Fiction Writing Communities in Chicago, Illinois
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Chicago, Illinois. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Chicago
Intelligentsia Coffee - Millennium Park
53 E Randolph St, Loop
A bustling coffee shop with excellent wifi and plenty of seating. The energy is perfect for writers who thrive on urban inspiration, and the large windows offer great people-watching opportunities for character development.
The Newberry Library
60 W Walton St, Near North Side
A world-renowned research library with stunning reading rooms that inspire creativity. The historic atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it perfect for historical fiction writers or anyone seeking scholarly ambiance.
Women & Children First Bookstore
5233 N Clark St, Andersonville
An independent feminist bookstore with cozy reading nooks and a welcoming community atmosphere. Regular author events and a carefully curated selection make it perfect for literary inspiration.
The Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Loop
A stunning Beaux-Arts building with free wifi and beautiful spaces including the world's largest Tiffany dome. The Preston Bradley Hall and other quiet areas provide inspiring backdrops for writing.
Grind Coffee Company
4645 N Rockwell St, Lincoln Square
A neighborhood gem known for being laptop-friendly with excellent coffee and a relaxed vibe. The owner actively welcomes writers and the space has a creative, local feel perfect for getting into flow state.
Lincoln Park Zoo - Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Lincoln Park, Near North Side
A hidden Prairie School-designed garden oasis perfect for outdoor writing and inspiration. The serene water features and native plants create a meditative environment that sparks creativity.
The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave, Wicker Park
An upscale cocktail lounge with a literary aesthetic, perfect for evening writing sessions. The dim lighting, velvet seating, and sophisticated atmosphere make it ideal for writers working on atmospheric fiction.
Volumes Bookcafe
1474 N Milwaukee Ave, Wicker Park
A perfect hybrid of bookstore and coffee shop with comfortable seating areas throughout. The mix of new and used books creates an inspiring browsing experience, and the cafe serves excellent coffee for long writing sessions.
Chicago Riverwalk
Downtown Chicago along the Chicago River
An outdoor writing paradise with benches overlooking the river and stunning architecture. The mix of urban energy and water views provides endless inspiration, especially for writers crafting city-based stories.
Metropolis Coffee Company
1039 W Granville Ave, Edgewater
A spacious coffee roastery with industrial-chic design and plenty of room to spread out. Known for being writer and laptop-friendly, with strong coffee and a creative community of regulars.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State St, Loop
Chicago's main library with multiple floors of quiet study spaces, including a stunning Winter Garden on the 9th floor. The variety of environments from silent study rooms to more social spaces accommodates different writing styles.
The Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, East Garfield Park
A stunning glass conservatory filled with tropical plants and peaceful walking paths. The lush, humid environment and natural beauty provide unique inspiration, especially for writers working on fantasy or nature-based fiction.
Chicago's Thriving Writing Group Scene: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Focus on providing constructive feedback on members' work, typically sharing 5-10 pages per session
genre_specific
Concentrate on particular genres like sci-fi, romance, mystery, or literary fiction
general_fiction
Welcome all fiction genres and focus on craft elements, character development, and storytelling
workshop_style
Led by experienced writers or instructors, often with structured exercises and prompts
accountability_groups
Emphasize writing goals, deadlines, and maintaining consistent writing habits
Sample Writing Groups:
Lincoln Park Fiction Writers Circle
Lincoln Park Library
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
General fiction critique group for intermediate to advanced writers
How to find: Listed on Chicago Public Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Wicker Park Genre Collective
Café Mustache (rotating coffee shops)
Weekly Saturdays, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers
How to find: Active Facebook group and Meetup presence
South Side Storytellers
Woodlawn Community Center
Monthly, first Sunday, 2:00-4:00 PM
Literary fiction and memoir, emphasis on diverse voices
How to find: Community center bulletin boards and local neighborhood Facebook groups
Downtown Writers Workshop
Harold Washington Library Center
Biweekly Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 PM
All genres welcome, structured feedback sessions
How to find: Chicago Public Library website and writing community bulletin boards
North Shore Novel Network
Evanston Public Library
Monthly, third Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 PM
Novel-length works in progress, chapter-by-chapter critique
How to find: Evanston library events and local writing forums
What to Expect:
Meeting Formats:
Duration
Structure
Submission Requirements
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching online platforms and library websites
- 2.Attend literary events to network and ask for recommendations
- 3.Visit 2-3 groups as an observer before participating
- 4.Prepare a short writing sample to share when ready
- 5.Be patient - finding the right group may take time
- 6.Consider starting your own group if existing options don't fit your needs
Chicago's writing community is known for being inclusive and supportive. Don't be intimidated if you're new to critique groups - every published author started somewhere. The connections you make and skills you develop in these groups often prove as valuable as the feedback itself. Take the leap and join the conversation!
Chicago Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Recurring Opportunities:
StoryStudio Chicago
Type:
Frequency: Ongoing classes and workshops
Venue: Multiple locations including Chicago Cultural Center
Professional writing classes in fiction, memoir, screenwriting, and publishing
Chicago Public Library Writing Workshops
Type:
Frequency: Monthly at various branches
Venue: Harold Washington Library and neighborhood branches
Free workshops covering poetry, fiction writing, and publishing basics
Poetry & Pizza Reading Series
Type:
Frequency: Monthly
Venue: Various bookstores and cafes
Focus: Poetry and spoken word
Open mic poetry readings with featured local poets
Seasonal Events:
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Women & Children First
Feminist bookstore hosting frequent author readings and supporting diverse voices in fiction
Barbara's Bookstore
Local chain with strong community ties, hosts author events and stocks local writers
The Book Cellar
Independent bookstore with active reading series and support for Chicago authors
Seminary Co-op Bookstores
Academic-focused bookstore with literary fiction emphasis and author events
Libraries
Harold Washington Library Center
Chicago Public Library flagship with extensive fiction collections and Writers' Studio programming
Newberry Library
Research library offering writing seminars, literary programs, and manuscript consultation services
Literary Publications
Chicago Review
University of Chicago's literary magazine accepting fiction submissions from emerging writers
Another Chicago Magazine
Long-running literary journal featuring Chicago-area writers and experimental fiction
Curbside Splendor
Independent literary magazine and small press supporting local fiction writers
Writing Organizations
Chicago Writers Association
Professional organization offering workshops, networking events, and publishing resources
StoryStudio Chicago
Writing school offering fiction classes, workshops, and one-on-one coaching for all levels
Guild Literary Complex
Nonprofit supporting Chicago writers through readings, workshops, and community programs
University Programs
University of Chicago Writers' Studio
Continuing education writing workshops open to community members, including fiction courses
Columbia College Chicago
Offers community writing workshops and MFA program events open to public
Practical Information for Writers
Chicago's Literary Heritage
Chicago 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
Carl Sandburg
Poet who immortalized Chicago as 'Hog Butcher for the World' and 'City of Big Shoulders'
Theodore Dreiser
Naturalist novelist who wrote 'Sister Carrie' set in Chicago
Upton Sinclair
Author of 'The Jungle,' exposing meatpacking industry conditions
Gwendolyn Brooks
First African American to win Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, longtime Chicago resident
Saul Bellow
Nobel Prize winner who captured Chicago's urban experience
Stuart Dybek
Contemporary author known for Chicago-set short stories
Literary Landmarks
Historic Bookstores
Literary Traditions
Inspiring Quotes
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