A SPACE FOR WRITERS
CREATED BY WRITERS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LITERARY SALONS
Traditionally, literary salons are in-person gatherings where artists can share their work and have lively conversations about the state of the world.
Salons gained notoriety and influence in the 17th century, particularly in Paris. The most well-known of them was founded by American expats Gertrude Stein and Natalie Clifford Barney; famously, they counted Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald as esteemed members.
The salons’ vitality was quickly evident as an essential means of open-minded connection, especially during their existence through times of war, political strife, and civil unrest.
In the same vein, we believe that in this cultural climate, it is important now more than ever to support human voices and lived experiences. As we continue to face new and existing hardships, it’s essential to remember the emotional and creative value of our communities.
We can say that writers are undervalued and underrepresented, but don't just listen to us; the numbers speak for themselves: The majority of Masters of Fine Arts programs cost up to $73,000 on average and only about 34% of graduates are nonwhite. Even upon graduation, industries in the creative space have BIPOC representation less than 25%. These numbers are just a fraction of the immense barriers that writers face when pursuing their craft.
The cost of entry into any creative space, particularly in publishing and entertainment, is unattainable to most—especially those who are already underrepresented. When we polled our members about hardships they’ve faced in pursuit of their art, 88% of them cited race and gender-based discrimination, financial inaccessibility, and lack of resources and mentorship to grow in their craft.
writing sprints
〰️
creative workshops
〰️
virtual q&as
〰️
book club
〰️
writing sprints 〰️ creative workshops 〰️ virtual q&as 〰️ book club 〰️
Heretics Club has offered a community of patience, growth opportunity, and resilience. Structured writing sprints helped me think more intentionally about writing and working through my transcript. I recommend Heretics Club for those who want a community that supports one another and offers a space to delve further into your writing career.
— ASHLEY W., BASED IN TEXAS
I’ve always struggled finding other writers in real life. But quickly upon joining Heretics Club, I started to meet up with another member, who just happened to live in the same city as me. Now we get together weekly to write together at a coffee shop. Heretics Club has brought me real connections with other writers.
—ANNA E, BASED IN CHICAGO
MEET THE FOUNDER
Sara Jin Li (she/her) is an essayist, playwright, and performance artist whose work has been published and profiled by legacy media such as Elle, NPR, New York Magazine, Vogue, and more. At the age of 17, she won a Webby Award for her advocacy work around sexual assault prevention. Her first book—a children’s guide to friendship—is set to be published in 2024 through Penguin Random House.
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2020, Sara has written and starred in a number of independent projects. This past year, her satirical short film, "Leap of Love", won the Disability Film Challenge. Her 3-year cult investigation (Bad Actor) was published by The Cut and named Apple News’ Choice Read. Sara is currently getting her masters at Harvard University through their Religion and Public Life program, where she is studying love theology.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ADVISORY BOARD
JASMIN SAVOY BROWN & MITZI PERRONE