Lit Fest - Lighthouse Writers Workshop 2026

Panelists include: Lior Torenberg, Katie Boland, Amanda McCracken, Susan Golomb (Writers House).

Debut year has a shape everyone recognizes—the thrill, the terror, the mystifying silence that follows. But what happens after? Four writers with books out in the last year talk honestly about what the debut actually taught them, how they're thinking about the next book, and what building a sustainable literary life really looks like once the confetti settles. Less "how to launch" and more "how to last"—useful for writers at every stage. This crew will also be joined by one of our visiting agents, who will give their take.

Panelists include: Lior Torenberg, Katie Boland, Amanda McCracken, Susan Golomb (Writers House).

Debut year has a shape everyone recognizes—the thrill, the terror, the mystifying silence that follows. But what happens after? Four writers with books out in the last year talk honestly about what the debut actually taught them, how they're thinking about the next book, and what building a sustainable literary life really looks like once the confetti settles. Less "how to launch" and more "how to last"—useful for writers at every stage. This crew will also be joined by one of our visiting agents, who will give their take.

Come meet our very successful Book Project authors Simone Stolzoff (How to Not Know), Lior Torenberg (Just Watch Me), Marissa Leotaud (Family Affair), John J. Lennon (The Tragedy of True Crime), and Jihyun Yun (And the River Drags Her Down) read from their work and talk about writing their books. Stick around for book signings and Q&A from director William Haywood Henderson and others from the Book Project!

We will have a Sober Space available on the second floor during this event. This is a welcoming, inclusive gathering place for people in all forms of recovery or anyone who wants to have a space to connect without alcohol during Lit Fest 2026. There will be snacks. NA beverages, writing prompts, and conversation starters available during this time. 
For more resources and recovery meetings close to Lighthouse, you can visit: https://www.yorkstreetclub.com/Schedule

Come meet our very successful Book Project authors Simone Stolzoff (How to Not Know), Lior Torenberg (Just Watch Me), Marissa Leotaud (Family Affair), John J. Lennon (The Tragedy of True Crime), and Jihyun Yun (And the River Drags Her Down) read from their work and talk about writing their books. Stick around for book signings and Q&A from director William Haywood Henderson and others from the Book Project!

Grab a drink or a bite from our food truck and buckle down in Beacon Hall to hear your favorite visiting author perform their recent works. Afterwards, you can shop at the Lit Fest pop-up bookstore operated by Spell Books and get your book signed. This is the in-person version of this event.

We will have a Sober Space available on the second floor during this event. This is a welcoming, inclusive gathering place for people in all forms of recovery or anyone who wants to have a space to connect without alcohol during Lit Fest 2026. There will be snacks, NA beverages, writing prompts, and conversation starters available during this time. 

For more resources and recovery meetings close to Lighthouse, you can visit: https://www.yorkstreetclub.com/Schedule

Grab a drink or a bite from our food truck and buckle down in Beacon Hall to hear your favorite visiting author perform their recent works. Afterwards, you can shop at the Lit Fest pop-up bookstore operated by Spell Books and get your book signed. This is the livestream version of this event.

Hear readings from members of Lighthouse’s faculty at the storied Fort Greene bar. Grab a drink, enjoy the ambiance, and saddle up for some great readings!
Our roster:

• Kathleen Boland
• Natalie Hodges
• Claire Jia
• Juan Morales
• Simone Stolzoff