Class

2026 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/submit/47a9485d-af6c-4494-be46-35ac391f394…

The following sessions will take place throughout the four days:

ELEMENTS OF FICTION: PUT THE STORY IN YOUR STORY
(for ages 14-18, with Robert Voedisch)

In this class, we’ll look at the big questions that drive every story—Who are these characters? What do they want?—but we’ll also look at the smaller, more technical aspects of fiction, like point-of-view, voice, and time. (Note: Students will have 20 pages of work critiqued by the instructor.)

SCRAPBOOK POETRY
(for ages 14-18, with Dralandra Larkins)

This workshop invites teens to explore poetry as both a written and performed art form, combining spoken word with visual art. Students develop their own poetic voices through writing, revision, and performance, while experimenting with visual art techniques that enhance storytelling and symbolism. Through guided exercises, students will create original poems, clay sculptures, bookmarks, and painted tote bags, learning how words and visuals work together to communicate identity, emotion, and social perspective. The workshop emphasizes creative confidence, artistic risk-taking, and authentic self-expression.

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: WRITE YOUR MEMOIR
(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.