The Loft Literary Center

New at the Loft

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

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The Loft Presents If

This fall the Loft presents If—more than a dozen events and classes around the most important word in the English language.

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Year-Long Writing Projects for 2020

Year-Long Writing Projects in novel, memoir/creative nonfiction, picture book, and poetry are coming soon. Project and registration info now available.

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Wordsmith Registration

Wordsmith—a career, craft, and connection conference for writers is coming Nov 2–3, 2019. The lineup includes 25 visiting agents and editors, plus authors Madeline Miller, Hanif Abdurraqib, Richard Blanco, Téa Obreht, Nami Mun, and Courtney Maum. Registration is now open!

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Upcoming Classes

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Fall Classes Now Open

Loft creative writing classes take place online and in-person and are offered to youth and adults. All classes are designed to help you reach your goals. Explore our upcoming offerings and find your next chance to learn, connect, and grow.

All fall classes are now available (including classes with visiting teachers: Marly Rusoff, Hanif Abdurraqib, Richard Blanco, Téa Obreht, Ibi Zoboi, and Janet Burroway!

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
Oct
22
2019
The Loft Presents If: Celebrating Octavia Butler
As part of the Loft's fall theme 'If,' join us for a conversation between Autumn Brown and Chaun Webster celebrating one of the most influential speculative fiction writers of all time, Octavia Butler.
Nov
4
2019
The Loft Presents If: Big Ideas with Madeline Miller—Why is If the Most Important Word?
As part of the Loft's fall theme 'If,' the Loft presents Big Ideas with Madeline Miller.

 
Nov
12
2019
Bao 20th Loft Anniversary Phi-esta!

Bao and the Loft invite you to celebrate Bao's 20 years of influence at the Loft! Come enjoy a night of Bao-themed festivities, including a reading of new material from the man of the hour. There will be food, drinks, and a specially curated silent auction.

A suggested donation of $20 in celebration of 20 years of service is requested. However, donations of any size are welcome and encouraged. Happy 20th Anniversary, Bao!
The Loft's Blog
Pro Tips
What to Expect When Pitching an Agent
So you're getting ready to pitch an agent. Nervous? Wondering what to say? The tone in which to say it? Questions you should ask? If it's all even worth it? (Am I getting too real yet?) Try not to worry too much; almost everyone gets nervous to pitch. That's why you've got this post to help.

Savannah Brooks
Oct. 8
publish.me
Shelving a Book
The reality is that not every idea will find a publishing home. Maybe it’s due to the timeliness of the idea, or your book is just not fully ready. There’s no specific standard for when to shelve a book, so here are a few things worth considering.
Dawn Frederick
Sep. 24
Reading Like a Writer
The Unpassing and Beginnings
The hardest thing is figuring out how to begin a story. It's your one chance at a truly pure and vulnerable reader. The reader knows nothing, and must trust everything—or not—and you can work with that in the best ways.
Allison Wyss
Sep. 19
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