Play on Words Inc

Pushing writing projects forward, building resumes, creating visibility for local authors, and innovating how people pick up the pen. Play On Words Inc. is transforming how writing is experienced for Louisville's most underappreciated communities. We create the space to spark the idea and help writers explore and craft written projects that amplify often underheard voices. 

How do we do that? All of Play On Words programming consists of high-energy, joyous workshops that target participants interests and incorporate literary components to build on skill sets. We partner local writers, authors and facilitators in amazing and often deemed inaccessible spaces, to engage participants through guided writing prompts, games and storytelling techniques.

We also host one-on-one resume workshops as we believe resumes are the written story of an individual's career journey. These one-on-one sessions are often relationship-building focused, and participants leave with a complete resume ready for use. 

Play On Words seeks to stay relevant by evolving with the needs of the community, bringing fresh ideas to tenured community spaces to spark refreshing experiences and host community events, such as Black Paperback, that feel innovative, inclusive and immersive. 

Hosted in Iroquois park in 2021 and 2022, Black Paperback showcased Louisville's local black writers who struggled to find space for their work. Industry data shows that black authors account for roughly 5% to 8% of all traditionally published books in the U.S, reflecting a large disparity in overall representation. Furthermore, without traditional publishing bookstores and other venues are less likely to provide consignment for self-published writers, furthering the decrease in visibility. Black Paperback pushed the media to acknowledge the robust black writer community in Louisville and has influenced a variety of other similar events recently.

We believe learning and fun should work hand in hand. By combining play with meaningful learning experiences, participants build confidence, learn to trust themselves, explore the world around them, and discover the power of their own voices.