Fiction Writing Communities in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Minneapolis
Spyhouse Coffee
Northeast Minneapolis
A Minneapolis institution beloved by writers for its industrial-chic atmosphere and consistently excellent coffee. The Northeast location offers plenty of communal tables and cozy corners perfect for long writing sessions. The buzz of creative energy from other laptop-wielding patrons creates an inspiring environment without being distracting.
Central Library - Minneapolis Public Library
Downtown Minneapolis
The crown jewel of Minneapolis libraries, this stunning building offers multiple floors of quiet study spaces. The fourth floor is particularly writer-friendly with its silent study areas and beautiful views. The building itself is architecturally inspiring, and the vast collection provides endless research opportunities for fiction writers.
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Uptown Minneapolis
This legendary independent bookstore features a cozy upstairs seating area where writers can settle in with a book for inspiration or work on their own projects. The literary atmosphere is unmatched, surrounded by carefully curated selections and the occasional author reading downstairs.
CoCo Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis
A professional coworking space that welcomes writers and creatives. Offers both open workspace and private offices, with a community of entrepreneurs and freelancers. The space hosts networking events and workshops that can be valuable for writers looking to connect with other professionals.
Birchwood Cafe
Seward Neighborhood
A community-focused cafe known for its farm-to-table approach and writer-friendly environment. The space has plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and a relaxed pace that makes it ideal for longer writing sessions. The local art on the walls and community bulletin board add to the creative atmosphere.
Mill City Museum
Mill District, Downtown Minneapolis
While primarily a museum, the Mill City Museum offers a unique writing environment with its historic flour mill setting. The ruins and exhibits provide rich inspiration for historical fiction writers, and the quieter areas offer contemplative spaces for writing and reflection.
Minnehaha Falls Park
South Minneapolis
Minnesota's most visited park offers natural inspiration with its 53-foot waterfall and scenic walking paths. The park features several benches and picnic areas where writers can work outdoors during pleasant weather. The sound of the falls and natural beauty provide excellent inspiration for nature writing or peaceful reflection.
The Loft Literary Center
Open Book, Downtown Minneapolis
The heart of Minnesota's literary community, housed in the beautiful Open Book building. While primarily known for classes and events, the lobby and common areas provide inspiring spaces for writers to work. Being surrounded by other writers and literary events creates an unmatched creative atmosphere.
Ginkgo Coffeehouse
St. Paul (nearby)
Though technically in St. Paul, this neighborhood gem is worth the short trip for Minneapolis writers. Known for its consistently quiet atmosphere, excellent coffee, and writer-friendly policies. The space has a calm, studious vibe that many writers find more conducive to focus than busier coffee shops.
Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden
Lowry Hill, Minneapolis
Home to the iconic Spoon and Cherry sculpture, this outdoor space offers benches and green areas perfect for outdoor writing sessions. The contemporary art installations provide visual inspiration, and the garden's design creates pockets of quiet contemplation despite being in an urban setting.
Minneapolis Writing Community: A Thriving Scene for Fiction Writers
Minneapolis 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.
Writing Events & Opportunities in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Annual Events:
Twin Cities Book Festival
Type: Literary Festival
Venue: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Large annual festival featuring author readings, writing workshops, and publishing panels. Free admission with paid workshop options.
Midwest Writers Conference
Type: Writing Conference
Venue: University of Minnesota campus
Three-day conference with genre-specific tracks, agent pitch sessions, and craft workshops led by published authors.
Recurring Opportunities:
Loft Literary Center Programs
Type: Workshops & Classes
Frequency: Year-round
Venue: Open Book building, Downtown Minneapolis
Ongoing fiction, poetry, and memoir classes for all skill levels. Also hosts monthly author readings and seasonal writing retreats.
Minneapolis Public Library Writing Circles
Type: Writing Groups
Frequency: Weekly/Monthly
Venue: Various library branches
Free writing groups meeting at different library locations, including genre-specific fiction groups and general creative writing circles.
University of Minnesota Extension Writing Programs
Type: Continuing Education
Frequency: Semester-based
Venue: UMN campus and online
Credit and non-credit writing courses including novel writing, screenwriting, and publishing workshops.
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Uptown institution hosting frequent author events and supporting local writers with consignment opportunities
Birchbark Books
Native-owned bookstore featuring diverse voices, hosts readings and supports emerging local authors
Moon Palace Books
Community-focused bookstore with strong local author support and regular literary events
Libraries
Minneapolis Central Library
Extensive fiction collection, writer-in-residence programs, and dedicated spaces for authors including the Manuscript Collection
Northeast Library
Hosts regular writing workshops and maintains strong contemporary fiction collections
Literary Publications
Rain Taxi Review of Books
International literary magazine based in Minneapolis, featuring book reviews and author interviews
Water~Stone Review
Annual literary journal from Hamline University accepting submissions from local and national writers
Writing Organizations
The Loft Literary Center
Premier Twin Cities writing organization offering classes, mentorships, contests, and networking events for fiction writers
Minnesota Writers' Alliance
Statewide organization providing resources, workshops, and advocacy for writers of all genres
University Programs
University of Minnesota Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops and public readings through their outreach programs
Hamline University MFA Program
Provides community writing workshops and hosts the annual Water~Stone Review reading series
Practical Information for Writers
Minneapolis's Literary Heritage
Minneapolis 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
F. Scott Fitzgerald
One of America's greatest novelists, drew inspiration from Midwest experiences
Notable Works:
- • The Great Gatsby
- • This Side of Paradise
Sinclair Lewis
First American to win Nobel Prize in Literature (1930)
Notable Works:
- • Main Street
- • Babbitt
Garrison Keillor
Celebrated Midwest storyteller and humorist
Notable Works:
- • Lake Wobegon Days
- • A Prairie Home Companion
Louise Erdrich
Acclaimed Native American novelist and poet
Notable Works:
- • Love Medicine
- • The Round House
Literary Landmarks
Fitzgerald Theater
Mill City Museum
University of Minnesota
Historic Bookstores
Birchbark Books
Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Inspiring Quotes
"In the real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day."
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
"A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself."
— Arthur Miller
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