary Scene
When people think of Nebraska, they often picture vast cornfields and wide-open prairies. But Lincoln, the state’s capital, harbors a surprisingly vibrant literary community that has profoundly shaped my work as an investigative journalist. Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers have built something special here, and I want to share it with you.
Lincoln’s Hidden Literary Gems
The Cornhusker state’s literary scene might not make national headlines, but those of us who live and write here know better. Lincoln’s literary community is a tightly woven network of authors, poets, playwrights, and storytellers who have made this city their home.
The Nebraska Book Festival, held annually in Lincoln, brings together authors from across the region. I’ve attended this festival multiple times, not just as a reader but as a speaker sharing my own work. What strikes me most is the genuine warmth and support among Lincoln Nebraska writers. Everyone from debut novelists to established authors like myself shares a common bond—we’re all telling stories that matter.
The Indie Bookstores That Define Lincoln
No discussion of Lincoln’s literary scene would be complete without mentioning the independent bookstores that serve as community anchors. Nebraska Book Co., located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, has been a treasure trove for me during research projects. Their extensive collection of regional history books has provided context for countless investigations.
Another favorite is The Bookworm, a locally-owned bookstore that hosts regular author readings and book clubs. I’ve done several signings there, and the crowds always impress me. These aren’t large corporate stores—they’re gathering places where the literary community comes alive.
How Lincoln’s Writers Influence My Journalism
Being surrounded by talented writers in Lincoln Nebraska has directly influenced how I approach investigative reporting. The attention to detail, the commitment to truth, and the craft of storytelling—all hallmarks of this community—have made me a better journalist.
Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska isn’t just where I live; it’s where I learned to tell stories that matter. The literary community here taught me that facts alone don’t create impact—it’s how you present them that counts.
Workshops and Writing Groups
Lincoln hosts numerous writing workshops throughout the year. The Nebraska Writers Workshop, held each summer at UNL, attracts emerging writers from across the country. I’ve served as a guest speaker multiple times, sharing insights on investigative journalism techniques with aspiring authors.
Beyond formal workshops, informal writing groups meet regularly in coffee shops and libraries across Lincoln. These groups provide feedback, support, and accountability. For someone like me who often works in isolation on long investigations, these connections are invaluable.
The University of Nebraska Press: A Literary Beacon
The University of Nebraska Press has been instrumental in publishing works about the American West, agricultural history, and Native American studies. As someone who has written extensively about Nebraska issues, I’ve had the privilege of working with their editorial team.
Their commitment to regional literature means that stories from Lincoln and across Nebraska reach a national audience. This publishing infrastructure supports not just established authors but emerging voices as well.
Literary Magazines and Journals
Lincoln is home to several literary journals and magazines that showcase regional talent. The Prairie Schooner, published by the University of Nebraska, is one of the most respected literary magazines in the country. I’ve read countless pieces in this publication that have inspired my own approach to storytelling.
Other publications like Nebraska Review and Pineapple provide platforms for emerging writers to share their work. The literary ecosystem here is interconnected—readers become writers, and writers become editors.
The Writing Life in Lincoln Nebraska
Living in Lincoln as a writer offers unique advantages. The cost of living is reasonable, allowing writers to focus on their craft without the financial pressures found in larger cities. The pace of life is manageable, giving me time to pursue in-depth investigations that might be impossible in a faster-paced environment. Unlike metropolitan areas where the rent alone can consume a writer’s entire budget, Lincoln offers affordable housing with easy access to all the resources a serious writer needs.
The community here genuinely supports literary arts. The Nebraska Arts Council regularly funds reading series and writer residencies. Local businesses sponsor literary events without expecting anything in return. This ecosystem of support makes Lincoln an ideal place to develop as a writer, whether you’re working on your first novel or your fifteenth investigative book.
