News from The Grotto

The Writers Grotto Turns 30!
9/30/24
Donate today to help us reach our goal of raising $30,000 for thirty years of literary excellence.
See More
Writing Children’s Books with Lisa Lerner, Britta Stromeyer, and Stephanie Wildman, moderated by Matthew Felix
9/23/24
Lisa, Britta, and Stephanie will each explain their paths to publishing books in the children’s literature field, including their most surprising and most challenging discoveries. They will describe the children’s publishing landscape, how the field has changed, books that have inspired their own work, and each will read from one of their books. Finally, they will offer tips for aspiring kid lit authors and conclude with time for audience questions.
See More
Join us for our Sept. 20th Reading + Meeting on Climate Writing!
9/5/24
Join us for an evening of readings on climate writing by The Writers Grotto Members Nina Schuyler, Julia Scheeres, Lindsey J. Smith, and TK Rex, hosted by Heather June Gibbons. All are welcome.
See More
Applications Now Open for 2024 Rooted & Written Conference
8/21/24
Rooted & Written is the first fully funded, tuition-free premiere professional writing conference offered for writers of color in the country, if not the world. Forty Rooted & Written Fellows will be selected for seven days of classes/workshops, and mentoring, plus the opportunity to participate in “Conversations” with featured literary luminaries. Apply now!
See More
Grotto Nights at SFPL are back!
8/20/24
Grotto Nights is a monthly series at the Library featuring The Writers Grotto members who will showcase and discuss their writing around a theme of their choice. This month features Eleanor Vincent, Audrey Ferber, Sabina Khan-Ibarra, and moderator Sophia Raday writing about marriage. The authors will discuss their work and take questions from the audience.
See More
Rin Kelly Scholarship Now Accepting Applications - Deadline Extended to Sept. 15th!
7/30/24
Deadline extended to Sept. 15th! The Rin Kelly Scholarship for Fiction is now accepting applications. Founded in honor of The Writers Grotto student and author of "Into the Laughing Gas World" Rin Kelly, the Rin Kelly Scholarship for Fiction offers three $350 scholarships to emerging fiction writers with a focus on speculative, imaginative and critical/satirical works. Please click the link for submission guidelines and to learn more.
See More
August 16th Reading + Meeting: Navigating the Literary Landscape with Agent and Author
7/25/24
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting and special new member welcome on August 16th. This month will feature Danielle Svetcov in conversation with Bonnie Tsui as they discuss navigating the literary landscape as agent and author. All are welcome!
See More
School's in session this summer at The Writers Grotto
7/16/24
New classes and Write-Ins plus an upcoming scholarship opportunity!
See More
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting on July 19th!
7/3//2024
Please join us for a special Reading + Meeting on Friday July 19 from 5 - 7PM with award-winning journalists Laura McClure, Carly Stern, and Christopher D. Cook who will read from their latest work and discuss journalism during a critical election season, ongoing culture wars, and disinformation, moderated by Terry Tierney.
See More
Elevate Your Writing with The Writers Grotto
6/17/24
Register for our summer classes today!
See More
June News and Events
6/1/24
Ready to level up your writing game? Our June newsletter is packed with exciting classes and events!
See More
Join us for the next Reading + Meeting on June 21st!
6/3/23
See More
Pen Your Path to Success: Summer Writing Classes at The Writers Grotto
5/20/24
The poetry of science, funding your writing project, connecting with your writer's voice, and more this summer! Check out our latest newsletter to see all of our upcoming summer classes.
See More
May 17th Reading + Meeting: Crafting Children's Books
5/6/24
Are you interested in learning more about writing children's books? Come and join us for this special event. Our experts Maxine Rose Schur , Stephanie Wildman , Lisa Lerner and Rachel Levin will first read short excerpts from their wide-ranging body of work. This will be followed by a panel discussion on the craft and business of writing children’s books, moderated by Doug Henderson. They will talk about how the industry has changed over the years, how to get started and the intricacies of writing stories and nonfiction for kids. Our authors will also have some books to sell - they make great gifts!
