The initiative is a collaboration between
Amy Le Ann Richardson
author, teacher, social activist
Rowan County Arts Center
community arts facility
Coffee Tree Book Store
venue for readings and sales
James Baker Hall Foundation
primary sponsor funding
Amy Le Ann Richardson, renowned Kentucky author from Rowan County and Lawrence Pemble of the James Baker Hall Foundation sat next to each other at the Fayette County’s Young Writers Conference in April of 2025. The two got to talking about young writers from the Northeastern Appalachian counties of Kentucky where Amy lives. The two talked about how to support Kentucky writers—And that was the beginning of something special!
Amy invited Larry to visit Rowan County, see the Rowan County Arts Center and Coffee Tree Bookstore in Morehead and meet Waylan Coffey, manager of the Arts Center. The partnership that resulted is modeled on the Foundation’s program supporting the Young Writers Program at the Hindman Settlement School.
Bloodroot Writers Collective is a youth-led literary initiative rooted in Rowan County, Kentucky. Inspired by the resilient ephemerals of Appalachian forests — plants like bloodroot and ginseng that bloom boldly, briefly, and with purpose — this program cultivates young voices through writing, critique, performance, and mentorship. Like the forest floor in spring, we create space for powerful stories to rise.
Bloodroot Writers Collective is a year-round literary arts program for young people in Eastern Kentucky, hosted by the Rowan County Arts Center in partnership with the James Baker Hall Foundation. Meeting monthly, the collective offers a blend of generative writing sessions, peer critique, and performance opportunities.
Students learn across genres, build community with one another, and connect with established Appalachian authors through guest talks and mentorship.
The program culminates in a youth-led literary festival — a celebration of voice, place, and story — where participants share their work, welcome visiting writers, and help shape the cultural life of their region. Through writing, students explore identity, stewardship, and creative expression rooted deeply in the land and traditions of Appalachia.