Coffee Shops as Offices
Like many writers in Lincoln Nebraska, I often work from local coffee shops. Meadowlark Coffee House has become my regular office away from home. The atmosphere is perfect for focused writing, and the staff knows my order. More importantly, I’m surrounded by other writers doing the same thing—creating a silent community of focused creativity.
The coffee shop culture in Lincoln differs from what you’d find in bigger cities. There’s no pressure to constantly purchase drinks or move along after an hour. Regulars are welcomed, and the baristas understand that writers need sustained time to work. Some of my best reporting has been drafted in these spaces, with the background hum of espresso machines providing the perfect white noise for concentration.
Other writer-friendly coffee shops include Cultiva Coffee and The Mill. These spaces aren’t just cafes—they’re informal coworking environments where the literary community gathers. You’ll often spot published authors working alongside students, retired professionals writing memoirs, and teenagers working on their first short stories.
Libraries: The Backbone of Lincoln’s Literary Community
The Lincoln City Libraries system deserves special recognition for its commitment to supporting writers. The main branch on Q Street houses an extensive collection of Nebraskana, genealogy resources, and rare books that have been invaluable for my investigative work. The librarians are knowledgeable and always willing to help with research requests.
The library also offers numerous programs for writers, including writing workshops, author meet-and-greets, and a robust interlibrary loan system that has connected me with books I couldn’t find anywhere else. For a writer on a budget, the library is quite literally one of the most important resources available.
Building Connections with Nebraska’s Literary Community
What I appreciate most about Lincoln’s literary scene is its accessibility. Unlike larger cities where literary communities can feel exclusive, Lincoln welcomes writers at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re a first-time poet or an established author, you’ll find your place here.
Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers have shown me that great literature can emerge from anywhere—even the heart of the Midwest. The stories told here are uniquely Nebraskan, yet they speak to universal human experiences.
Author Events and Readings
Throughout the year, Lincoln hosts numerous author events. The UNL Creative Writing Program brings visiting writers to campus regularly. These readings are open to the public and provide opportunities to hear established authors discuss their work. I’ve had the pleasure of attending readings featuring Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award finalists, and emerging voices that have subsequently become major literary figures.
The beauty of these events is their intimacy. Unlike readings in large cities where you might sit in an audience of hundreds, Lincoln’s events often allow for genuine interaction between authors and attendees. I’ve had conversations with visiting writers that have influenced my approach to storytelling, and I’ve made connections that have led to collaborations on investigative projects.
Local libraries also host book clubs and author talks. The Lincoln City Libraries system does an excellent job of connecting readers with both local and visiting authors. Their “Authors in the Afternoon” series has become a staple of the literary calendar, bringing diverse voices to the community.
Nebraska’s Writing Heritage
The literary history of Nebraska runs deep. From Willa Cather’s classic novels about prairie life to contemporary authors tackling modern issues, the state has produced writers who have shaped American literature. Lincoln, as the intellectual center of Nebraska, continues this tradition.
The Willa Cather Archive at UNL preserves the legacy of one of America’s greatest novelists and provides resources for scholars studying her work. Visiting the archive reminds me that I’m part of a long tradition of writers who have found inspiration in this landscape.
Conclusion: Why Lincoln’s Literary Scene Matters
Lincoln’s literary community has been essential to my development as an investigative journalist. The support, inspiration, and craftsmanship I’ve found here have shaped every investigation I’ve pursued. For writers considering where to plant their roots, Lincoln offers something rare: a supportive community where stories matter.
Whether you’re interested in writers in Lincoln Nebraska, looking for the best spots to write, or simply curious about the literary culture here, I hope this guide has given you insight into what makes this city’s writing community special. The prairie may surround us, but the words flow freely.
The next time you find yourself in Nebraska, I encourage you to visit one of Lincoln’s bookstores, attend a reading, or simply grab a coffee at Meadowlark and observe the writers hard at work. You might just find your next great story in the process.
Matthew Bovee is an investigative journalist based in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is the author of several books including “The Settlement Machine” and “TIF Scandal.”