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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.

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Wordplay Lineup 2019!

The visiting author lineup for the Loft's Wordplay, presented by St. Catherine University and Star Tribune, is now available. More than 100 authors are coming to town—save the dates (May 11–12, 2019) and be there to celebrate with us! Registration opens March 14 for Loft members.

VV Ganeshananthan

The Mentor Series returns Feb 1

The six-part series kicks off February 1 with mentor V.V. Ganeshananthan and fellows Debra J. Stone and Ariane Sandford.

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The Loft Presents Needs

This winter, the Loft presents Needs—a series of linked classes and events around the basics in each of our lives. Learn more on our Needs page.

Upcoming Classes

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Winter Classes 2019 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.

This Winter, our theme for classes and events is Needs. Learn more about those offerings and how you can take part below.

Upcoming Classes About Loft Classes Needs Theme Download Loft Winter Publication (PDF)

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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

Mentor Series Reading with V.V. Ganeshananthan

The Loft Literary Center Presents a 2018-2019 Loft Mentor Series Reading with mentor V.V. Ganeshananthan and fellows Debra J. Stone and Ariane Sandford.

Healing Trauma Across Communities: More Than a Single Story

One of the devastating tools within the colonizers’ toolbox has been the practice of Divide and Conquer, creating fear and distrust among and between Indigenous and communities of color. Part of the Loft's Needs theme, this More Than a Single Story conversation will discuss how sharing our stories, not just of pain, but also of our beauty and strength, has allowed us to survive this practice.

Mentor Series Reading with Angela Pelster

The Loft Literary Center Presents a 2018-2019 Loft Mentor Series Reading with mentor Angela Pelster and fellows Brianna Flavin and Molly Olguín.

The Loft's Blog

publish.me: Get to Know the Nielson Bookscan

In the world of TV, we’ve often heard about Nielsen ratings. But it’s rare for readers to realize there’s an arm of the same company that focuses on book sales, otherwise known as Nielsen BookScan. The goal was for a comprehensive database reflecting quantity of each title of a book sold.

Reading Like a Writer

Reading Like a Writer: Setting and Sensibility in White Dancing Elephants

Because it's unaligned with a character, I initially wonder if the voice is omniscient, or even objective third-person. When the "I" emerges in the second paragraph, it's a surprise. I realize the character has been hiding from me, effacing himself behind the dense description of his hiding place.

Around the Loft

The Loft's Wordplay Lineup 2019

There is a lot that goes into building a first-ever festival like Wordplay. Founding Wordplay Director Steph Opitz explains her excitement and thinking in this blog post.

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