Fiction Writing Communities in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Colorado Springs
The Wild Goose Meeting House
Old Colorado City
A beloved local coffeehouse that's been a writer's sanctuary for decades. Known for its eclectic atmosphere and welcoming vibe for creatives. The mismatched furniture and local art create an inspiring environment that many local authors call their second home.
Pikes Peak Library District - East Library
East Colorado Springs
Modern library with dedicated quiet study rooms and comfortable seating areas. Features floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views that provide natural inspiration. The building's contemporary design creates an uplifting workspace.
Poor Richard's Bookstore
Broadmoor Area
An independent bookstore institution since 1978 with cozy reading nooks and a cafe. The literary atmosphere is unmatched - surrounded by thousands of books with comfortable chairs tucked between the stacks. Many local writers find inspiration just from browsing the shelves.
Loyal Coffee
Downtown
A modern coffee shop with excellent wifi and plenty of table space. Known for accommodating laptop users and having a good mix of solo workers. The industrial-chic design provides a contemporary backdrop for writing sessions.
Garden of the Gods Park
West Colorado Springs
Iconic red rock formations provide stunning natural inspiration for writers seeking outdoor creativity. Multiple trails with benches and picnic areas offer peaceful spots to write by hand or contemplate plot development. The dramatic landscape has inspired countless stories.
The Warehouse Restaurant & Gallery
Old Colorado City
A unique venue combining dining with rotating art exhibitions. The gallery setting provides visual inspiration while the restaurant offers comfortable seating for extended writing sessions. Popular with the local arts community.
Coati Coffee
Manitou Springs
A charming coffee shop in the artistic mountain town of Manitou Springs. The quirky, artistic vibe of the town permeates the cafe, making it perfect for creative writing. Large windows offer views of the surrounding mountains and Victorian architecture.
Pikes Peak Library District - Penrose Library
Downtown
The main library branch with extensive quiet areas, study rooms, and a dedicated local history collection that can provide research inspiration. The building itself is historic and has a scholarly atmosphere perfect for serious writing work.
Switchback Coffee Roasters
Multiple locations
Local coffee roaster with several locations throughout the city. Known for excellent coffee and laptop-friendly policies. The roasting operation adds an interesting industrial element that many writers find energizing for their creativity.
Memorial Park
Central Colorado Springs
Large urban park with quiet corners, duck ponds, and tree-shaded benches perfect for outdoor writing sessions. The variety of landscapes within the park - from formal gardens to wild areas - provides diverse inspiration for different writing moods.
Colorado Springs Writing Community Guide
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Focus on constructive feedback and manuscript development, typically meeting monthly with rotating submissions
genre_specific
Include romance, science fiction/fantasy, mystery/thriller, and literary fiction groups
general_fiction
Welcome all genres and experience levels, emphasizing community and encouragement
specialty_groups
Military fiction, outdoor adventure writing, and historical fiction reflecting Colorado's rich heritage
Sample Writing Groups:
Pikes Peak Fiction Writers
East Library meeting room
Second Saturday monthly, 10 AM - 12 PM
General fiction critique group, all genres welcome
How to find: Listed on library events calendar and Meetup.com
Military & Veteran Writers Circle
The Wild Goose Meeting House
First and third Thursdays, 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Military fiction, memoirs, and veteran experiences
How to find: Facebook group and veteran organizations bulletin boards
Garden City Genre Writers
Rotating coffee shops (Loyal Coffee, Urban Steam)
Weekly Wednesdays, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction
How to find: Meetup.com and Poor Richard's Bookstore community board
Springs Romance Authors
Monument Library branch
Monthly, third Sunday, 2 PM - 4 PM
Romance writing in all subgenres
How to find: Romance Writers of America chapter listing and Facebook
Cheyenne Mountain Writers Workshop
Community Center at Cheyenne Mountain
Biweekly Saturdays, 9 AM - 11 AM
Literary fiction and creative writing exercises
How to find: Community center programs and Nextdoor app
Finding Writing Groups:
Online Platforms:
- Meetup.com - Search 'Colorado Springs writing' or 'writers'
- Facebook groups - Look for 'Colorado Springs Writers' or 'Pikes Peak Writers'
- Nextdoor neighborhood app for hyperlocal groups
Physical Locations:
- Pikes Peak Library District branches often host or advertise groups
- Independent bookstores like The Bookman and Poor Richard's Bookstore
- Community centers and coffee shops with bulletin boards
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs writing department
What to Expect:
Meeting Formats:
Duration
Structure
Submission Requirements
Cost Expectations:
Colorado Springs' writing community reflects the city's diverse, welcoming spirit. Whether you're crafting military thrillers inspired by local bases or fantasy epics influenced by the dramatic landscape, you'll find supportive fellow writers ready to help you grow. Don't hesitate to reach out - most groups are eager to welcome new members and understand that finding the right fit takes time.
Writing Events & Opportunities in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs hosts various writing-related events throughout the year, including workshops, author readings, and literary festivals. Check local libraries, universities, and bookstores for upcoming events and recurring programs.
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Pikes Peak Writers organization website and newsletter
- Local library event calendars (PPLD.org)
- University websites (UCCS English Department)
- Independent bookstore event listings
- Colorado Springs cultural arts websites
Social Media:
Follow @PikesPeakWriters and local library Facebook pages for regular updates
Practical Tips:
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
The Bookman
928 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs
Long-standing independent bookstore that regularly hosts author readings and supports local writers with book signings and community events.
Hooked on Books
8282 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs
Family-owned bookstore featuring local author sections and hosting writing workshops and literary events throughout the year.
Libraries
Pikes Peak Library District - Penrose Library
20 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs
Main library offering extensive fiction collections, writing workshops, author talks, and quiet writing spaces. Features the Local History and Genealogy Department with regional literary resources.
PPLD East Library
5550 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs
Modern facility with dedicated study rooms, computer access for writers, and regular programming including book clubs and writing groups.
Literary Publications
Pikes Peak Writers Newsletter
Monthly publication featuring local writing opportunities, contest announcements, and member spotlights.
Colorado Springs Independent
Local weekly newspaper that occasionally publishes fiction and accepts submissions from area writers.
Writing Organizations
Pikes Peak Writers
Premier local writing organization offering monthly meetings, critique groups, annual conference, and networking opportunities for fiction writers of all levels.
Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group
Dedicated group meeting monthly to share work, provide feedback, and support local fiction writers through the publishing process.
University Programs
University of Colorado Colorado Springs - Writing Program
Offers community writing workshops and continuing education courses in creative writing and fiction. Hosts visiting author series open to the public.
Colorado College Creative Writing
Occasionally offers community workshops and hosts public literary readings featuring established and emerging writers.
Practical Information for Writers
Colorado Springs's Literary Heritage
Notable Authors
Helen Hunt Jackson
19th-century novelist and activist, author of 'Ramona' and 'A Century of Dishonor', lived in Colorado Springs and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery
Katharine Lee Bates
Poet and educator who wrote 'America the Beautiful' after visiting Pikes Peak in 1893
James Michener
Pulitzer Prize-winning author who wrote 'Centennial', extensively researched Colorado history
Literary Landmarks
Pikes Peak
Helen Hunt Jackson Grave
The Broadmoor
Historic Bookstores
Poor Richard's Bookstore
Independent bookstore serving the community since 1978, featuring local authors and hosting literary events
Hooked on Books
Long-standing independent bookstore supporting local literary culture and community readings
Inspiring Quotes
"O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!"
— Katharine Lee Bates
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