Fiction Writing Communities in Fort Collins, Colorado

Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Fort Collins, Colorado. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.

Writer-Friendly Venues in Fort Collins

Local Libraries

Fort Collins Public Library System

Most public libraries offer quiet spaces perfect for writing, with free wifi and comfortable seating.

Cost: Best times:

Coffee Shops

Downtown and residential areas

Local coffee shops often welcome writers with good wifi and a creative atmosphere.

Cost: Best times:

Fort Collins Writing Community: A Thriving Scene for Fiction Writers

Fort Collins boasts a vibrant writing community that welcomes writers at every stage of their journey. From university-affiliated groups to cozy coffee shop gatherings, the city offers diverse opportunities for fiction writers to connect, grow, and share their craft.

Types of Writing Groups:

Sample Writing Groups:

Northern Colorado Fiction Writers

Harmony Library meeting room

Second and fourth Saturdays, 10 AM - 12 PM

General fiction critique group, all genres welcome

How to find: Listed on Poudre Libraries events calendar and Meetup.com

Old Town Scribes

Mugs Coffee Lounge downtown

Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, weekly

Literary fiction and memoir with emphasis on craft development

How to find: Facebook group 'Fort Collins Writers' and coffee shop bulletin board

Speculative Fiction Collective

Council Tree Library community room

First Sunday of each month, 2 - 4 PM

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror manuscripts

How to find: Meetup.com and local bookstore recommendations

CSU Community Writers Circle

Lory Student Center, CSU campus

Biweekly Wednesdays, 7 - 9 PM

Mixed genres, open to community members and students

How to find: CSU English Department website and campus bulletin boards

Romance Writers of Northern Colorado

Front Range Community College, Fort Collins campus

Monthly, third Saturday, 1 - 3 PM

Romance fiction in all subgenres

How to find: Romance Writers of America chapter listings and Facebook

What to Expect:

Cost Expectations:

Practical Steps:

1.Start by visiting the Poudre River Public Library website and checking their events calendar
2.Search 'Fort Collins writing groups' on Meetup.com and Facebook
3.Visit local independent bookstores and ask staff about writing communities
4.Attend a few different groups as a visitor before committing
5.Prepare a brief writing sample to share when you're ready to participate
6.Be patient - finding the right group fit may take time, but the Fort Collins writing community is welcoming and diverse

Fort Collins' writing scene reflects the city's creative, academic atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner seeking encouragement or an experienced writer wanting serious critique partners, you'll find your tribe here. The combination of university influence, strong public library support, and genuine community spirit creates an ideal environment for fiction writers to flourish.

Fort Collins Writing Events & Opportunities Guide

Fort Collins offers a vibrant literary community with year-round writing events, workshops, and opportunities for writers of all levels. The city's proximity to Colorado State University and active arts scene creates numerous venues for literary engagement.

Local Writing Resources

Independent Bookstores

Old Firehouse Books

232 Walnut Street, Fort Collins, CO

Long-standing independent bookstore that actively supports local authors through readings, book signings, and consignment programs. Features a dedicated local authors section.

The Bookworm of Edwards

Independent bookstore with strong community ties, hosting author events and maintaining relationships with Colorado writers.

Libraries

Poudre River Public Library District

Extensive fiction collection with multiple branches. Offers writing workshops, author talks, and meeting spaces for writing groups. The Old Town Library frequently hosts literary events.

Colorado State University Libraries

Morgan Library provides access to extensive literary databases, archives, and special collections. Community members can access many resources.

Literary Publications

Colorado Review

CSU's nationally recognized literary magazine that publishes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Accepts submissions from writers nationwide.

Fort Collins area literary journals

Various smaller publications and online magazines emerge from the local writing community, often associated with writing groups or CSU.

Writing Organizations

Northern Colorado Writers

Active organization offering workshops, critique groups, networking events, and annual conferences. Welcomes fiction writers of all levels.

Fort Collins Writers Group

Local meetup groups and informal writing circles that gather regularly for feedback and support.

University Programs

Colorado State University MFA Program

Graduate creative writing program that occasionally offers community workshops and events. Faculty often provide mentorship opportunities.

Practical Information for Writers

Fort Collins's Literary Heritage

Fort Collins stands as a quiet literary beacon on Colorado's Front Range, where the convergence of academic excellence and Western landscape has nurtured a distinctive literary culture. At Colorado State University, the English Department has long served as an incubator for both established and emerging voices, with Kent Haruf's profound portrayals of rural Colorado life exemplifying the region's capacity to transform local experience into universal art. The city's literary identity is deeply intertwined with its environmental consciousness, producing a rich tradition of nature writing that captures the essence of high plains living. Independent bookstores like The Bookworm have anchored the community's literary life for decades, hosting readings that bring together university scholars, local writers, and devoted readers. Fort Collins represents a uniquely American literary landscape where academic rigor meets frontier spirit, where the vastness of Colorado skies inspires intimate human stories, and where the tradition of Western literature continues to evolve beyond its mythic origins into contemporary relevance.

Notable Authors

Kent Haruf

Renowned novelist, taught at Colorado State University for decades, wrote the acclaimed Plainsong trilogy depicting rural Colorado life

SueEllen Campbell

Environmental writer and professor, author of 'Bringing the Mountain Home'

Leslee Becker

Playwright and screenwriter, known for works exploring Western themes

Literary Landmarks

Historical Literary Movements

Western Literature Renaissance (1980s-2000s)

Fort Collins became a center for contemporary Western literature, moving beyond traditional frontier narratives

Environmental Writing Movement

Strong tradition of nature and environmental writing connected to Colorado's landscape

Historic Bookstores

The Bookworm

Long-standing independent bookstore serving as community literary hub since 1976

Old Firehouse Books

Used bookstore housed in historic firehouse building

Literary Traditions

Inspiring Quotes

"The high plains of Colorado have a way of getting into a writer's blood, offering both the vastness of possibility and the intimacy of small-town life."
—

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