See More
GrottoLetter - May 2024
5/1/24
Read the latest news and happenings at The Writers Grotto!
See More
Reading + Meeting and New Member Welcome
4/12/24
We have nineteen new accomplished members who have joined! We will be celebrating with a special Reading and Meeting on April 19 from 5PM - 7PM. We will be featuring four authors - Doug Henderson, Shikha Malaviya, Lenore Weiss and Moazzam Sheikh for Reading and Meeting.
See More
New Spring Classes at The Writers Grotto
3/15/24
Our spring classes are here! From Plotting Your Novel to the Business of Freelancing to screenwriting classes to our next Write-In series, we have it all! Check out our full lineup today.
See More
Reading + Meeting featuring March book releases
3/4/24
Join four Grotto members releasing books in March - Caroline Paul (Tough Broad), Grace Prasad (The Translator's Daughter), Karla Brundage (Blood Lies: Race Trait(or)) and Katie Flynn (Island Rule). Please come out and support them as they read and discuss their work. Emceed by Maury Zeff.
See More
Join us for TJPA's Salesforce Park Words & Stories Feb. 29th *Postponed*
2/19/24
Join us this Thursday for ‘Words & Stories’ - A reading series showcasing the newest literary creations penned by award-winning authors from The Writers Grotto. This month-long series of live readings will be held at Barebottle, in TJPA’s Salesforce Park, located in the Main Plaza at 425 Mission St., San Francisco. The readings will take place on Thursdays throughout February from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
See More
Join us for TJPA's Salesforce Park Words & Stories Feb. 22nd
2/19/24
This month-long series of live readings will be held at Barebottle, in TJPA’s Salesforce Park, located in the Main Plaza at 425 Mission St., San Francisco. The readings will take place on Thursdays throughout February from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Readers this week are Samz R. Nesh, Christopher Cook, T.K. Rex, and Giovanna Lomanto, curated by Sabina Khan-Ibarra.
See More
Fall in love with writing at The Writers Grotto!
2/17/24
Check out our latest newsletter for upcoming classes and events.
See More
Join us for TJPA's Salesforce Park Words & Stories
2/14/24
Join The Writers Grotto every Thursday in February for our Words & Stories series. This date features readers Pia Chatterjee, Leigh Lucas, and Terry Tierney, curated by Sabina Khan-Ibarra.
See More
Reading + Meeting: Carol Edgarian in Conversation with Bridget Quinn
2/14/24
Carol was an internationally-bestselling novelist and Bridget an adjunct prof in art history and freelancer when she found Carol’s phone number (landline) listed in a 1998 issue of Poets & Writers and gave her a (cold) call. Bridget was looking for help with a novel manuscript; Carol supplied much more: essential craft instruction, generous mentorship, and twenty-five years of friendship. They’ll discuss the myriad ways they’ve navigated their work and the rest of life: the perils and payoffs, the stresses and rewards, what it means to each of them to be a literary citizen, and, finally, coming to terms with your own unique path. Join us on Friday, Feb. 16th, for a conversation with Carol Edgarian with Bridget Quinn.
See More
The Writers Grotto at AWP 2024
1/23/24
Check out all of the upcoming talks, panels, readings, and more hosted by The Writers Grotto members at this year's AWP!
See More
Artist Reception: Patricia Miye Wakida
1/10/2023
Join us for the launch of the latest art installation at The Writser Grotto featuring linocuts by Patricia Miye Wakida.
See More
Support The Writers Grotto Today!
12/27/23
Read about our 2023 accomplishments and how you can support our mission going forward.
See More
Our Winter Classes Are Here!
12/11/23
Sign up early to save on your registration.
See More
Support The Writers Grotto this Giving Tuesday!
11/28/23
The Writers Grotto is a community of working writers and narrative artists who connect in physical and virtual space, pooling our talents to support each other, mentor and teach others, and engage the wider world. The Grotto fosters a literary culture that is generous in spirit and deeply inclusive, elevating writers of all backgrounds. Please consider supporting The Writers Grotto in its mission this Giving Tuesday.
See More
Join us on Nov. 17th for our Reading + Meeting!
