Fiction Writing Communities in Nashville, Tennessee
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Nashville
Cafe Coco
Elliston Place
A beloved 24-hour bohemian coffee house that's been a Nashville institution since 1993. Writers love the eclectic atmosphere, mismatched furniture, and the fact that you can write all night long. The dimly lit corners provide perfect hideaways for fiction writers seeking inspiration.
Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea
East Nashville
A cozy neighborhood spot with a strong literary community feel. Regular poetry readings and book clubs make this a natural gathering place for writers. The comfortable seating and local artwork create an inspiring environment for creative work.
Nashville Public Library - Main Branch
Downtown Nashville
The crown jewel of Nashville's library system features a dedicated Writer's Garret on the 4th floor - a quiet space specifically designed for authors and researchers. The building itself is architecturally stunning and offers various nooks for different writing moods.
Parnassus Books
Green Hills
Co-owned by bestselling author Ann Patchett, this independent bookstore is a literary haven. The cafe area provides comfortable seating surrounded by carefully curated books. Regular author events and a genuine love of literature make this a must-visit for fiction writers.
The Well Coffeehouse
Music Valley
A spacious coffeehouse with a mission-driven atmosphere that attracts thoughtful creatives. Large tables, comfortable chairs, and a generally quiet environment make it ideal for longer writing sessions. The community-focused vibe often sparks interesting conversations.
Centennial Park
West End
Home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, this park offers numerous inspiring outdoor writing spots. The walking paths, lake views, and classical architecture provide endless inspiration for fiction writers. Perfect for brainstorming sessions or writing historical fiction.
Officite Coworking
The Gulch
A modern coworking space that welcomes writers alongside entrepreneurs and freelancers. Offers both open collaborative areas and quiet zones. The professional environment can help fiction writers maintain discipline and routine in their craft.
Hermitage Cafe
Downtown Nashville
A classic diner that's been serving Nashville since 1910. The vintage atmosphere and all-night hours make it a favorite among writers seeking authentic local flavor. The late-night crowd includes musicians and artists, perfect for character observation.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Belle Meade
This 55-acre botanical garden and art museum provides stunning natural inspiration for writers. The mansion, gardens, and seasonal exhibitions offer rich material for descriptive writing and character development. Multiple quiet spots throughout the grounds.
The Smiling Elephant
Belmont/Hillsboro Village
A quirky coffee shop and gift store combination with an eclectic, artistic vibe. The unique decor and comfortable seating areas provide a stimulating environment for creative writing. Popular with Belmont University students and local artists.
Nashville's Vibrant Writing Community: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Small, focused groups (typically 6-12 members) that meet regularly to provide detailed feedback on members' work. Expect to submit pages in advance and receive constructive criticism.
genre_specific
Groups dedicated to particular genres like science fiction, romance, mystery, or literary fiction. These offer specialized knowledge and targeted networking opportunities within your preferred genre.
general_fiction
Broader groups welcoming all fiction writers, often featuring craft discussions, writing exercises, and guest speakers alongside critique sessions.
beginner_friendly
Groups specifically designed for new writers, focusing on fundamentals, encouragement, and building confidence rather than intensive critique.
Sample Writing Groups:
Music City Fiction Writers
Green Hills Library - Conference Room
Second and fourth Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM
General fiction critique group with emphasis on character development
How to find: Listed on Nashville Public Library website and Meetup.com
Cumberland River Writers Circle
Frothy Monkey Coffee Shop - East Nashville
Every other Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Literary fiction and short stories, beginner-friendly
How to find: Facebook group 'Nashville Writers Network' and coffee shop bulletin board
Speculative Fiction Nashville
Bellevue Community Center
First Sunday of each month, 2:00-4:00 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror critique and craft discussions
How to find: Meetup.com and Facebook group 'Nashville Sci-Fi Writers'
Hermitage Writers Workshop
Hermitage Regional Library
Weekly Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
Mixed genres with monthly craft workshops
How to find: Library website and local bookstore bulletin boards
Belle Meade Book & Pen Society
Members' homes (rotating)
Monthly, first Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM
Historical fiction and women's fiction
How to find: Word of mouth through local bookstores and library writing events
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Nashville's writing community is known for its warmth and collaborative spirit. Don't hesitate to reach out - most groups actively welcome new members and understand the courage it takes to share your writing. The connections you make will not only improve your craft but often lead to lasting friendships with fellow storytellers who understand the writer's journey.
Nashville Writing Scene: Events & Opportunities Guide
Nashville 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.
Annual Events:
Southern Festival of Books
Type: Literary Festival
Venue: War Memorial Plaza & Legislative Plaza
Cost: Free
Tennessee's premier literary event featuring author readings, panel discussions, and book signings. Free admission with 200+ authors participating.
Nashville Writers Conference
Type: Writing Conference
Venue: Vanderbilt University or Nashville Public Library
Cost: $150-250
Two-day intensive featuring workshops on craft, publishing, and industry trends. Includes agent pitch sessions and networking opportunities.
Recurring Opportunities:
Parnassus Books Author Series
Type: Author Readings
Frequency: Monthly
Venue: Parnassus Books (Green Hills)
Cost: Free-$25 depending on author
Established by Ann Patchett, this series hosts acclaimed authors for readings and Q&A sessions. Often sells out quickly.
