Jennifer Hester Mattox
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jennifermattox.bsky.social
Jennifer Hester Mattox
@jennifermattox.bsky.social
By day I’m the director of The Carnegie Center, a community learning & literary arts center in Lexington, KY. By night I’m a writer living in Bourbon Co., the birthplace of bourbon.
Writing friends querying agents in 2026, check this out first! youtube.com/watch?v=D5qr...
The Worst Genres to Write in 2026 (Based on Publishing Industry Data)
YouTube video by Alyssa Matesic
youtube.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Emily Dickinson died OTD 139 years ago and her poetry continues to engage and enlighten minds. There is power in words.
May 15, 2025 at 12:13 PM
In case you missed it—or want to see it again—here is the video of Tuesday’s Kentucky Great Writers Series 250Lex Special Edition: Lexington’s Kentucky Poets Laureate at the @carnegiecenterlex.bsky.social .

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April 18, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Now more than ever, literary events soothe the soul and fill us with what’s needed. I was honored to speak of my writing journey on the same stage where some of Lexington’s brightest stars were featured during last night’s 250Lex Literary Celebration. Thanks to @gwenda.bsky.social for the pic!
April 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
“I believe writing a novel is the highest achievement of all time.”—Hart Hanson, creator of Bones at #AWP25 “From Prose to Screen and Back Again” session
March 28, 2025 at 8:55 PM
“Seeing something that was fictional made real is kind of extraordinary.”—Emily St. John Mandel, #AWP25 @nationalbook.bsky.social’s Page to Screen session.
March 28, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Let’s escape reality right now with a daydream: What fictional setting would you visit (or live in) if you could?
March 22, 2025 at 1:56 PM
It was an honor to co-host the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony featuring an outstanding class of inductees. The video is now up on @carnegiecenterlex.bsky.social’s YouTube channel.
What an incredible night! The Kentucky literary community came out in droves to support the 2025 Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Inductees. Here are a few sneak peeks at photos from the evening. Did you miss the event? On Thursday, we will have a copy on Youtube for you to watch at your convenience.
March 18, 2025 at 1:47 AM
One of favorite authors, of one of my favorite books! Get the chance to learn about writing from Meg Shaffer—she’s a master storyteller. @carnegiecenterlex.bsky.social
Psst - Are you writing a book? Energize your process with the Books in Progress Conference featuring a keynote from author Meg Shaffer. (We are SO EXCITED!) Early bird registration is LIVE! Sign-up today!

carnegiecenterlex.org/books-in-pro...
Books in Progress Conference - Carnegie Center
carnegiecenterlex.org
March 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
I love a good writing retreat, and this one is! I attended last year and loved everything from the sessions and the intimate conversations with authors, to the Endicott House and the delicious chef-prepared meals. You can bet I’ve already registered for this year’s retreat! I highly recommend it.
March 1, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Earlier this month I shared my writing goals for 2025. I love hearing how other writers’ goals are going, too, and JT Ellison’s Annual Review post is always one of my favorites. Check it out below and/or find her at @thrillerchick.bsky.social (She’s also a great thriller writer. Read her books!)
2024 Annual Review
The Year of Balance
open.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 7:52 PM
One of the things I love most about coordinating the Kentucky Great Writers Series is bringing together a talented group of authors and hearing them read and discuss their books. You’ll love hearing from these three outstanding women writers!
@carnegiecenterlex.bsky.social
January 25, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Instead of resolutions, I make writing goals. Here are mine for 2025:

1) Finish and polish the final draft of the WIP.
2) Start querying agents by Fall 2025.
3) Dedicate more time towards writing retreats and write-ins.

Writing friends, what do you plan to work towards in 2025?

#writingcommunity
December 31, 2024 at 5:04 AM