Finding a writing group that clicks with you can feel tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to start or have checked out a few places that didn’t quite fit. You’re not alone—lots of us writers just want somewhere fun, supportive, and low-key to share our work.
Good news: you’ve got plenty of easy options to help you find your tribe. Stick around, and we’ll talk about simple ways, from local hangouts to online communities, to hunt down that awesome group you’ve been hoping for.
Ready to jump in? Let’s break it down step-by-step!
Key Takeaways
- Visit your local libraries, community centers, and coffee shops—they often have free writing meet-ups or notices about groups nearby.
- Use Meetup.com to quickly search for active writing groups near your location, checking reviews to ensure they’re a good fit.
- Explore online communities like Writing.com or Scribophile if you’d prefer virtual groups and support.
- Join professional writing associations (e.g., The Authors Guild, SFWA) to access local chapters, workshops, and dedicated resources.
- Check Facebook and Reddit’s writing-focused groups for active communities, writing advice, and productive critique exchanges.
- Create your own writing group if existing options aren’t satisfying—setting guidelines clearly ensures smoother sessions.
- Search Eventbrite for local, writing-related workshops, author meet-ups, and creative events to meet fellow writers.
Step 1: Check Local Libraries and Community Centers
Libraries and community centers can be goldmines when you want to find a local writing group. Most libraries host regular writing meet-ups and workshops, or at least have information about groups in your area.
Start by visiting your local library’s website or simply popping by in person. Chatting with a librarian usually gets quicker results because they know exactly what’s going on. Ask if there are scheduled meetings, bulletin boards with flyers, or newsletters listing upcoming activities.
Another pro tip: community centers and coffee shops often host weekly or monthly writing meet-ups. Check their noticeboards or community event sections. Finding like-minded people locally gives you face-to-face feedback, which can positively impact your writing journey.
Step 2: Use Meetup to Find Nearby Writing Groups
Can’t underestimate the power of Meetup when looking to find writing groups near you. This is the easiest approach: Go to Meetup.com, plug in “writing groups,” and your location.
You’ll instantly spot several groups in your area with descriptions, upcoming events, and easy ways to RSVP. I’ve known friends who’ve landed amazing groups this way, everything from casual weekly coffee-and-writing hangouts to structured critique circles.
If no writing groups pop up immediately, try searching broader terms like ‘creative writing’, ‘book clubs,’ or even genre-specific approaches—like meeting fellow writers passionate about creating dystopian fiction stories. Keep an eye on member reviews and attendance numbers to pick active groups worth joining.
Step 3: Search Online Writing Communities
If face-to-face meetings aren’t your jam—or you’ve struck out locally—checking out online writing communities can work wonders. Places like Writing.com or Scribophile have vibrant communities with real writers, useful discussions, and moderation ensuring helpful, respectful feedback.
These platforms usually allow you to share your work for critiques, join writing challenges, or ask advice on tricky publishing questions—like figuring out how to get a book published without an agent. Take time to join groups that match your writing style and genre, engage consistently, and build genuine connections.
You might even form closer friendships or accountability partnerships—especially valuable when you’re tackling a larger writing project that requires consistent commitment.
Step 4: Join Writing Associations or Clubs
One tried-and-true strategy for finding writing buddies (and boosting your writing skills) is joining established writing associations or clubs.
Organizations like The Authors Guild or Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) often have local chapters and are packed with active members at different stages of their writing journeys.
What’s cool about these groups is that they generally offer regular meet-ups, professional workshops, and helpful resources to keep you productive, inspired, and connected.
To find groups specific to your genre, poke around their official websites and see what’s nearby or if they host online chats or forums.
Also, consider smaller, regional groups—often searchable with “writers association” plus your city or region—to hook up with local authors for advice and support.
Step 5: Participate in Writing Workshops and Retreats
A guaranteed way to level up your writing and meet fellow word nerds is to jump into writing workshops or retreats.
Workshops can vary from low-key weekend classes at local colleges to more immersive, week-long retreats.
If you’re tight on budget or time, local universities and community colleges frequently offer writing workshops for reasonable prices—check their websites or bulletin boards for updates.
For something more in-depth, try reputable retreat organizers like Highlights Foundation, known for specialized writing retreats, or even genre-specific events such as mystery writing conferences.
Make the most of these events by engaging fully: exchange contacts, join casual meet-ups after sessions, or form a critique group from the contacts you’ve collected during the retreat.
Step 6: Use Facebook and Reddit Writing Groups
Believe it or not, social media isn’t just for sharing memes and pet photos—it’s a surprisingly useful resource for finding writing communities.
Facebook is full of helpful groups—search terms like “fiction writers,” “children’s authors,” or even specific niches like “romance novella writers.”
Before joining, glance at the number of members and recent posts to make sure the group is active.
For instance, a group like “Writers Helping Writers” regularly hosts critique threads, allows members to exchange beta-reading tasks, or offers up helpful writing prompts—perfect for enhancing your skills and motivation.
Over on Reddit, communities like r/writing, r/selfpublish, or genre-specific subs can provide constant, informal conversations and advice.
Reddit’s informal style lets you build connections easily; dive into casual Q&A sessions, monthly critiques, or weekly accountability posts to get noticed and connect with like-minded people.
Step 7: Create Your Own Writing Group
Still not finding exactly what you’re after?
Why not start your own writing group?
It sounds intimidating, but it’s easier than you’d think—and you get to decide how it’s run (always a bonus).
Start by setting clear guidelines: figure out how often you’ll meet (weekly or monthly), how many pages members share at each session, and the kinds of feedback you want to encourage.
You can find members by putting notices up at libraries, coffee shops, or colleges, posting in local Facebook community groups, or mentioning your new group within online forums.
For extra structure, try rotating who moderates each session or alternating critique sessions with fun writing exercises or casual writing prompts, like these cozy winter-themed writing prompts.
Step 8: Use Online Platforms Like Eventbrite for Events
Don’t only use Eventbrite for concerts or foodie events; it’s equally useful for discovering local writing-related meet-ups, talks, and workshops.
Visit Eventbrite’s homepage, type in “writing groups,” “author events,” or “creative writing,” then set your location and see what’s popping nearby.
What’s nice about Eventbrite is organizers usually put plenty of detail upfront, including location details, speaker bios, pricing (often free or affordable), and even attendee limits.
Once you find an event, registering through Eventbrite can keep you informed with reminders, notifications of any updates from hosts, and easy sharing options so you can invite writer friends along.
If there’s slim pickings for writing-focused events in your area, broaden your search to related events such as book launches, author signings, or open mic nights—they’re equally amazing chances to connect with other writers and exchange ideas.
Remember, successful groups rely on good dynamics, realistic expectations, and regular accountability, which all help you scratch the surface of becoming the author you aim to be—especially given the low publication success rates facing first-time authors.
FAQs
Start by checking bulletin boards or asking staff at your local libraries and community centers. You can also use platforms such as Meetup, Facebook, and Reddit to find established groups, workshops, and writing events close to your location.
Yes, writing workshops and retreats provide practical feedback, new skills, and networking opportunities with other writers. These experiences can significantly improve your writing quality and offer helpful support from your peers and mentors.
Think about setting clear guidelines and group goals, determine an ideal meeting frequency and venue, decide membership size, and plan how you’ll communicate. Having structure from the start will make your group more productive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Definitely. Platforms like Eventbrite regularly list writing workshops, readings, author’s talks, and retreats. It’s easy to filter by location, topic, or date, making it simple to discover relevant writing events near you.
