A key part of the Writers Grotto community resource is its integration of extensive public programming through the presentation of its members’ created works and works-in-progress at public readings, literary festivals, and cultural events. The Writers Grotto also provides classes year round in all genres of literature, both free (through its Rooted & Written Conference and Fellowship for Writers of Color), and at low cost.

Given the reality of continually rising rents in the Bay Area, and the gradual retraction in jobs and paying markets for writers, aspiring writers without outside income—and many well-published writers as well—are increasingly unable to find opportunities to work together in a professional setting. The Grotto provides an affordable physical community space along with rich, invaluable daily membership conversations and support provided both in person, through virtual gatherings, and through the Grotto daily listserve.

200+ classes and workshops per year are taught by Grotto members on writing fiction, essays, memoir, journalism, poetry, children’s books, screenwriting, social media, professional development and grant-writing, and more. Classes range from one afternoon to 8 weeks, and enrollment ranges from 10-30 participants per class. Classes are held in person at The Grotto, via Zoom, or as hybrid courses. The Grotto also offers low-cost, drop-in writing sessions that encourage participants to write and support each other in a communal setting. Write-ins last for 2.5 hours and are held in person at The Grotto, via Zoom, or as hybrid courses.

The annual Rooted & Written Conference and Fellowship for Writers of Color anticipates featuring internationally renowned keynote speakers/luminaries (all creative artists of color based in literature), and Teaching Faculty who will offer workshops and classes in multiple genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, etc.) to 30+ Fellows, all writers of color who receive a full scholarship to the conference.