Fiction Writing Communities in Bend, Oregon
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Bend, Oregon. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Bend
Thump Coffee
Downtown Bend
A beloved local roastery with a spacious layout perfect for writers who need room to spread out. Known for excellent single-origin coffee and a community of creative regulars. The large communal tables and cozy nooks provide options for both collaborative energy and focused solitude.
Deschutes Public Library - Downtown Branch
Downtown Bend
A modern library with designated quiet study areas and comfortable seating overlooking Mirror Pond. The second floor offers particularly peaceful spots with natural light. Features a local authors section that can inspire regional fiction writers.
Roundabout Books
NorthWest Crossing
An independent bookstore with comfortable reading chairs and a cafe area. The literary atmosphere surrounded by carefully curated books makes it ideal for fiction writers seeking inspiration. Regular author events provide networking opportunities.
The Commons Coworking
Downtown Bend
A professional coworking space that welcomes writers with day passes and flexible memberships. Offers both open collaborative areas and quiet zones. The creative community includes many freelancers and entrepreneurs who understand the writer's need for focus.
Jackson's Corner
Westside Bend
A neighborhood cafe and market with a relaxed vibe perfect for morning writing sessions. The combination of excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and local community feel makes it a favorite among creative types. Less crowded than downtown options.
Drake Park
Downtown Bend along the Deschutes River
A picturesque park with benches overlooking Mirror Pond, perfect for outdoor writing or finding inspiration in nature. The combination of water, trees, and mountain views has inspired countless local writers. Ideal for brainstorming or working through plot problems.
Backporch Coffee Roasters
Galveston Avenue
A local favorite with a genuine coffeehouse feel and regulars who respect the work-friendly environment. Known for excellent espresso and a no-laptop section that encourages handwritten drafts. The owners are supportive of the local creative community.
Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
East Bend
An extinct volcanic cinder cone offering panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Bend. The short hike to the top provides a perfect break for writers experiencing blocks, and the summit offers inspiring vistas for outdoor writing sessions with a view.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Downtown Bend
A historic schoolhouse converted into a unique venue with multiple spaces including quiet corners in the restaurant and outdoor courtyard seating. The rich history and quirky decor provide atmospheric inspiration for period or literary fiction writers.
Shevlin Park
West Bend in the Tumalo Creek area
A forested park along Tumalo Creek offering peaceful trails and secluded spots perfect for nature writing or finding inspiration in old-growth ponderosa pines. The sound of the creek and forest setting provide natural white noise ideal for concentration.
The Writing Community Scene in Bend, Oregon
Sample Writing Groups:
High Desert Writers Circle
Deschutes Public Library - Downtown Branch
Second and fourth Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
Literary fiction and memoir with emphasis on craft development
How to find: Library bulletin board and Meetup.com listing
Cascade Mystery Writers
Dudley's Bookshop Cafe
First Saturday monthly, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Mystery, thriller, and crime fiction critique group
How to find: Facebook group and bookstore recommendations
Bend Fiction Collective
Rotating between members' homes and Riverside Community Center
Weekly Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
Multi-genre fiction with structured critique format
How to find: Word-of-mouth referrals and library connections
Write On Bend
Various coffee shops (Backporch Coffee Roasters, Strictly Organic Coffee)
Biweekly Saturdays, 9:00-11:00 AM
Social writing group with accountability focus and writing sprints
How to find: Meetup.com and social media promotion
Central Oregon Scribes
Bend Senior Center
Monthly third Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 PM
Mixed fiction and non-fiction for writers 50+
How to find: Senior center bulletin boards and community newsletters
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by visiting the Deschutes Public Library and asking reference librarians about local writing resources
- 2.Create a simple Meetup.com account to search for writing-related events in Bend
- 3.Join Bend-focused Facebook groups and search for writing-related posts
- 4.Visit independent bookstores and ask staff about writer communities
- 5.Attend one meeting as an observer before making commitments
- 6.Prepare a brief introduction about your writing interests and experience level
Bend's writing community welcomes newcomers with the same warmth the city shows all residents. Don't hesitate to reach out - most groups understand that finding your writing tribe takes time and are happy to help you discover where you belong. The city's creative energy, combined with its slower pace compared to larger metropolitan areas, creates an ideal environment for developing both your craft and lasting friendships with fellow writers.
Writing Events and Opportunities in Bend, Oregon
Annual Events:
High Desert Literary Festival
Type: Annual Conference
Venue: Central Oregon Community College
A three-day festival featuring workshops, author panels, and readings focusing on nature writing and regional literature
Bend Writers Workshop Retreat
Type: Annual Workshop
Venue: Sunriver Resort
Intensive weekend retreat combining craft sessions with outdoor inspiration activities
Recurring Opportunities:
Deschutes Public Library Writing Circle
Type:
Frequency: Monthly
Venue: Downtown Bend Library
Cost: Free
Open writing group with monthly craft mini-lessons and critique sessions
Bend Author Reading Series
Type:
Frequency: Quarterly
Venue: McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Cost: $5-10 suggested donation
Local and visiting authors read from recent works, followed by Q&A
COCC Creative Writing Workshops
Type:
Frequency: Ongoing semesters
Venue: Central Oregon Community College
Cost: $150-400 per course
Credit and non-credit courses in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Deschutes Public Library events calendar
- Central Oregon Community College continuing education
- Local bookstore newsletters (Dudley's, Sunriver Books)
- Bend cultural arts organizations
Practical Tips:
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Dudley's Bookshop Cafe
135 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR
Historic independent bookstore with strong local author support, hosts readings and book signings, features dedicated local writers section
Sunriver Books & Music
57100 Beaver Dr, Sunriver, OR
Community bookstore serving greater Bend area, supports regional authors with consignment program and author events
Libraries
Deschutes Public Library - Downtown Bend
507 NW Wall St, Bend, OR
Extensive fiction collection, writing workshops, author talks, and quiet writing spaces. Offers research databases and local history archives
Deschutes Public Library - East Bend
62080 Dean Swift Rd, Bend, OR
Modern facility with collaborative spaces, hosts writing groups and literary events, strong digital resources for writers
Literary Publications
High Desert Journal
Regional literary magazine accepting fiction submissions from Pacific Northwest writers, based in Bend area
The Source Weekly
Local alternative weekly with arts and culture coverage, occasionally features local fiction writers and literary events
Writing Organizations
Central Oregon Writers Guild
Active local organization offering monthly meetings, critique groups, workshops, and annual writing conference in Bend
Deschutes Public Library Writers Groups
Multiple ongoing writing groups for different genres and experience levels, meeting regularly at library branches
Practical Information for Writers
Bend's Literary Heritage
Bend has a rich literary heritage that continues to inspire today's fiction writers. The city's literary culture provides a foundation for contemporary writing communities and offers inspiration for new generations of storytellers.
Notable Authors
Ursula K. Le Guin
Notable Works:
- • The Left Hand of Darkness
- • The Earthsea Cycle
Robin Cody
Notable Works:
- • Ricochet River
- • Voyage of a Summer Sun
Molly Gloss
Notable Works:
- • The Jump-Off Creek
- • Wild Life
Literary Landmarks
Deschutes River
Cascade Range
High Desert Museum
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