WOW
Words Of Women
A writing group for every woman with a story. If you've got words in you, there's a seat at this table.
⚑ 4th Thursday of each month · 5–7pm ⚑
Words Of Women
A writing group for every woman with a story. If you've got words in you, there's a seat at this table.
Words Of Women — WOW for short — began with a simple idea: bring together women who want to encourage one another to write that memoir, poetry, legacy piece, or cookbook — or just improve their writing skills. It grew into a community of talented, strong, and supportive women who share their experiences through the written word.
WOW offers each woman her voice and a safe place to use it. Members bring their work, receive encouragement and gentle critique, and give the same in return — feedback, never judgment. And we enjoy each other's company: writing together, laughing together, and sharing our stories around the table.
“Join us as we bring together women who want to encourage one another to write that memoir, poetry, legacy piece, cookbook — or just improve your writing skills.”
Debbie Ables · Lark Booth · Lorraine Waldau
Co-Founders, Words Of Women — February 9, 2025
WOW was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky — the Bourbon Capital of the World — by Debbie Ables with friends Lark Booth and Lorraine Waldau. The group meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 in the evening: part writing circle, part supper club, all heart.
Members take turns hosting — gardens, parlors, party tables — and every gathering ends the same way: with words read aloud, notebooks fuller than they started, and a date set for the next one.
A best friend's heart surgery, a gift cruise across Italy, Greece, and Istanbul — and a rhinestone cane that wouldn't cooperate. Worth every frustrating minute.
In her seventies and still reaching: Debbie weighs the next chapter — a one-floor house, a garden of her own, and the courage it takes to start again.
WOW's September 2025 retreat in one word: ELEVATED. The ladies said it best themselves — exceptional, magical, grateful, playful, enlightening, fun, exciting.
From the Latin gratus — a nightly ritual of three cleansing breaths, remembering the day, and turning the hard parts positive.
Every WOW meeting has a theme — and the ladies dress the part. Alice in Wonderland, garden parties, holiday tables with tiered desserts and mimosas.
How can we beat that?! Thanks to all who attended.
Every good writing group runs on refreshment, and this is one of WOW's favorites — a festive adult beverage that makes critiques go down a little easier. It debuted at the holiday party and it's been on the menu ever since.
One of our favorite adult beverages — makes critiques go down a little easier.
Meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month, 5–7pm. If you've got words in you, there's a seat at this table.