Here is a list of some famous authors who have lived in Kansas for at least part of their lives:
Laura Moriarty got her master's degree from the University of Kansas. She is the author of the novel “The Chaperone.” The story is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1920s, and follows the intertwined journeys of two women from Kansas.
Fifteen-year-old Louise Brooks, on the cusp of fame as a silent-film icon, departs Wichita for New York City to train at the prestigious Denishawn School of Dancing. Accompanying her is thirty-six-year-old Cora Carlisle, a traditional yet enigmatic woman with her own secret motives for making the trip.
Although born in Wisconsin, Wilder spent her formative years in Kansas, which inspired parts of her “Little House on the Prairie” series. These beloved books detail her family's pioneer life and hardships on the Kansas prairie.
Born in Fort Scott, Kansas, Gordon Parks was a groundbreaking photographer, filmmaker, and author. His autobiographical novel “The Learning Tree” was adapted into a film, making him the first African American to direct a major Hollywood studio movie.
A Wichita native, Clare Vanderpool is known for her middle-grade novels, including “Moon Over Manifest”, which won the Newbery Medal in 2011. The novel is set in a small Kansas town and explores themes of identity and history.
Born in Independence, Kansas, William Inge was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist. His play “Picnic” earned him a Pulitzer Prize and is set in a small Kansas town, reflecting the Midwest's cultural dynamics.
Though more famous as an aviator, Earhart, born in Atchison, Kansas, authored books like “The Fun of It”, which recount her experiences and inspires readers to embrace adventure.
A mystery novelist from Kansas, Nancy Pickard is known for works like “The Scent of Rain and Lightning”, a suspenseful tale set in the Midwest.
Although known primarily as a military leader and President, Eisenhower, who grew up in Abilene, Kansas, authored several books, including “Crusade in Europe”, documenting his WWII experiences.
McCarter was a novelist and teacher from Kansas who wrote historical fiction set in the Midwest, including “A Master’s Degree.”
Though born in Missouri, Langston Hughes spent part of his life in Kansas and is celebrated for his poetry, including “The Weary Blues,” which captures the African American experience.
Paretsky grew up in Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas. She is a renowned mystery writer, best known for her V.I. Warshawski series.
A Kansas-based author and professor, Averill is known for novels like “Rode.” His works often explore themes of regional culture and identity.
Born in Wichita, Thompson wrote “A Garden of Sand”, a gritty novel based on his experiences growing up during the Great Depression in Kansas.
Raised in Kansas, Day is the author of “The Last Cattle Drive”, a humorous novel about life on the Kansas plains.
Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, William Stafford was an acclaimed poet and pacifist. He served as the U.S. Poet Laureate in 1970 and is best known for his poetry collection “Traveling Through the Dark”, which won the National Book Award for Poetry.