Fiction Writing Communities in Kansas City, Missouri
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Kansas City, Missouri. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Kansas City
The Roasterie Cafe
Multiple locations including Brookside and Leawood
A Kansas City institution with spacious seating and a steady hum of activity that's perfect for background noise while writing. The Brookside location has particularly good natural light and comfortable seating arrangements.
Central Library - Kansas City Public Library
Downtown Kansas City
This stunning architectural gem offers multiple quiet study areas, including a dedicated Writers' Room with individual desks and excellent natural light. The building itself is inspiring with its dramatic glass facade and soaring spaces.
Rainy Day Books
Fairway (Kansas side, but close to KC)
An independent bookstore with a cozy cafe area and comfortable reading nooks. The literary atmosphere is unmatched, and they frequently host author events that can provide inspiration and networking opportunities.
Novel Coworking
Crossroads Arts District
A modern coworking space that specifically welcomes writers and creatives. Offers both open workspace and private offices, with a community of like-minded professionals. Regular writing workshops and networking events.
Oddly Correct Coffee
Midtown
A minimalist coffee shop with excellent single-origin coffee and a no-nonsense approach to cafe culture. The clean, uncluttered space helps maintain focus, and the baristas respect the working atmosphere.
Loose Park
Waldo/Brookside area
Kansas City's most beloved park features the famous rose garden, duck pond, and numerous quiet benches perfect for outdoor writing sessions. The seasonal beauty provides endless inspiration for descriptive passages.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Sculpture Park
Midtown
The outdoor sculpture park offers inspiring art installations and quiet spots for contemplation and writing. The famous shuttlecocks provide iconic backdrops, and the museum's architecture is stunning.
Messenger Coffee Co.
Crossroads Arts District and other locations
Located in the heart of KC's arts district, this industrial-chic coffee shop attracts creatives and offers excellent people-watching opportunities. The exposed brick and high ceilings create an inspiring urban atmosphere.
The Writer's Place
Westport
A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting writers, offering workshops, readings, and a small library space. While not always open for drop-in writing, they host regular events that connect local writers and provide community.
Kaldi's Coffee
Plaza area
Part of the St. Louis-based chain, this location offers reliable wifi, comfortable seating, and a consistent atmosphere for regular writing sessions. Less crowded than some downtown options, making it easier to secure a good spot.
Kansas City Writing Groups: A Thriving Community for Fiction Writers
Kansas City has an active writing community with various groups catering to different genres and experience levels. Most writing groups meet monthly and welcome new members. Check Meetup.com, local libraries, and bookstores for current writing group listings and schedules.
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
These focused sessions emphasize constructive feedback on members' work-in-progress. Writers typically share 5-10 pages weekly or biweekly for detailed discussion.
genre_specific
Kansas City hosts specialized groups for mystery, romance, science fiction/fantasy, and literary fiction writers who want to dive deep into genre conventions and markets.
general_fiction
Broader groups welcome all fiction genres and often combine critique sessions with writing exercises, guest speakers, and publishing discussions.
hybrid_groups
Many groups blend critique with social networking, craft workshops, and accountability partnerships.
Finding Writing Groups:
Online Platforms:
- Meetup.com - Search 'Kansas City writing' or 'KC writers'
- Facebook - Join 'Kansas City Writers' and similar local groups
- Nextdoor neighborhood app for hyperlocal writing circles
Physical Locations:
- Kansas City Public Library branches often host or advertise groups
- Independent bookstores like Rainy Day Books frequently have bulletin boards
- Community centers in suburbs like Overland Park and Lee's Summit
- Coffee shops and cafes may have writer meetup flyers
What to Expect:
First Meeting:
Most groups welcome visitors to observe before committing. Expect introductions, group guidelines explanation, and possibly a writing exercise or sample critique session.
Typical Format:
Groups usually begin with brief check-ins, followed by manuscript critiques (if applicable), writing exercises, or craft discussions. Many end with social time.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1.5-2 hours per meeting, plus time to read and critique others' work between sessions if it's a critique-focused group.
Cost Expectations:
Additional Costs:
Budget for coffee, parking, and occasional book purchases if the group does reading assignments.
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching Meetup.com and Facebook for 'Kansas City writers' or 'KC writing groups'
- 2.Visit your nearest library branch and ask about writing groups or bulletin board postings
- 3.Check independent bookstore event calendars and community boards
- 4.Attend one meeting as an observer before making commitments
- 5.Prepare a brief introduction about your writing interests and goals
- 6.Be patient - finding the right group may take visiting several options
Kansas City's writing community is known for being particularly welcoming to newcomers. Don't hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and remember that every published author started by connecting with other writers. Your perfect writing group is out there waiting to help you grow as a storyteller.
Writing Events and Opportunities in Kansas City, Missouri
Annual Events:
Kansas City Writers Conference
Type:
Focus: Multi-genre with tracks for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing
Venue: Crown Center or downtown hotel conference facilities
A premier annual conference featuring workshops, agent pitches, and keynote speakers
Heart of America Literary Festival
Type:
Focus: Author readings, panel discussions, and book signings
Venue: Various locations including libraries and bookstores
Community-focused festival celebrating local and regional authors
Recurring Opportunities:
Type:
Type:
Type:
Finding Current Information:
Social Media:
Follow @KCWriters and local literary organizations on Facebook and Twitter
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Rainy Day Books
Iconic independent bookstore hosting frequent author events and supporting local writers with book signings and readings.
Prospero's Books
Beloved independent bookstore known for its curated fiction selection and community events featuring local authors.
The Reading Reptile
Independent bookstore specializing in children's literature with regular storytelling events and author visits.
Libraries
Kansas City Public Library - Central Branch
Extensive fiction collection with dedicated local authors section, writing workshops, and quiet study spaces for writers.
Plaza Branch Library
Features strong literary fiction collection and hosts regular book clubs and author discussions.
Literary Publications
The Pitch
Kansas City's alternative weekly featuring local arts coverage and occasional fiction pieces by area writers.
New Letters
Literary magazine published by UMKC, accepting submissions from local and national writers.
Writing Organizations
Writers Place
Nonprofit literary center offering workshops, readings, and networking opportunities for fiction writers of all levels.
Heart of America Romance Writers
Active chapter supporting romance fiction writers with monthly meetings, critique groups, and educational programs.
University Programs
UMKC Creative Writing Program
MFA program offering community workshops and literary events open to local writers.
Practical Information for Writers
Kansas City's Literary Heritage
Notable Authors
Ernest Hemingway
The Star's style guide influenced his famous spare, direct prose
Langston Hughes
Key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, wrote about Kansas City's jazz culture
Robert Altman
Filmmaker who captured the city's spirit in 'Kansas City' (1996)
Calvin Trillin
Humorist and food writer for The New Yorker, often writes about KC barbecue
Literary Landmarks
Kansas City Star Building
Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center
18th and Vine Historic District
Historic Bookstores
Rainy Day Books
Independent bookstore since 1975, hosts major author events
The Reading Reptile
Beloved children's bookstore fostering young readers since 1996
Inspiring Quotes
"Kansas City is a place where you can get a good steak dinner and hear great jazz, and that's about all a writer needs."
— Calvin Trillin
"The Kansas City Star taught me to write a simple declarative sentence."
— Ernest Hemingway
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