Fiction Writing Communities in Denver, Colorado
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Denver, Colorado. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Denver
Tattered Cover Book Store - Colfax
Colfax Avenue, Capitol Hill
Denver's legendary independent bookstore offers multiple floors of inspiration with cozy reading nooks, comfortable chairs, and a cafe. The literary atmosphere is unmatched - you'll be surrounded by thousands of books and fellow book lovers. Writers often spend entire afternoons here crafting stories.
Stella's Coffeehouse
South Pearl Street, Platt Park
A beloved neighborhood coffee shop known for its writer-friendly environment. Features a 'Writer's Corner' with dedicated tables, excellent coffee, and a supportive community atmosphere. Local authors regularly host readings here.
Denver Central Library
Downtown Denver, Civic Center
The main branch offers spectacular mountain views from upper floors, quiet study rooms, and a dedicated Writers' Studio that can be reserved. The Western History collection provides rich research material for historical fiction writers.
The Savoy
Curtis Street, Downtown
An upscale coffee shop in a historic building with high ceilings, elegant decor, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Popular with screenwriters and novelists who appreciate the refined environment and excellent espresso.
Cheesman Park
Capitol Hill
A beautiful urban park with mature trees, peaceful walking paths, and benches perfect for outdoor writing sessions. The park's interesting history (built over a former cemetery) provides Gothic inspiration for fiction writers.
Galvanize - Golden Triangle
Platte Street, Golden Triangle
A modern coworking space that welcomes writers alongside tech professionals. Offers day passes, quiet zones, and a vibrant community of creative professionals. Regular networking events include literary meetups.
Wash Park Grille
Washington Park area, Glendale
A quiet neighborhood restaurant with a dedicated 'Writers' Table' - a large communal table perfect for solo writing sessions. Known for accommodating writers who linger over coffee and meals while working on manuscripts.
Mutiny Information Cafe
South Broadway, Baker
A unique combination of coffee shop, used bookstore, and community gathering space. Features mismatched furniture, local art, and a bohemian atmosphere that appeals to creative writers. Known for its eclectic character and writer-friendly policies.
Washington Park
Washington Park neighborhood
Denver's most beloved park offers numerous quiet spots for outdoor writing, including benches around the lakes, the formal gardens, and shaded areas under mature trees. The changing seasons provide constant inspiration for descriptive writing.
The Market
Larimer Square, Downtown
A European-style cafe in Denver's oldest block, offering a historic atmosphere perfect for period fiction writers. Features outdoor seating with people-watching opportunities and indoor spaces with vintage charm.
Denver's Vibrant Writing Community: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Focus on workshopping manuscripts with detailed feedback on plot, character development, and prose style
genre_specific
Dedicated to particular genres like sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, romance, or literary fiction
general_fiction
Welcome all fiction writers regardless of genre, offering broad perspective and diverse feedback
beginner_friendly
Designed for new writers learning craft fundamentals and building confidence
Sample Writing Groups:
Cherry Creek Fiction Writers
Cherry Creek Branch Library
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
General fiction critique group for intermediate to advanced writers
How to find: Listed on Denver Public Library events calendar and Meetup
Mile High Speculative Writers
Alternates between Wash Park and Capitol Hill coffee shops
Every Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers of all levels
How to find: Active Facebook group and regular Meetup postings
RiNo Writers Collective
Ratio Beerworks taproom meeting room
First Sunday of each month, 2 PM - 4 PM
Literary fiction and experimental writing with emphasis on diverse voices
How to find: Instagram @rinowriters and posted at local art galleries
Highlands Mystery & Thriller Group
Regis University Community Room
Biweekly Thursdays, 7 PM - 9 PM
Crime fiction, mysteries, and thrillers
How to find: Listed on Sisters in Crime Colorado chapter website and Nextdoor app
Denver New Writers Circle
Various Denver Public Library branches
Weekly Tuesdays, 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Beginner-friendly group covering all genres with craft instruction
How to find: DPL website under 'Adult Programs' and local writing center referrals
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching online platforms (Meetup, Facebook) using keywords like 'Denver writing,' 'Colorado fiction,' or 'Mile High writers'
- 2.Visit 2-3 library branches and ask librarians about writing programs
- 3.Attend local literary events and book readings to network with other writers
- 4.Join online Colorado writing communities first to get recommendations
- 5.Prepare a brief introduction about your writing interests and experience level
- 6.Bring copies of your work if required, and be ready to participate actively
Denver's writing community is known for being inclusive and supportive. Don't be intimidated - most writers remember being new and are eager to help others grow. The key is taking that first step to attend a meeting. You'll likely find not just critique partners, but lasting friendships and accountability partners who will help elevate your writing to the next level.
