A nonprofit literary center in Portland, OR dedicated to engaging readers, supporting writers, & inspiring the next generation with great literature.
From publicly posted calendar Checked yesterday
From Changemaker to Author: A Nonfiction Book Development Intensive
If you’re looking to become known for an idea and respected for your expertise – it’s time to write your nonfiction book. You already have something to say.…
Portland Arts & Lectures 2026–27: Isabel Wilkerson
Literary Arts is pleased to present Isabel Wilkerson as part of the 2026-27 Portland Arts & Lectures series. Please note: a subscription to the entire 2026-27…
After: Poems in Conversation
No poem is written alone. Every poem is in conversation with the writing that came before it. This conversation crosses generations and cultures, erasing…
Reading & Looking
Join us for a Delve seminar in which we will explore a wide range of visual art alongside short essays and books by artists, novelists, philosophers,…
Writing the Novel
Writing novels can seem like a mystical process. Write every day, and a novel will appear. The work can feel isolating and disorienting, particularly for a…
The Lyric Essay: Borrowed Forms for Play and Discovery
The lyric essay welcomes experimentation, but it also borrows from some set forms not normally associated with a traditional essay: the list; the collage; the…
Outlining and Shaping Your Novel
Ideal for writers in the early stages of developing their novels, this ten-week class will explore plot, voice, character and narrative structure in the novel…
Mapping the Story: Freedom Through Narrative Structure
Have you ever wanted to write a work of narrative fiction – a short story, novel, play, or screenplay – but didn’t know where to start? Or have you begun one…
Selling Your Memoir: How to Shape, Position & Package Your Book Proposal
Agents, editors and publishing professionals love to tell us that “memoir doesn’t sell.” If you’re not a celebrity, it’s a tough market out there, right? But…
Advanced Fiction Workshop
This class is for fiction writers who have already made significant progress on novels, novellas, or short stories. This six-week workshop will offer in-depth…
Portland Arts & Lectures 2026–27: Ben Rhodes
Literary Arts is pleased to present Ben Rhodes as part of the 2026-27 Portland Arts & Lectures series. Please note: a subscription to the entire 2026-27…
Write What You Don’t Know: Incorporating Research into Prose
One of the greatest things about writing is that one only needs a pen, paper, and their imagination to do it. But sometimes, looking only within can be a…
WRITING THROUGH MEMORY: WEAVING YOUR PAST WITH THE PRESENT
Each week, we will read and discuss short pieces and excerpts from contemporary authors who are known to weave their pasts into the present including Annie…
Hybrid Essay 1: The Draft
Hybrid memoir uses nonlinear narratives to linger in indefinable experiences and places within ourselves. In this class, we will explore a different element of…
Fixed Poetic Forms
For many writers, fixed poetic forms such as the sestina or pantoum feel restrictive rather than generative or inspiring. This course is designed to help…
Everybody Reads 2027: Louise Erdrich
Literary Arts is pleased to present New York Times bestselling author Louise Erdrich at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on March 18, 2027. Her appearance…
Portland Arts & Lectures 2026–27: Kiran Desai
Literary Arts is pleased to present Kiran Desai as the final speaker of the 2026-27 Portland Arts & Lectures series. Please note: a subscription to the entire…
Slamlandia
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space…
Slamlandia
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space…