All Loft Programming Through January 1, 2022 is Virtual

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The Loft Literary Center

A Haven For Readers & Writers

The Loft believes that story, verse, and writing aren’t just nice things you put on a shelf, but are instead core to a full existence. At their best, they help us connect, entertain, mourn, protest, provoke, educate, and empathize. Join us—and find or share your story.

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New at the Loft

The Loft offers far more than award-winning writing classes. Learn more about our latest offerings below.

Sigrid Nunez Wordsmith Deconstructed

Sigrid Nunez Craft Conversation

National Book Award winner Sigrid Nunez in conversation with novelist Peter Geye. Oct 1. See details at the link below.

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Deconstructed Wordsmith

Wordsmith Deconstructed

Our annual writing conference has been divided into an a la carte virtual affair. Pick your path through events (including National Book Award winner Sigrid Nunez), classes, and one-on-one manuscript/query consultations with visiting agents and editors.

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Year Long Writing Projects Square

Year-Long Writing Projects

The Loft's Year-Long Writing Projects are back. information sessions are starting soon and registration opens in November.

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Upcoming Classes

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Loft Classes Now Open

During this global health crisis, Loft creative writing classes take place entirely online. Some classes are offered via live video conferencing while others are offered in weekly, flexible segments. All classes are designed to help you reach your goals. Explore our upcoming offerings and find your next chance to learn, connect, and grow.

Learn more about our class offerings on our classes pages.

Upcoming Classes About Loft Classes

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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

Craft Conversation with Sigrid Nunez

Sigrid Nunez joins the Loft for a virtual craft conversation with Peter Geye.

Wordsmith Agent Panel

Come ready with your publishing and agenting questions for this esteemed agent panel including Annie Hwang, Mackenzie Brady Watson, and Alec Shane. We'll talk query letters, agenting, publishing, and leave plenty of time for your questions too.

McKnight Fellowship Application Tutorial and Q and A

Join us for a free online session on how to apply for a McKnight Artist Fellowship in Writing. Director of Events and Awards Bao Phi will give an overview, present and answer some Frequently Asked Questions, and then take questions from the audience. Audience members should be ready to type their questions in the Memo section, and the session will be recorded and posted online. You must preregister for this event.

The Loft's Blog

Reading Like a Writer

Freshwater and Sitting with Uncertainty

Freshwater, by Akwaeke Emezi, opens in a strange and magical way. Not only is the POV “we,” the narrators are not yet born and might be magical. When we first encounter this voice, it's hard to tell what is happening—what is "real," what is human, what is something else.

Disability Representation in Writing

Marginalization is often magnified by societal invisibility for the disabled individuals. Even initiatives and organizations committed to championing inclusivity often overlook those who have different access needs.

Loft Spotlights

Meet Teaching Artist Troy Wilderson

Troy Wilderson is a New Orleans–born writer, senior prose feedback editor for Typehouse Literary Magazine, and a manuscript reader for a local independent publisher. She teaches the art of short story writing online. Her short fiction has appeared in Roanoke Review, the Tishman Review, and more.

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