CFF Newsletter2026 Q3
Summer 2026
From the editor: Welcome to the third edition of CFF’s newsletter, a quarterly publication that informs, supports and builds community among our members. This edition has important news about CFF’s new policy on use of AI, the launch of a new series about how CFF members go from Columbia to career to fiction, profiles of CFF writers in our Road to Publication series, and member achievements.
It is also my last edition as editor of this newsletter, a job that enriched me with introductions to other writers, agents and people with insights into fiction writing and publishing. I’ll keep writing fiction, though, and, like you, hope to publish. Maybe we’ll meet face to face at a book signing. I am grateful for the CFF team working on the newsletter, and I wish the new editor all the joys I had in the job. To volunteer, please email us at [email protected]. —Linda Raymond Ellison
CFF Adopts AI Guidelines
New CFF Guidelines restrict the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the writing and critiques in our workshops.
Speculative Fiction Full Manuscript Exchange & Review
Columbia Fiction Foundry is sponsoring a Full Manuscript Exchange & Workshop for writers ready to share a speculative fiction manuscript and query letter (or author’s statement). Each month, for as many months as there are participants, one manuscript will be subject of the group’s review and critique, culminating in a structured live workshop session.
ROAD TO PUBLICATION
Road to Publication is a column by authors, agents, publishers and publicists who discuss the journey from finishing your manuscript to selling your book. For this issue’s column, CFF profiled authors Elizabeth Harlan ('67BC, '87SOA), discussing her journey with young adult fiction, and Fiona Sze-Lorrain (‘03CC), poet and musician, discussing her debut novel.
PROFILES
From Columbia to Career to Fiction
Many CFF members turn to writing fiction after long careers writing in very different styles. We asked three members about their experience changing styles: Seth Ribner, attorney; Margie Winslow, geologist and professor; Ann Lally, advertising executive. They all concluded that CFF workshops help.
CFF Member Achievements: Robert Isaacs Publishes, Deb Johnson Records
The newsletter celebrates the recent writing accomplishments of two CFF members: Robert Isaacs, on the publication of his debut novel, and Deb Johnson, on the release of her debut song album.
President's Corner
CFF will launch into fall with two important webinars and an Open House/Annual Meeting. All possible becuse of the dedication of member volunteers. -Ken Schept
FALL 2026 PROGRAM PREVIEW
Along with our regular writing workshops and the new full-manuscript workshop, the CFF fall calendar will include more online programs about the craft and business of fiction writing. We are finalizing dates for these two programs:
September
How Literary Agents Shape American Fiction
Finding representation can be a challenge for writers aspiring to become published authors. We familiarize ourselves with literary agents and their wish lists. But we know little, if anything, about when the job of agent originated, how it gained power, and why it continues to influence the ever-more competitive publishing industry. In this 90-minute seminar, Laura McGrath, author of the groundbreaking book, Middlemen, will trace the role of agents in altering publishing practices, selecting the books people read, and ultimately shaping American fiction. Several leading literary agents will discuss the impact of this history on today’s publishing industry and the road to representation. Q&A will follow.
October
Sharing Our Writing to Improve Our Craft
Writers work alone, building stories in private. Yet sharing the work is a crucial step in improving our craft. Writing workshops like the program at CFF offer a forum to strengthen our works-in-progress and build analytical skills by providing input to others. In this webinar, we’ve invited several publishing experts to weigh in on how to give and receive truly constructive feedback. They’ll talk about what they look for when evaluating a piece of writing, how to judge a story on its own terms, and how to take in constructive feedback without feeling derailed, in a setting that’s based on mutual trust, respect and support. Both first-time and regular CFF workshop participants will find enriching insights.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Literary agents say they appreciate writers who have demonstrated literary citizenship. CFF likes them, too, and has opportunities for you. We welcome your help with communications, specifically creating the newsletter and maintaining the website. Please let us know if you can devote time and talent to membership support, writing workshop coordination, or data management.
To volunteer, please email [email protected]