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Mission & History of The Writers Place 

The story of The Writers Place begins in 1977, when Gloria Vando founded Helicon Nine and began publishing fine books of literature written by women. In 1992, Vando and William Hickok altered their 501 (c)3 to designation to establish The Midwest Center for the Literary Arts, which includes Helicon Nine and The Writers Place.  

Located in a distinctive, spacious  old house in Kansas City's historic Valentine district, The Writers Place provides a space for workshops, book signings, art openings, and readings. The goal of our founders was to create a venue where writers could come together and discuss their work, and during its twenty-year history, many area writers have forged connections with The Writers Place, having read here, celebrated a book release, taught workshops, joined critique groups, or attended programs as a student or audience member.  The Writers Place is an independent arts organization, unaffiliated with any large cultural institution like a library or university, so it depends on the generosity of its members, supporters, and volunteers to stay vigorous. We invite you to look around our virtual house, and then visit the real thing at 3607 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri.

The Writers Place provides handicapped parking, entrance ramp, and bathroom facilities.