Lost Lit — Local services in New York

Lost Lit was one of the best things I have ever done. It truly changed my life. I was extremely nervous at the prospect of reading my writing out loud to a group of people, especially when I had no experience writing in such a way, but I knew I needed to push myself outside my comfort zone. I was blown away by how compelled I felt to share my writing, and how wonderful and unique everyone's writing is. Every night after work I now write for several hours, and I can't imagine doing anything else. I just had no idea how excited and engaged and passionate and confident about writing I could become. Usually, when trying anything for the first time, I am overwhelmed by the days and months and years of practice that it would take to fully grasp the craft, but with writing, I am excited for a lifetime of learning and growing. I even feel more comfortable communicating with people both in verbal and written ways.

Lynne has a magic touch when it comes to coaxing creativity out of people, and her feedback is always generous and thought provoking. I took notes on so much of what she said about everyone's writing and writing in general. I felt so at ease in the presence of the workshop and left each session inspired and with an overall sense of relief/release. All of the participants are so supportive, sensitive, open and generous with each other when it comes to listening and discussing the work. While I do understand that criticism both good and bad can be constructive, I really don't see the need for any of the negative stuff until well into the manuscript completion part of the writing process. I think the AWA method is genius, because it encourages people to create in the first place, otherwise there would be no work to talk about at all. I can't imagine how writing would be as fun or pure or therapeutic in an environment...

I’m a writer who benefits from a positive writing environment, perhaps more than most. Something about packing up my writing notebook and some pens, and riding the train to Brooklyn sets up a writerly mood. In the comfy colorful room, I settle in, Lynne jump-starts us with prompts that jar and challenge. “Oh, God!” I sometimes thought, but then I start to write. The atmosphere is so friendly, and I dig in to the exercise. I listen for the prompt, and look into scantily used corners of my imagination. This is what I need to start to write. Writing is difficult. I run with it, within the safety of the blessed limits of the 15 or so minutes for each exercise. Reading aloud gave me the chance to hear positive comments on specifics of the writing, and gave me a more objective eye on my work. Here, also, we do a lot of listening. One of the pleasures of this workshop is listening and responding to the other writers. Lynne encouraged us to listen for certain patterns, tones, the different elements that make language powerful. The variety of voices makes this experience so lively. Back on the train, my book is now more interesting than when I started out. I am more open and more reflective than before. This is a wonderful and rare...

LostLit is the perfect group setting to learn in if you are a new writer, or have taken a long break from writing and want to re-enter the creative medium with a boost of support, confidence, and community. It’s hard in a city full of competition and perfection to find a safe space to share raw/fresh pieces immediately after writing them. The instant gratification of setting your work free and having it listened to by a group of fellow writers is extremely rewarding and therapeutic. The Amherst method followed in LostLit focuses on positive reinforcement only, and does not include constructive criticism within the group setting - which is why it is perfect for new & reentry into the world of writing. I would absolutely recommend this to friends, and built an amazing community of writers from this class who I still keep in contact with several years later. Lynne does an amazing job of giving writers a cozy snack-filled opportunity for community and support. The boost of confidence I got from class also led to my publishing a flash-fiction piece, so I am very grateful to have been...