Nashville Public Library Writing Workshops
Type: Workshops
Frequency: Weekly/Monthly
Cost: Free
Free workshops covering poetry, fiction, memoir, and publishing basics. Registration required.
The Writer's Loft
Type: Writing Groups & Classes
Frequency: Ongoing
Venue: Various Nashville locations
Cost: $20-60 per session
Offers critique groups, craft classes, and genre-specific workshops led by published authors.
Seasonal Events:
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Nashville Scene events calendar
- Nashville Public Library website and newsletter
- Parnassus Books event listings
- Tennessee Writers Alliance
- Facebook groups: 'Nashville Writers' and 'Middle Tennessee Authors'
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Parnassus Books
Co-owned by author Ann Patchett, this beloved independent bookstore actively champions local authors through events, readings, and dedicated local author sections.
BookMan/BookWoman
Long-standing independent bookstore featuring extensive used and new fiction collections, with regular author events and strong community support.
The Bookshop
Cozy neighborhood bookstore in East Nashville that hosts local author readings and maintains curated fiction selections.
Libraries
Nashville Public Library - Main Branch
Features extensive fiction collections, writer-in-residence programs, and regular literary events. Offers quiet writing spaces and research resources.
Bellevue Branch Library
Hosts regular writing workshops and maintains strong local author collections with community meeting spaces for writer groups.
Literary Publications
Nashville Scene
Alternative weekly featuring local arts coverage, book reviews, and occasional fiction pieces by Nashville writers.
Chapter 16
Tennessee-based literary magazine accepting fiction submissions, with strong Nashville writer representation.
Writing Organizations
Nashville Writers Meetup
Active community group hosting regular meetings, workshops, and critique sessions for fiction writers of all levels.
Tennessee Writers Alliance
Statewide organization with strong Nashville presence, offering networking, contests, and educational resources for fiction writers.
University Programs
Vanderbilt University MFA Program
Prestigious graduate program offering community workshops and public readings featuring established and emerging fiction writers.
Belmont University Publishing Program
Offers continuing education courses and community workshops focused on fiction writing and publishing industry knowledge.
Practical Information for Writers
Transportation
Public Transit:
WeGo bus system covers major routes ($1.70 per ride, $3.50 day pass). Limited evening/weekend service.
Rideshare:
Uber/Lyft readily available downtown and Music Row areas. Expect $8-15 for cross-town trips.
Bike Friendly:
B-cycle bike share stations downtown. Many venues accessible via Greenway trail system.
Walkability:
Downtown core and Music Row highly walkable for literary events and readings.
Parking Tips
Downtown:
Street parking $1.25/hour until 6pm weekdays. Many paid lots $5-20/day.
Venues:
Nashville Public Library (main branch) offers 2-hour free parking. Parnassus Books has small free lot.
Events:
Evening literary events often have easier/cheaper parking. Arrive 15-20 minutes early.
Writer Costs
Coffee Shops:
Local coffee $3-5. Frothy Monkey, Crema, and Dose offer writer-friendly atmospheres.
Coworking:
Spaces like The Skillery ($25/day) and Nashville Entrepreneur Center ($15/day drop-in).
Library Access:
Free workspace at 21 library branches. Main library downtown has dedicated quiet study areas.
Best Neighborhoods
Affordable Creative:
East Nashville (5 Points, Inglewood) - hip, artsy, $1,200-1,800 rent
Literary Hub:
Music Row/Midtown - near publishers, $1,500-2,500 rent
Quiet Productive:
Sylvan Park, Belmont-Hillsboro - residential, coffee shops, $1,300-2,000 rent
Seasonal Considerations
Spring Fall:
Ideal for outdoor writing. Centennial Park, Bicentennial Mall perfect for laptop sessions.
Summer:
Hot, humid. Indoor venues essential July-August. Many outdoor events move indoors.
Winter:
Mild but unpredictable. Always have indoor backup plans for events.
Literary Scene Navigation
Key Venues:
Parnassus Books for author events, Nashville Public Library for workshops, The Porch for classes.
Networking:
Southern Festival of Books (October), Nashville Writers Meetup, Tennessee Williams Literary Festival.
Local Publications:
Nashville Scene for event listings, Chapter 16 literary magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine.
Nashville's Literary Heritage
Nashville 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
Robert Penn Warren
First U.S. Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner for 'All the King's Men', founding member of the Fugitive Poets at Vanderbilt University
John Crowe Ransom
Leader of the Fugitive Poets movement, influential literary critic and founding editor of 'The Kenyon Review'
Allen Tate
Prominent Fugitive Poet and New Critic, influential in Southern literary renaissance
Donald Davidson
Fugitive Poet and Agrarian movement leader, longtime Vanderbilt professor
Jesse Hill Ford
Southern novelist known for 'The Liberation of Lord Byron Jones'
Literary Landmarks
Vanderbilt University
The Hermitage Hotel
Centennial Park
Historic Bookstores
Elder's Bookstore
Family-owned since 1952, longtime gathering place for Nashville's literary community
Parnassus Books
Co-owned by bestselling author Ann Patchett, champion of independent bookstore culture
Inspiring Quotes
"Nashville has always been a city where the arts flourish, where creativity finds its voice in both song and story."
— Ann Patchett
"In Nashville, the past and present dance together like old lovers who know each other's steps."
— Robert Penn Warren
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