Fiction Writing Communities in Los Angeles, California
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Los Angeles, California. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Los Angeles
Stories Cafe
Echo Park
A literary-themed coffee shop that doubles as a bookstore, with rotating local author readings and a dedicated 'writers corner' with extra power outlets. The walls are lined with books and typewriters, creating an inspiring atmosphere for creative work.
Groundwork Coffee Co.
Arts District
A spacious industrial-chic coffee shop in a converted warehouse with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Popular with creatives and freelancers, it offers a productive environment without feeling stuffy.
Central Library - Literature Department
Downtown LA
The iconic Central Library offers a dedicated Literature and Fiction floor with quiet study carrels, research desks, and an inspiring rotunda. The Tom Bradley Wing has modern study spaces with city views.
The Last Bookstore
Downtown LA
A massive independent bookstore in a historic bank building with reading nooks, a mezzanine level, and vintage typewriters on display. The Labyrinth upstairs offers a maze-like environment perfect for browsing and inspiration.
WeWork Gas Company
Arts District
A beautifully designed coworking space in a restored 1920s gas company building. Offers day passes and has quiet zones specifically for focused work, plus a library area with vintage books.
Republique
Mid-City
A French-inspired cafe and restaurant housed in a stunning 1920s building with high ceilings and large windows. The front cafe area is perfect for writing during off-peak hours, with a sophisticated European atmosphere.
Descanso Gardens
La Cañada Flintridge
A 150-acre botanical garden with peaceful walking paths, benches, and a Japanese tea garden. Perfect for outdoor writing sessions or finding inspiration in nature. The Oak Woodland area is particularly secluded.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park
While famous for stargazing, the Observatory's grounds and surrounding trails offer inspiring views of LA and quiet spots for writing. The outdoor terraces provide a unique backdrop for creative work.
Skylight Books
Los Feliz
An independent bookstore beloved by LA writers, featuring regular author events and a carefully curated selection. The cozy interior has reading chairs and a welcoming atmosphere for browsing and writing.
Cafe Gratitude
Venice
A plant-based cafe with a peaceful, mindful atmosphere that attracts creative types. The Venice location has outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe perfect for contemplative writing sessions.
Huntington Library Gardens
San Marino
A world-class research library with stunning gardens and quiet outdoor spaces. The Chinese Garden and Rose Garden offer particularly inspiring settings for writing, with benches and peaceful water features.
Vroman's Bookstore Cafe
Pasadena
Southern California's oldest independent bookstore with an attached cafe featuring local roasted coffee and comfortable seating. Regular author events and a strong literary community make it a writer's haven.
Los Angeles Writing Groups: A Comprehensive Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Focus on providing constructive feedback on members' work through structured manuscript exchanges and discussion sessions.
genre_specific
Cater to particular genres like sci-fi, mystery, romance, or literary fiction, allowing writers to connect with others who share their interests and understand genre conventions.
general_fiction
Welcome writers working in any fiction genre, emphasizing craft development, writing exercises, and peer support.
hybrid_groups
Combine critique sessions with craft workshops, guest speakers, and social networking opportunities.
Sample Writing Groups:
Westside Fiction Writers Circle
Santa Monica Public Library - Main Branch
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
Literary and commercial fiction critique group
How to find: Listed on Santa Monica Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Hollywood Genre Writers Collective
Stories Books & Café, Echo Park
Every Thursday, 7 PM - 9 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers
How to find: Facebook group 'LA Genre Writers' and bookstore bulletin board
Valley Writers Workshop
Sherman Oaks Community Center
First and third Sundays, 2 PM - 4 PM
All fiction genres with craft workshops
How to find: Meetup.com and community center newsletter
Downtown Literary Salon
Central Library - Mark Taper Auditorium
Monthly, third Friday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Literary fiction with guest author readings
How to find: LA Public Library events page and local literary magazines
Culver City Creative Writers
Groundwork Coffee, Culver City
Weekly Wednesdays, 7 PM - 9 PM
Mixed genre fiction with emphasis on character development
How to find: Meetup.com and coffee shop community board
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching Meetup.com for 'Los Angeles writing groups'
- 2.Join Facebook groups like 'LA Writers Network' for recommendations
- 3.Visit 3-4 local libraries and bookstores to check community boards
- 4.Attend at least two different groups before deciding
- 5.Prepare a brief writing sample if groups require submissions
- 6.Bring a notebook and open mind to your first meeting
LA's writing community is remarkably welcoming and supportive. Whether you're a beginner seeking encouragement or an experienced writer looking for serious critique partners, you'll find your tribe among the city's diverse writing groups. The key is taking that first step and showing up – your writing journey will be enriched by the connections you make.
Los Angeles Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Practical Tips:
Costs:
Events range from free library programs to $800 university courses. Many offer sliding scale fees or scholarships.
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
The Last Bookstore
Massive independent bookstore in a historic bank building with frequent author events and strong support for local writers
Skylight Books
Community-focused bookstore hosting regular readings, book clubs, and literary events for emerging authors
Book Soup
Iconic Sunset Strip bookstore known for celebrity author events and supporting local literary talent
Stories Books & Cafe
Neighborhood bookstore with cafe offering intimate author readings and writing workshops
Libraries
Los Angeles Central Library
Extensive fiction collection, writers' rooms, and regular literary programming including author talks
West Hollywood Library
Strong contemporary fiction section with frequent writing workshops and author events
Literary Publications
The Los Angeles Review
Literary magazine published by LA writers accepting fiction submissions from local authors
Rivet
LA-based literary journal focusing on innovative fiction and supporting emerging voices
Writing Organizations
Writers Guild of America West
Professional organization offering resources, networking, and educational programs for writers
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators LA
Active chapter providing workshops, critique groups, and networking for children's fiction writers
University Programs
UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Comprehensive continuing education program offering fiction writing courses open to the public
USC Professional Writing Program
Community workshops and continuing education classes in creative writing and fiction
Practical Information for Writers
Los Angeles's Literary Heritage
Los Angeles 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
Raymond Chandler
Master of noir fiction who immortalized LA's dark underbelly in detective novels like 'The Big Sleep' and 'Farewell, My Lovely'
Joan Didion
Chronicled California culture and the American West in essays and novels, including 'Play It As It Lays'
Charles Bukowski
Poet and novelist who captured LA's gritty reality from his East Hollywood apartment
Nathanael West
Author of 'The Day of the Locust,' a savage satire of Hollywood's golden age
James M. Cain
Noir novelist whose 'Double Indemnity' and 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' defined LA's literary landscape
Literary Landmarks
Historical Literary Movements
Historic Bookstores
Inspiring Quotes
"Los Angeles is a constellation of plastic."
— Norman Mailer
"The city of Los Angeles is a place where dreams come to die, but also where they're reborn."
— Joan Didion
"California is a place in which a boom mentality and a sense of Chekhovian loss meet in uneasy suspension."
— Joan Didion
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