Loft Writing Groups
Loft Open Groups
Loft-sponsored writing and discussion groups
Loft-Sponsored Open Groups
Loft-sponsored writing and discussion groups give members of the Twin Cities literary community an accessible, supportive, stimulating, and relaxed environment in which to share their words. These groups seek to foster and nurture writers from all walks of the local writing community. Most groups meet at Open Book in the Loft’s Book Club Room. All groups are run by volunteer facilitators and are free and open to the public.
Join an Existing Group: To join any of the following groups contact the group facilitator.
Form a New Group: To start a new Loft-sponsored writing group contact Lynn Casale by email at lcasale@loft.org or by phone at 612-215-2575. The Loft may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Visit our community posting page for more writing group opportunities.
Warrior Writers MN
When: Third Saturday monthly, 1–2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Jay Mastrud, mast0056@umn.edu
Warrior writers MN will affiliate with the national organization based in Philadelphia. Their stated mission is to create a culture that articulates veterans’ experiences, build a collaborative community for artistic expression, and bear witness to war and the full range of military service.
Our goals as a local chapter are to encourage veterans to start or continue writing in the medium of their choice as way to heal from PTSD or simply be heard. We seek to mutually aid our fellow veterans as they hone and refine their writing skills whether simply for personal use, self-publishing, or seeking out an agent for marketing to a large publishing house. We will offer a safe space for veterans to share their service related or civilian stories in a supportive environment while simultaneously shattering stereotypes of what it means to be a veteran.
Saved by Faith & Verse
When: Not Meeting Until May 2023
Facilitator: Nimo Farah, farah.nimo@gmail.com
This year-long writing workshop will focus on poetry as well as multiple literary forms such as essay, memoir, short story, and journalism; and that will also focus on literary career-building. It will be facilitated by recognized Minnesota literary artists from a diversity of cultures, and will support the artistic and literary career growth of both emerging and accomplished Somali writers.
Open Voices Writing Group
When: Second Tuesday monthly, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Greta Huttanus, gretahuttanus@comcast.net
Open Voices is made up of writers from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Our goal is to explore the world through culture, heritage, and humanity, portraying these perspectives authentically as integral elements in the words we share.
TGI Frybread Native American Writers Group
When: First Monday monthly, 6–8 p.m.
Facilitator: Colleen Casey, farfalla963@hotmail.com; Marne Zafar, nativeam@me.com
The TGI Frybread writing group explores various writing styles and formats, allowing for member opportunities to share work, workshop pieces, and support each other‘s creative journeys. If you don’t wish to share your writing, come anyway and enjoy connecting with a community of native writers.
Finote Tibeb
When: First Sunday monthly, 2–5:30 p.m., in room 208
Facilitator: finotetibebmn@yahoo.com
Deriving its name from the two Geez words, Finote and Tibeb, with the combined meaning, "road for wisdom", Finote Tibeb strives to create and develop the culture of appreciation for Ethiopian literary art. Come share in the conversation.