11/17/23
Join us on Friday 11/17 for our last Reading and Meeting of 2023! We will have Rebecca Black, who will read excerpts from her memoir, Heather June Gibbons, Kate Bussato and last year's Rooted and Written fellow Roopa Ramamoorthi. Emceed by Saila Kariat. Followed by happy hour with our amazing spread (with a few surprises).
See More
Welcome to our 2023 Rooted & Written Conference!
11/3/23
Our 2023 Rooted & Written Conference is underway! Rooted & Written is the first fully funded, tuition-free premiere professional writing conference offered for Writers of Color in the country, if not the world. Please visit the Rooted & Written website linked below to learn more and view our keynote speeches and student readings.
See More
Rin Kelly Scholarship Annoucement
Rin Kelly Scholarship Winners Announced!
9/30/23
Congratulations to the Rin Kelly Scholarship for Fiction Winners! Please click below to learn more.
See More
Rooted & Written 2023 Applications are open!
9/26/23
Applications are now open for Rooted & Written 2023, the Bay Area's free conference for writers of color from November 4th - 12th. Application deadline is midnight October 21st.
See More
Catch up on past Reading + Meeting events on our Youtube channel!
9/7/23
Catch up on our past Reading + Meeting events on our Youtube channel, and subscribe to get the latest videos from us.
See More
Reading + Meeting Sept. 22nd
9/7/23
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting on Friday, Sept. 22nds, from 5-7pm at The Writers Grotto. It will be emceed by Susan Ito and features Beth Winegarner, Lee Ann Prescott, Tara Dorabji and T.K. Rex. Followed by our customary happy hour. Please mark your calendars!
See More
Fall classes are here!
8/15/23
Check out our latest classes and write-ins, including the new yearlong class and Craft & Career: The Writers Grotto Lecture Series. Click below to see our full line-up of classes and events!
See More
You're Invited: Fall Classes Virtual Open House Wednesday, Aug. 23rd, from 7-8pm
8/21/23
Join us for our virtual open house this Wednesday, August 23rd, from 7-8pm to learn about our upcoming fall quarter classes! You can join our Zoom call at any time during this hour.
See More
Join us at our next Reading + Meeting on August 18th!
8/4/23
Do you yearn to hear great work, have a nice glass of wine and some hors d'oeuvres on a Friday evening? Join us for Reading and Meeting! Our fabulous readers are Sarita Sarvate, Pia Chatterjee, Elizabeth Svoboda and Doug Henderson. Emceed by our beautiful poet Heather Bourbeau. Event to take place on the Mezzanine level.
See More
Rin Kelly
Announcing the 2023 Rin Kelly Scholarship for Fiction
8/1/23
The family of Rin Kelly is offering three $350 scholarships to emerging fiction writers with a focus on speculative, imaginative and critical/satirical works. Scholarships are awarded through The Writers Grotto, and are eligible for use toward enrollment in The Writers Grotto fiction classes during the period of November 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. Please check out the link to learn more about eligibility and the application process. Applications are due September 1, 2023. Works produced during scholarship-funded classes at The Writers Grotto are also eligible for expedited editorial review, feedback, and consideration for publication by the editors of The Fabulist Magazine.
See More
Grotto Nights at San Francisco Public Library: Why We Love Mysteries
7/31/12
On August 8, San Francisco Public Library will once again host Grotto Nights, when Writers Grotto members will showcase and discuss their writing (via zoom) around a theme of their choice. This month features Terry Tierney, Pia Chatterjee, and Sophia Raday on Why We Love Mysteries: The Genre and Motif of Discovery.
See More
July 2023 Classes
7/15/23
Summer classes are just heating up at The Writers Grotto
See More
July 2023 Grottoletter
7/1/23
Writers Grotto: July 2023: Reading+Writing on July 21! + a whole lot more!
See More
June 2023 Grottoletter
6/1/23
Writers Grotto: June 2023: 2 huge book launches, tons of events, and more write-ins!
See More
May 2023 Classes
5/15/13
Playing with Words & Images, Cracking the Revision Code, Writing with AI, and More!
