Have you ever thought about writing creatively, and would like feedback on your creative project? Do you have a novel, short story, poem, or play inside of you that you've been developing? Come and join our workshop and receive the support and feedback that can help you get to that next level with your creative project!

CALLING ALL LGBTQ+ WRITERS!

WHEN: The 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

WHERE: Virtual meeting - please register below to access the Zoom link

CONTACT: [email protected] or call The LOFT's helpline at (914) 948-2932 x13 with any questions!

Check out our new RESOURCES page listed with opportunities to publish your work, click here!

HOW IT WORKS:

• The Writers Workshop has become a VIRTUAL PROGRAM (with some selected times in the year for in-person gatherings).
• Workshops are held every 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. (Please note there are exceptions.)
• If you are looking to have your work reviewed, you need to submit your work by no later than the 2nd Wednesday and participate in the critique process. (For new submissions please email [email protected] no later than 6:00 PM ET to receive the link to submit before midnight)
• Submitting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month gives everyone a week to read all the submissions and produce critiques for everyone's work.  Once you submit your work, you too will receive access to the submissions where you will also need to prepare a brief critique on every piece of work submitted. (You'll also receive a guide for writing critiques--it's really easy and a quick read). We have also recently added an "early bird submission" for those writers who want to submit longer than 6 pages. It's due on the 1st Wednesday of the month, giving readers two weeks to review their work.
• That 3rd Wednesday we will all meet and collectively review everyone's submission, writer by a writer. Everyone will have a chance to weigh in and offer their assessment in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. All writers who submit work for review are required to also attend, participate, and produce critiques for all other submissions to receive their critiques and feedback.

WHAT CAN YOU SUBMIT?

The Writers Workshop accepts most creative projects including but not limited to fiction novels, non-fiction, memoirs, essays, short stories, poetry, comic strips, screenplays, etc...  The most common work that has been submitted by writers is fiction projects (novels and short stories) and poetry. While not a requirement, we do encourage submissions to contain LGBTQ+ themes.  One of the great benefits of LGBTQ+ writing spaces is receiving feedback from writers who are centered on an LGBTQ+ identity and can offer insight and perspective that can enhance the quality of your project. Please note the submission length will vary from month to month. 

It's my first time and I'm ready to submit my work...WHAT DO I DO?

First, double-check your submission:

• Is your name somewhere on the manuscript?
• Does it correspond to the submission standards: length, font size, double-space, and standard margins? Please do not try to manipulate your document to squeeze in extra content. This is highly inconsiderate towards your fellow writers. You are asking them to spend more time and resources on your work than on theirs. If your work does not follow the guidelines, you may be at risk of having it sent back to you and asked to have it conform to the standards laid out (you will still have to meet the established timelines for submission). Don't risk it, follow the guidelines.
• Once you've ensured that your work meets the submission standards e-mail [email protected] and let him know you're ready to submit your work. He will then supply you with a link to access the shared folder where writers upload their work.  You will only need to do this one time, afterward, you should have access to the shared folder.

Submission Confirmation

• On the second Thursday, the day after submissions are due, the facilitator will send all writers who submitted a confirmation that details all the work that each writer is responsible for reading and reviewing for the workshop.  
• Reviews are oral and given at the workshop.  No need to write them out, unless you would like.
• Our submissions also operate on a sliding scale.  The way the sliding scale works is everyone submits a max of 1650 words. If more than 5 people have submitted by the end of the 2nd Wednesday of the month (submission deadline) there will be no increases in submission length.  If 4 people or fewer submit, writers will be given a 24-hour extension to add additional content based on the number of submissions. The facilitator will determine the new amount of content that can be added and will share it in the confirmation process.  It's completely optional, the writer can leave their submission as is, or opt to add additional content within that new 24-hour window.  Specific Instructions will be provided for that particular workshop by the facilitator.

Workshop Participation

• Attendance & participation is mandatory if you have submitted work for review. You are also expected to offer commentary and critique that demonstrates you have read the material of others and have given it some thought and consideration. 
• Workshop Critiques: No need to write a dissertation or give a 20-minute explanation.  Rather, try to distill at least three key observations on what was strongest about the piece, the weakest, and something else that caught your attention.  That's the sweet spot as everyone else will offer their insight to complete the bigger picture analysis. 
• Please remember all of this relies on everyone showing up and doing their part.  Other writers are giving up their time and resources to help your craft grow--please do the same and in the same amount asked. 

Submission Standards

**IMPORTANT: PLEASE read the submission guidelines carefully.  Failure to comply with the length and standards can result in a return of your submission.**

Sliding Scale Submission Length: 1,650 Words * 

PLEASE Double Space and use 12 pt. font

(Does not include a brief paragraph that summarizes/explains work-200 word limit)

* The way the sliding scale works is everyone submits a max of 1650 words. If more than 5 people have submitted by the end of the 2nd Wednesday of the month (submission deadline) there will be no increases in submission length.  If 4 people or fewer submit, writers will be given a 24-hour extension to add additional content based on the number of submissions.  It's completely optional, the writer can leave their submission as is, or opt to add additional content within that new 24-hour window.  Specific Instructions will be provided for that particular workshop by the facilitator.

2024 Workshop Schedule