Portfolio Year

Portfolio Year is a one-year immersion in writing: six writers, one mentor, and a shared commitment to getting somewhere. The program is highly customizable—you define the destination. Build a collection of stories, essays, chapters, screenplays, poems, or any combination that serves your ambitions. Some writers assemble a package aimed at attracting agents or editors, grants, contests, or fellowships. Others build toward an MFA application or Lighthouse's own Book Project. The only limits are your imagination and your follow-through.

Beginning writers, experienced writers, blocked writers, writers already publishing—this program was built just for you.  Here's some of what you can expect through the year:

• One-on-one sessions with your mentor,

• Cohort meetings throughout the year, with and without your mentor,

• Two 8-week workshops, possibly with your mentor

• Two 4-week workshops,

• A Gold Pass to a mini-fest of your choice; the first one coming up is Spec Fest (Aug 29–30), Queer Creatives Fest (Oct. 10–11), West Fest (Nov. 7–8), Nonfiction Fest (Feb), or Writing in Color Fest (March),

• A Full-Access Business Pass to Lit Fest, including an agent or editor meeting, 

• A Craft Seminar Five-Pack at Lit Fest (or you can trade the credit toward something else at Lit Fest),

• All Book Project keynotes (Zoom or in person), and

• Discounts to all of the productivity-oriented sessions (Productivity Club, Getting it Done, etc.),

• A free membership that allows you to attend all readings, Friday 500s, meetups, etc., for free, and

• Additional sessions throughout the year, such as the Lit Fest Preview (January) and the Shoptalk with Colson Whitehead (September).