See More
May 2023 Grottoletter
5/1/23
Writers Grotto: May 2023: More Reading & Writing at the Grotto and around the Bay Area
See More
Spring classes at The Writers Grotto
4/15/23
Spring classes with The Writers Grotto - find your Bay Area Literary Community, Story Craft, and much more!
See More
April 2023 Grottoletter
4/1/23
Writers Grotto: April 2023: Reading & Meeting, More Events, More Classes
See More
Our March Classes are here!
3/15/23
Check out our spring classes!
See More
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting on July 21st!
7/11/23
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting featuring Dominic Lim, Celeste Chan, Gustavo Barahona-Lopez and Susan Gubernaut. Emceed by Louise Nayer.
See More
Our summer classes are here! Read the latest below.
6/15/23
Take your writing on a journey this summer with our upcoming writing classes.
See More
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting on June 23rd!
5/29/2023
Reading and Meeting with fabulous authors Shanthi Sekaran, Jenny Bitner, Rachel Chalmers and Terry Tierney. Emceed by Sabina Khan-Ibarra. Please come out, hear their latest work, gain insight through an informal discussion and enjoy happy hour afterwards!
See More
Announcing the launch of Writing Services at The Writers Grotto!
5/23/2023
The Writers Grotto is pleased to announce the launch of our Writing Services. With a mix of bespoke and flat fee services, clients can find the perfect fit for their writing needs. Visit our classes and event page to see the full list of writing services currently offered. More writing services will be added throughout the year, so check back often, or contact us at classes(at)writersgrotto.org to request a writing service to fit your needs.
See More
Autofiction: Combining Memoir and Fiction with Jenny Bitner is named one of Reedsy's best of 2023!
5/22/2023
The Writers Grotto is pleased to announce that Jenny Bitner's class "Autofiction: Combining Memoir and Fiction" has been named one of Reedsy's best of 2023! Congratulations to Jenny Bitner - we're thrilled to have you teach with The Writers Grotto!
See More
Join us for our next Reading + Meeting on May 19th!
5/10/23
We have an exciting Reading and Meeting lined up for May 19th with Rita Chang-Eppig, Maxine Rose Schur, Karla Brundage, and Audrey Ferber, emcee'd by Terry Tierney. Stay for happy hour and meet up with fellow Grotto members and other creatives. We hope to see you there!
See More
1663 Mission St. Mezzanine Space
Our Mezzanine is Available to Rent!
4/10/2023
Our mezzanine space is available for sublease. This space is perfect for organizations that are looking for convenient conference or event space. Click the link below to learn more, or contact us at classes(at)writersgrotto(dot)org.
See More
Announcing our next Reading + Meeting - plus a welcome to new members!
3/28/23
We have an exciting Reading and Meeting lined up for April 21st with Rowen Leong Singer, Laird Harrison, Saila Kariat, and Heather Bourbeau, emcee'd by Laurie Ann Doyle. Stay for happy hour and meet up with fellow Grotto members and other creatives. Register today to secure your spot!
See More
Our March 2023 newsletter is out!
3/1/23
Click the below link to read our March 2023 newsletter.
See More
February 2023 upcoming classes and Write-Ins
2/15/23
Click the below link to learn more about our upcoming classes and Write-Ins.
See More
Check out the latest news from The Writers Grotto with our February 2023 newsletter
2/1/23
Click the below link to read our February 2023 newsletter.
See More
January 2023 upcoming classes and Write-Ins
1/15/2023
Click the below link to learn more about our upcoming classes and Write-Ins.
See More
Catch up on the latest news with our January 2023 newsletter
1/1/23
Click the below link to read our January 2023 newsletter.
See More
Announcing Our Spring Classes!
3/16/2023
Check out our latest newsletter to see our new spring classes and write-ins! Plus join us for a virtual open house on Monday, March 20th, to learn more about our classes program.
See More
The Grotto is at AWP!
Join the many Grotto members for their talks, panels, and events at AWP!
See More
Join Us March 12th For A Panel Discussion On The Secrets of Publishing!