Writing Events & Workshops
Denver 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.
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
BookBar
Wine bar and bookstore that hosts author events and supports local writers with readings and signings.
Tattered Cover Book Store
Denver's iconic independent bookstore with extensive local author sections and frequent literary events.
Second Star to the Right Books
Specialty bookstore focusing on children's and young adult fiction, supportive of local authors in these genres.
Literary Publications
Westword
Denver's alternative weekly featuring local literary scene coverage and author spotlights.
Colorado Review
Literary magazine published by Colorado State University, accepting submissions from regional writers.
Writing Organizations
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
Active chapter offering monthly meetings, critique groups, and the annual Colorado Gold Conference.
Women Writing the West
Denver-based organization supporting women writers of Western fiction and non-fiction.
Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Denver's premier literary arts center offering classes, workshops, and community programs for fiction writers.
University Programs
University of Denver - Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops and continuing education courses in fiction writing.
Regis University MFA Program
Low-residency MFA program with community engagement opportunities and visiting writer series.
Practical Information for Writers
Transportation
Public Transit:
RTD light rail connects downtown to suburbs ($3-10 depending on zones). The A-Line runs directly from DIA to downtown Union Station. Free MallRide shuttle covers 16th Street Mall.
Rideshare Parking:
Uber/Lyft readily available but surge pricing common during events. Street parking downtown is $1.25/hour via ParkMobile app, with 2-hour limits.
Bike Friendly:
B-Cycle bike share system throughout downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Many venues accessible via protected bike lanes.
Cost Considerations
Coffee Workspace:
Coffee shops range $3-6 for drinks. Coworking spaces like Galvanize or WeWork cost $200-400/month. Public libraries offer free workspace with excellent WiFi.
Living Costs:
Rent averages $1,400-2,200 for 1BR depending on neighborhood. Groceries run 10-15% above national average.
Writer Friendly Neighborhoods
Highlands:
North Highland/Berkeley - Hip area with indie bookstores, reasonable rent, walkable to downtown events
Cap Hill:
Capitol Hill - Arts district with late-night coffee shops, younger crowd, moderate prices
Rino:
RiNo (River North) - Emerging arts scene, new venues, but rapidly gentrifying
Golden Triangle:
Golden Triangle - Close to museums and cultural venues, pricier but convenient
Seasonal Considerations
Altitude Weather:
5,280ft elevation affects some visitors initially. 300+ sunny days yearly make outdoor writing viable most seasons.
Winter Writing:
Snow typically melts quickly. Indoor venues stay busy November-March.
Summer Events:
Peak literary festival season May-September. Outdoor readings common in parks and patios.
Literary Scene Navigation
Key Venues:
Tattered Cover Bookstore (flagship location), BookBar, Mercury Cafe for readings
Organizations:
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Denver Woman's Press Club, Colorado Authors' League offer networking
Events:
Check Westword and 5280 Magazine for literary events. Many readings happen Thursday-Saturday evenings
Denver's Literary Heritage
Denver 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
Jack Kerouac
Denver served as a key setting in his seminal work
Neal Cassady
Embodied the free-spirited Western character in Beat literature
Thomas Hornsby Ferril
Chronicled the American West and Rocky Mountain region in verse
Dalton Trumbo
Blacklisted writer who penned 'Johnny Got His Gun'
Literary Landmarks
Molly Brown House Museum
Denver Public Library Central Branch
Larimer Square
Inspiring Quotes
"Denver is a city that inspires both the wanderer and the settler in equal measure."
—
"The mountains call to writers as surely as they call to climbers - both seeking new heights of expression."
—
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