Lounge Writers was founded as a pop-up creative writing studio in 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada with a dream to help storytellers thrive in a genre-inclusive environment. All too often we give up on our dreams before they are fully explored. Talent and inspiration go a long way, but the craft of writing is all about resilience, education, and the support of our global storytelling community. That’s why we’re here.
Lounge Writers is a part of that community. Our mission is to help writers stay empowered, motivated, and in control of their aspirations. We want to merge talent and craft, and inspire creatives to keep creating. Our goal is also to make creative writing education accessible to writers of all levels and economic backgrounds because everyone has an amazing story to tell. This is a journey we take together.
What People Are Saying
“I attended the Memoir 101 workshop. I highly recommend this workshop not only to memoirists but to anyone who's considering writing about their lives in some form. You will learn how to deal with "not remembering all the details" about past events that you want to write about, how to decide which stories to include or leave out, and so many more questions that come up when we set out to write about our lives.”
— Jessica Brown
“I just took a Creative Writing Essentials class yesterday with Oksana. She is very clear and compassionate in her teaching, and very open to listening to the ideas of her students. I feel that the material can be a great foundation for writers in all genres. She also provides amazing resources that can be very helpful in honing your craft and possibly publishing your work. I highly recommend!”
— Elleah Phinnessee
“I took a wonderful memoir class with Oksana Marafioti and it was so helpful. She's a compassionate, clear, and intelligent teacher, and I look forward to more classes in the future. Highly Recommend”
— Jessica Reidy
“I have taken two LoungeWriters classes so far. Each time, I leave having learned a great deal in a very short amount of time. The classes are clear, engaging, and nonthreatening.”
— Paula D.
“Oksana is a beautiful writer, teacher, and person. Not only is she a master of the writing process itself, but her ability to hear what I'm saying, see what I need, and understand how to give it to me is top-notch. Each time we meet, my voice shines and my passion thrives. Thank you Oksana!”
— David R.
“Loved the class today on creative writing essentials!!”
— Miko H.
“Oksana is a very gifted and attentive instructor. It is clear that teaching, and her students, are important to her. You will feel welcome and inspired in her classes. She is a rare and exceptional resource for our community.”
— Harley G.
“Oksana Marafioti is a gifted writer and instructor and her classes are packed with priceless information, advice, and exercises to help you become a better writer. She is a master of the craft and I would encourage anyone to take a class or workshop with her if they have the chance!”
— Dana R.
“These classes are motivating and helped me take the next step.”
— Nancy F.
“A welcoming place for Writers of all levels of experience.”
— Stan Z.
“I enjoyed the Creative Writing Bootcamp series. I'm already applying what I learned. Many thanks!”
— JH A.
“I just completed a series of creative writing classes presented by the very talented and proficient Oksana Marafioti. My "toolbox" of concepts and techniques grew considerably. I had an engaging, thought-provoking, and fun experience. Oksana always took the time (and patience) to carefully explain the reasoning behind the building blocks of writing that she shared. I can think of no better use of my time. I always left the classes excited and invigorated to go deeper with my writing projects!”
— Bob G.
“I am very new to learning the craft of creative writing. I went to my first workshop with LoungeWriters. All of the people attending were nice and welcoming! We had a great instructor who gave valuable information. The workshop was hands-on with writing exercises. I can't wait to apply what I learned today to my writing!”
— Florencia G.
“So happy I found this resource. Great tools to help both novice and experienced writers grow in the craft. Attended one class and can’t wait to take more!”
— Acamea D.
“Oksana provides a well-organized and insightful class. I took the one about descriptive writing and learned a lot. I will attend others!”
— Susan J.
“Instructor was incredible—highly recommend for all levels and abilities.”
— Angelina R.
“The Memoirs 101 class, cleared up all of the questions I had about moving forward with writing my story, as well as giving me a manageable approach to take. I will make time to attend more LoungeWriters classes and workshops.”
— Mike S.
I had a great experience with Kathy Fish in the Flash Fiction workshop. I appreciated the resources and class materials she sent us beforehand. Very helpful. I think this workshop was useful to already published writers looking to kickstart some new material, as well as those just beginning their writing journey and looking for a gentle way into the pool without diving straight into the deep end. Will look forward to more workshops here in the future.
— James B.
