By Lillian Aynes
On the corner of McLendon Ave in Candler Park lies Lostintheletters, a nonprofit organization that supports creative writing by providing resources and workshops for the community.
Lostintheletters founder Scott Daughtridge DeMer said what originally started 13 years ago as a reading series to promote writers in Atlanta has transformed into a way for people to expand their writing abilities by participating in readings or workshops.
“Lostintheletters started as a reading series at the Highland Ballroom in 2012,” DeMer said. “We hosted authors from around Atlanta and the Southeast to read their work for a live audience. It created a fun, entertaining space for writers and readers to commune regularly. We then asked the authors we hosted to lead generative writing workshops so our audience could learn new writing skills and hear the authors read their work. We started the Letters Festival in 2013, which grew our audience significantly. We’ve been hosting our readings and workshops at art spaces around the city since those early days.”
Daughtridge DeMer said they initially chose the Candler Park location because of the welcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood and to connect with community members who may already be familiar with their events.
“We feel so fortunate to join the Candler Park community,” Daughtridge DeMer said. “There are so many creative and intelligent people in the neighborhood. It is a vibrant, walkable, and friendly place. We’ve hosted our events in Inman Park and other art spaces on the east side of the city, so it’s nice to build a home close to where our audience has connected with us for many years. “
Having the new physical space allows Lostintheletters to host events and programs that are available to the neighborhood regularly. Daughtridge DeMer said they will have a mixture of events that highlight different forms of artistic expression.
“We want to provide the space, programs, and resources needed to read and write more,” Daughtridge DeMer said. “We want writers to develop their craft in our writing studio program, and we hope readers will read in our reading lounge and find new books to love. Having our own space also gives us the chance to brainstorm expansive cultural events that feature music, video art, performance, and other art forms. By bringing all of this under one roof, we hope that people will expand their lens of creative possibility and make new artful connections.”
In contrast to a traditional library, Daughtridge DeMer said Lostintheletters focuses on only featuring local authors who have participated in their programs, which helps offer a more distinctive selection.
“Our approach to the bookstore is a bit unique,” Daughtridge DeMer said. “We only sell books by authors who have read in our programs in the past. This model allows us to curate the book selection to feature authors who are pushing contemporary literature forward in interesting ways. We hand-select and wholeheartedly believe in the power of every book we offer. It’s also important to have all the books on the shelves face outward. This gives each book a prominent position in the store and treats them like works of art, because that’s what they are.”
Daughtridge DeMer said Lostintheletters is there for anyone looking to begin creative writing or build upon their skills.
“At Lostintheletters, we know that everyone has a creative urge and a story to tell,” Daughtridge DeMer said. “Through our programs, we provide accessible educational and inspirational resources that help people harness their creativity and amplify their stories in a unique and personal way. No matter where people are in their creative journeys, either just starting or bringing years of experience, we can help them commit more time and energy to their reading and writing practices.”
Callan Meyer, a junior at Midtown High School, recently collaborated with students Lois Goldman and Colin Kovac to start a creative writing club. Meyer said the Lostintheletters will be a good form of inspiration for aspiring writers and expose them to different types of literature.
“I think reading is something great for creative writers who want inspiration,” Meyer said. “It serves as a hub for new ideas to be made as well as a way to enjoy new books.”
Meyer said Lostintheletters is a positive way for readers and writers to interact with one another and build a community based on a shared love for stories.
“I think having a small bookstore like Lostintheletters provides a shared ground for those who love to read within a community, strengthening a connection characterized by literature,” Meyer said. “It will be a great symbol of literary connection in the Candler Park community that provides many readers with great recommendations and collections.”
Daughtridge DeMer said being a part of the Candler Park community has allowed them to connect with many other passionate readers and writers in the neighborhood.
It’s been great connecting with so many cool people in Candler Park,” Daughtridge DeMer said. “We’ve had so many great conversations about books, writing, and art with people who have stopped by. Several of our Writing Studio Members live in the neighborhood and tell us how nice it is to walk to the space, which is great to hear. We are eager to continue making a space that provides a cultural spark for people in the neighborhood.”