2/8/2023
This event will focus on the burning question lodged in the back of every writer’s mind: how do I get published? This robust panel — comprised of a literary agent, an acquisitions editor and two authors — will help you crack the code. We’ll discuss the latest developments in the publishing industry and share success stories and tips for making your submission stand out. The panel will be followed by a Q & A and a mixer.
See More
Join Rita Chang-Eppig, Susan Ito, and Grace Loh Prasad for Grotto Nights at the Library!
2/5/2023
Grotto Nights is a monthly virtual series with the San Francisco Public Library featuring The Writers Grotto members who will showcase and discuss their writing around a theme of their choice. This month features Rita Chang-Eppig, Susan Ito and Grace Loh Prasad, all writing about regional and family histories in fiction and nonfiction. The authors will discuss their work and invite the audience to participate in an activity related to the theme.
See More
Salesforce Park Poetry Series Announced!
1/30/2023
Join us on Thursdays throughout February at Salesforce Park for an evening of poetry! This event is free and open to the public. Our next event is on March 2nd at 5pm.
See More
Reading and Meeting Announced for Feb. 17th
1/24/2023
We have an exciting Reading and Meeting lined up for Feb 17, with Louise Nayer, Doug Henderson, Jenny Qi and Rooted and Written fellow Christl Rikka Perkins. Please mark your calendars! Please RSVP using the link below, and spread the word! We will be putting flyers in bookstores, libraries and coffee shops. Stay for happy hour and meet up with fellow Grotts and other creatives. We hope to see you there!
See More
Leah Korican
Artist Reception by Leah Korican - Jan. 29th, 2023
1/15/2023
On January 29th there will be an artist's reception from 2-5pm with an artist's talk and reading at 3:30. Leah is also a writer and memoirist. We have a new artist-in-residence at the Grotto, Leah Korican, and her work is now displayed throughout the 6th floor as well as the Mezzanine. Please come to the Grotto to check it out, and especially to our artists’ reception on Sunday, January 29th! The title of her exhibit at the Grotto is “Normalize the Incredible.” In addition to the art opening, Leah will be collaborating with Write-Ins and other forms of ekphrastic (art inspired) writing, and hands-on art carving workshop.
See More
Grotto Nights with San Francisco Public Library Jan. 3rd, 2023
12/30/2023
Grotto Nights is a new monthly series at the Library featuring The Writers Grotto members who will showcase and discuss their writing around a theme of their choice. This month features Lee Kravetz author of The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. and Jenny Bitner author of Here Is A Game We Could Play in conversation about mental health in fiction. The authors will discuss their work and invite the audience to participate in an activity related to the theme.
See More
Winter Class Catalog Launched!
12/15/2022
The Writers Grotto winter class catalog is now launched! Check out our newsletter to see upcoming classes and write-ins, including our new season pass for write-ins!
See More
December Newsletter
12/1/2022
December newsletter: updates, events, and upcoming classes
See More
November Classes Newsletter
11/15/2022
Drop-in college essay help, imagery intensive, and write-ins.
See More
Welcome to Our New Website!
11/9/2022
Welcome to our new website!
See More
Help support The Writers Grotto this Giving Tuesday
11/29/2022
Support The Writers Grotto this Giving Tuesday!
See More
November 1st, 2022 Newsletter
11/1/2022
Click the link to check out November 1st newsletter!
See More
Reading and Meeting Nov. 18th
11/8/2022
Join the Writers Grotto for a special Reading and Meeting on Friday, November 18th, from 5-7pm at 1663 Mission St. Writers Grotto members featured include Kathy Seligman, Sabina Khan-Ibarra, Christopher Cook, Louise Nayer, and Dominic Lim, with Ethel Rohan MCing the event. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided.
See More
Art by Leah Korican and Simo Neri now featured in our mezzanine!
8/26/2022
The Writers Grotto is pleased to feature work by artists Leah Korican and Simo Neri in our mezzanine space. To learn more about their art, please visit www.leahkorican.com and simoneri.com
See More
Check out our August classes news!
8/16/2022
World-building and write-ins - sign up for your August class now! Plus our fall lineup of classes & write-ins and scholarship opportunity!
See More