The Writer's Loft

In the top floor of The House of Literature lies the Writer's Loft; an open office landscape that accommodates 39 writing spaces. Here, for a reasonable fee, you can get a workspace, a community of colleagues, and a broader network. The spaces are reserved for those working on a writing project. The writing spaces are flexible and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Facilities

As part of the rental agreement, access to wireless internet (connection to wired internet is also possible) and a printer are included, along with a common area with a sofa group, dining table with chairs, a simple kitchenette, and toilets. For rentals on a half-yearly basis or more, it is also possible to apply for access to a lockable locker.

Access

Tenants receive access cards that provide access to the workspaces from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM every day of the year. A Writer's Loft space is personal and cannot be shared with others.

Application and Criteria

An application for a space should include a brief presentation of the applicant with personal information as well as a description of the work/project one is working on. The application form is available at the top of the page. Students and employees at universities/colleges and others who have access to workspaces elsewhere are not the main target group, but can also apply for a space.

The administration of The House of Literature is closed during the Easter holiday, in the Christmas holiday, and has reduced opening hours during the summer holiday. For applications starting during or right after holidays, it is advisable to apply well in advance to ensure processing before the holiday period.

Rental Prices

• Short-term rental: 775,- per month (min. 2 months)
• Long-term rental: 575,- per month (min. 6 months)
• Discounted long-term rental, member of writer's organization*: 475,- per month (min. 6 months).

* Applies to all organizations with writers as members. The discount also applies to writers protected by the ICORN program. Examples of member organizations that the discount applies to are: Norwegian Writers for Children (NBU), The Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association, Norwegian Authors' Union (DnF), Writers’ Guild of Norway, Norsk filmforbund, The Norwegian Association of Literary Translators, Critics' Association, The Norwegian Writers' Center, and The Norwegian Journal Association.

Prices are valid as of January 1, 2024. All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Writer Memberships and Sanctuary Writers

Membership in writer organizations that The House of Literature has agreements with provides discounted rental rates. Relevant writer organizations include: Norwegian Writers for Children (NBU), The Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association, Norwegian Authors' Union (DnF), Writers’ Guild of Norway, The Norwegian Association of Literary Translators, Critics' Association, The Norwegian Writers' Center, and The Norwegian Journal Association. The offer also applies to writers protected by the ICORN program.

Writer Offices and Monastic Cells

In addition to the 39 open writing spaces, there are 6 monk cells and 5 offices in The Writer's Loft. The monastic cells and offices are allocated to the following organizations, and members can apply for these spaces directly through their respective organization:

• The Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association
• Norwegian Authors' Union (DnF)
• Writers’ Guild of Norway
• The Norwegian Association of Literary Translators
• Critics' Association

Honorary Spaces

It is a goal to have a good mix of writers of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and at various stages in their careers. Therefore, we annually allocate up to 3 free spaces at The Writer's Loft. These are also flexible spaces and are allocated for one calendar year at a time. In the allocation of honorary spaces, consideration is given to projects, production, and financial needs, in addition to striving for diversity in the allocations.

Applications are accepted from November 1st to December 1st each year, and the application form is only available during this period here on the website.