Columbus is known for its thriving arts scene, culinary innovation and creative spirit, but we are also a city with deep literary roots. Once home to one of the most beloved children's horror writers and several award-winning essayists, poets and humorists, Columbus has helped shape the voices of some of America's most influential authors.
Read on to learn more about how these writers have left their mark on both Columbus and the literary world, and find more literary experiences in Columbus.
R.L. Stine at The Columbus Metropolitan Library. Courtesy of Experience Columbus.
R.L. Stine
If you've ever read a “Goosebumps” book under the covers with a flashlight, you have Columbus native R.L. Stine to thank. Born and raised in Bexley, a charming neighborhood just outside Columbus, Stine discovered his love of literature at an early age when a librarian introduced him to Ray Bradbury's works. He attended The Ohio State University before launching a career that would make him one of the best-selling children's authors of all time.
Though he no longer lives in Columbus, Stine's hometown played an important role in shaping his imagination and he frequently returns for events and author talks. Today, his “Goosebumps” and “Fear Street” series have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, introducing generations of readers to spooky stories and unforgettable twists.
See Columbus through R.L. Stine's eyes and read how R.L. Stine spends his perfect day in Columbus.
Maggie Smith
Award-winning poet Maggie Smith has become one of the most recognizable literary voices to emerge from Columbus in recent years. A Columbus native, Smith gained international attention with her poem “Good Bones," which resonated with readers around the globe and has been translated into multiple languages.
Her acclaimed books, including “Goldenrod”, “Keep Moving,” and the bestselling memoir “You Could Make This Place Beautiful”, explore themes of resilience, creativity and finding beauty amid life's challenges. Smith's work often reflects a deep sense of place, and her connection to Columbus remains an important part of her story.
Hanif Abdurraqib in Columbus. Photo by Kendra Bryant.
Hanif Abdurraqib
Few contemporary writers have captured the intersection of music, culture and personal storytelling quite like Hanif Abdurraqib. Born and raised in Columbus, Abdurraqib has become one of the country's most celebrated essayists, poets and cultural critics, and was honored as a MacArthur Fellow.
His award-winning books, including “They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us”, “A Little Devil in America,” and “There's Always This Year,” blend memoir, history and criticism into a uniquely powerful voice. Throughout his work, Columbus frequently appears as both backdrop and character, making the city an essential part of the stories he tells.
Read our Q&A with Hanif to learn more about where he draws inspiration and his favorite places in Columbus.
"Unicorn in the Garden" by Jack Greaves, at Thurber House. Photo by Oregonia Photos.
James Thurber
Long before Columbus became known for its modern literary scene, it was home to one of America's greatest humorists. James Thurber, born in Columbus in 1894, built a legendary career as a writer, cartoonist and contributor to The New Yorker.
Thurber's sharp wit and keen observations of everyday life made him one of the most influential humor writers of the 20th century. His best-known works include “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “My Life and Hard Times”. Visitors can still see traces of Thurber's Columbus upbringing reflected in many of his stories, which drew inspiration from family life and experiences in central Ohio.
Visit The Thurber House on Jefferson Ave., a literary center for readers and writers offering writing camps and literary events throughout the year.
Saeed Jones
Poet, memoirist and cultural critic Saeed Jones spent several formative years living in Columbus, a city that would later inspire one of his most memorable essays. Jones is the author of the award-winning memoir “How We Fight for Our Lives” and the poetry collection “Prelude to Bruise”.
In his essay "A Love Letter to Columbus," Jones reflects on the city's role in his personal and creative development, writing about the communities, friendships and experiences that helped shape him during his time here. Though he now lives in Massachusetts, Columbus remains an important chapter in his story.
Piper Kerman
Readers may recognize Piper Kerman as the author of the memoir “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison”, which inspired the hit television series Orange Is the New Black. Kerman spent time living in Columbus, where she became involved in nonprofit and community-focused work.
While her memoir chronicles experiences that took place elsewhere, her connection to Columbus is part of a broader story about advocacy, criminal justice reform and community engagement that has defined much of her career since the book's publication.
Larry Smith
Author, editor and storytelling advocate Larry Smith has also made a significant impact on the literary landscape. Best known as the creator of the Six-Word Memoir project, Smith helped spark a global storytelling movement based on the simple challenge of telling a life story in just six words.
Smith lived in Columbus with his wife, Piper Kerman, and has frequently worked to make storytelling more accessible through books, events and educational initiatives. His work demonstrates that powerful stories don't always require hundreds of pages; sometimes six words are enough.
Spooky tales, Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry, groundbreaking essays and unforgettable memoirs all created by some of Columbus’ most inspiring residents. These authors represent different genres, generations and perspectives, but they share a common connection to a city that continues to foster creativity and storytelling.
For book lovers, Columbus offers great independent bookstores, nationally acclaimed libraries, and a spectacular booklovers trail, but it also offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of writers whose words have reached readers around the world.
