Class

2025 Loft Youth Writing Intensive: Ages 14 To 18

The Loft's Summer Youth Writing Intensive for Ages 14-18 is led by acclaimed and published writers. These teaching artists are experts in their field! Over the course of four days, students will gain new insights into the craft of writing. (Application link is below.)

This class consists of multiple workshops, all listed below. Each aims to inspire creativity, self-expression, and a passion for writing. During the week, young writers will engage with published writers across various genres.

By the end of this intensive, students will have completed at least one piece of new writing. You'll leave with new friends and inspiration for new projects! Additionally, students will have the option to share their writing in a public reading at week's end, and have an opportunity to publish work in a youth anthology.

Writers of all skill levels are encouraged to apply! This 4-day class is for ages 14-18. Register and submit a short application and writing sample here: https://loft.submittable.com/projects/edit/24867f1e-6305-4189-b42f-6e9c…

The following sessions will take place throughout the four days:

FICTION: LET'S WRITE A STORY—FROM BLANK PAGE TO THE LAST PAGE
(for ages 14-18, with Holly Day)

In this class, we'll go over many of the ways writers get their creative engines moving. As part of that, we'll explore everything from basic character formation to creating vivid scenes and scenarios. By the time this class is over, you'll know how to make yourself start writing, and keep writing until your piece is done.

SCRAPBOOK POETRY
(for ages 10-13, with Dralandra Larkins)

Students dive into words and imagery by sharing their imagination and creativity using their voices in the form of Spoken Word. Students explore visual art exercises to enhance their understanding of poetic expression and visual art integration. Students will create poems, clay sculpture, painted plant pot, bookmark, and tote bag.

SPECULATIVE MEMOIR: A PRIMER
(for ages 14-18, with Shannon Gibney)

If you told the story of your life, what would you say? If you told the story of your half-life, of the unknown pieces of your life — and your family's lives — what would you imagine? And how would this fit into the ""known"" parts of your personal and family stories? In this class, we'll examine and craft our own memoirs of truth and speculation, using the known as a place to jump off into the possible.

SCREENWRITING
(for ages 14-18, with Michael Gorrie)

Want to write a movie? This class is for you! Over the course of 4 days, we'll cover the fundamentals of screenwriting structure, formatting, and character development. During class, students will have the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers and the teaching artist.