The Loft Literary Center

Featured Offerings
Poetry Service Announcement Graphic
Celebrate Indigenous Place | May 30

Join Heid E. Erdrich and a cohort of poets convened and commissioned as part of her fellowship from the Academy of American Poets.

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Square promotional image for a picture book craft talk featuring author and illustrator Don Tate. Don Tate stands smiling in a denim shirt, hands clasped. His signature is prominently displayed over his torso. The background is bright pink with a grid texture and a border of illustrated picture book covers. Large bold text reads: “The ABCs and 123s (and other cliches) of Picture Book Writing.” The Loft Literary Center logo appears at the top, along with a black and white calendar icon showing May 31.
ABCs and 123s of Picture Books with Don Tate | May 31

Please join us for a craft talk on writing picture books with the 2024 McKnight judge in Children’s Literature, Don Tate!

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Writing Excuses Event
Writing Excuses Podcast Live @ the Loft | Jun 24

Join the Loft for a rare chance to watch the award-winning Writing Excuses podcast record live episodes, right here in Minneapolis. Audience members will be able to bring their writing questions to the show and have a chance to get them answered.

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Not Sure Where to Start? Try a Loft Pathway
Signage with an arrow saying "Choose Your Path"
Choose Your Path

The Loft’s five pathways help readers and writers find the right offerings based on their goals—whether you're just beginning, looking to spark creativity, connect with others, dive deep into stories and craft, or refine works-in-progress. Choose the path that fits where you are (or want to be) on your literary journey.

Graphic for Discover and Explore pathway with a compass icon
Discover & Explore

Perfect for beginners or the creatively curious, this pathway offers a welcoming space to build confidence, uncover new interests, and connect with other curious readers and writers.

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Graphic for Gather and Socialize pathway with a full cup and sparkling stars next to it.
Gather & Socialize

Writing and reading don't have to be solitary—this pathway centers connection, conversation, and community. Join fellow writers and readers for casual meetups, celebrations, and shared creative energy.

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Graphic for Generate and Create Pathway featuring an icon with a lit light bulb.
Generate & Create

This pathway focuses on sparking imagination and creative momentum. Through prompts, exercises, and playful exploration, you'll find fresh ways to get writing and keep going.

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Graphic for Expand and Discuss Pathway featuring an icon for a speech bubble.
Expand & Discuss

For readers and writers who love digging in, this pathway offers rich conversations and craft-focused discussions centered around books and big ideas. Grow, question, and engage with others who love to think critically about stories and storytelling.

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Graphic for Feedback and Polish pathway with a page with some notes written in the margin.
Feedback & Polish

This pathway is for writers with works in progress who are ready to refine and elevate their craft. Get targeted feedback from peers and teaching artist and develop strategies for revision and next steps toward publication.

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Upcoming Loft Events

Learn More About Loft Events

The Loft hosts numerous events throughout the year. Take a look at our upcoming offerings and plan your next visit.

Upcoming Loft Events
May
30
2025
Celebrate Indigenous Place — A Poetry Service Announcement

Join Heid E. Erdrich and a cohort of poets convened and commissioned as part of her fellowship from the Academy of American Poets.
May
31
2025
Craft Talk: The ABCs and 123s (and other clichés) of Picture Book Writing

Please join us for a craft talk on writing picture books with the 2024 McKnight judge in Children’s Literature, Don Tate! 
Jun
11
2025
Friend Fête (June 2025)

Come together as one big friend group at our semi-annual gathering for Friends of the Loft! Have a drink and a bite, make connections, and participate in the open mic at this free donor social hour.
The Loft's Blog
Loft Spotlights
Behind the Zine: A Handmade Space for Hope with Kristy Wessel
"The idea started quietly, like many good things do, with a few writers in the Lit!Commons community talking about how disconnected we were feeling. From our creative work. From each other. From a sense that what we make might actually matter."
Kristy Wessel
May. 20
Loft Spotlights
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles Meech (1942-2025)
Brenda Hudson reflects on her time at Madeline Island School of the Arts and the impact of Charlie’s generous vision.  
Brenda Hudson
May. 16
Reading Like a Writer
City of Dancing Gargoyles and the Decentering of Humanity
Monsters, Memory, and a Masterclass in First Lines: why starting with confusion can be a brilliant craft move.
Allison Wyss
Apr. 29
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Support the Loft

Become a Friend
Your Support Unleashes the Power of the Word

At the Loft, we envision a world where the power of the word liberates minds, deepens relationships, and inspires movements for people and planet. Your gift sustains our community of writers and readers whose stories are vital to our shared humanity and our freedom.

Become a Friend of the Loft Today
Poet Guante with eyes closed and hand against chest in front of microphone reading a poem.