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 also seek to foster a community and nurture writers who may not otherwise served by the Loft’s extensive education program. Most groups meet at Open Book in our Book Club Room. All groups are run by a volunteer facilitator and are free.

• To Join a Group: To join any of the following groups, contact the group facilitator by clicking their name.

• To Form a New Group: To start a new group, contact Bao Phi, Associate Program Director, at BaoPhi or  612-215-2585 . The Loft may not be able to accommodate all requests.
• Non-Loft Groups: Additional groups not sponsored by the Loft are listed under Writers' Resources. Non-Loft Sponsored Groups

As Written By (AWB) Teen Group

1st Saturday, 1 – 3 pm
Facilitators: I’mari Avey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  & Felice Avey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As Written By is a group for teens who love to write. Whether you are a casual or ambitious writer, As Written By is a place for you to share your writing and get feedback in a friendly and encouraging environment. As Written By meets the first Saturday of every month and is moderated by 17-year-old I’mari Avey. Participants should be between the ages of 12 and 18. www.aswrittenby.com/

Somali Language & Literature Study Circle

1st & 3rd Fridays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Facilitator: Anwar Diiriye This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This group brings together Somali men and women of diverse backgrounds for the purpose of promoting Somali culture, language and literature. We meet with established poet, educator, playwright and filmmaker, Saciid Saalax Axmed; as well as with other well versed Somalis: teachers, writers, doctors, and college students. We are open to both all Somalis and non-Somalis alike and our goal is to create a literary awareness of the Somali peoples. Aside from our meetings, the group aims to have an annual cultural heritage symposium.

Finote Tibeb Literary Group

1st Sunday, 2–5 p.m.
Facilitator: Dawit Worku Asefour This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Finote Tibeb Literary Art Center is an Ethiopian Art Center established to promote and nurture the Ethiopian art, theater, music and literature for Ethiopians and the community at large.

GLBTQ Writers' Group

This group has been cancelled until further notice.

Facilitator: Lucas Schulze This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Open Voices Writing Group

2nd Monday, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Greta Huttanus This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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 and as integral elements in the words we share.

Peace and Social Justice Writers Group

4th Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Philip Lund This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We are writers who consciously explore the nature of peace, and through our activities aim to renew and maintain a sense of hope for the future. By sharing our writing and discussing works by writers who inspire and move us toward action, we endeavor to refine our talents and use our creative craft to promote peace and sustainable justice in our world. The group is open to all experience levels and writing genres. This group meets January – October. 

TGI Frybread Native American Writers Group

2nd Wednesday, 6–8 p.m.
Facilitator: Ardie Medina This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Come join our group of Native American Writers as we explore various writing styles and formats, share writing opportunities, workshop each other’s writings, and support each other in our creative journeys. If you don’t wish to share your writings, come anyway and enjoy connecting with a community of native writers.

Non-Loft Sponsored Open Groups

Looking for a group in your area, a group with your special interests? The Loft posts free announcements from non-Loft sponsored writers' and book groups seeking members. The Loft does not, however, endorse or vouch for any of these groups.  Non-Loft Sponsored Groups