Fiction Writing Communities in New Orleans, Louisiana
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in New Orleans, Louisiana. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in New Orleans
Café du Monde
French Quarter
While touristy, the early morning hours (6-8 AM) offer a magical writing experience with the awakening French Quarter as inspiration. The iconic setting provides authentic New Orleans atmosphere that can spark creative fiction.
Spitfire Coffee
Tremé/French Quarter
A local favorite with excellent wifi and a relaxed vibe that attracts creative types. The historic building and neighborhood provide rich inspiration for period fiction or contemporary New Orleans stories.
The Ruby Slipper Café
Multiple locations including Mid-City
Known for brunch but excellent for morning writing sessions. The Mid-City location is particularly writer-friendly with spacious seating and local character inspiration.
New Orleans Public Library - East New Orleans
East New Orleans
Modern library with dedicated quiet study areas and excellent resources. Less crowded than downtown branches, perfect for focused fiction writing with research capabilities.
Garden District Book Shop
Garden District
Historic independent bookstore in a beautiful Victorian building. Limited seating but inspiring atmosphere surrounded by literary works. Perfect for short writing sessions and book research.
Octavia Books
Uptown
Beloved independent bookstore with a small café area and reading nooks. Frequent author readings and literary events create an inspiring environment for fiction writers.
Launch Pad
Central Business District
New Orleans' premier coworking space that welcomes writers and creative professionals. Offers both open workspace and private areas, plus networking opportunities with other creatives.
The Catahoula Hotel Rooftop
Central Business District
Unique rooftop space that's quieter during daytime hours. Offers inspiring city views and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for writing literary fiction or contemplative pieces.
Audubon Park
Uptown
Beautiful park with ancient oak trees and peaceful lagoons. Multiple quiet spots perfect for outdoor writing, especially the areas near the labyrinth and butterfly garden. Inspiring natural setting in the heart of the city.
City Park - Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Mid-City
Stunning outdoor venue combining art and nature. The sculpture garden provides unique inspiration for creative writing, with quiet benches scattered throughout. Perfect for writers seeking artistic inspiration.
The Columns Hotel Lounge
Garden District
Historic hotel with a beautiful Victorian lounge that's quiet during daytime hours. The antique atmosphere and literary history make it perfect for period fiction writers or those seeking old-world inspiration.
French Truck Coffee - Magazine Street
Garden District/Uptown
Local coffee roaster with a spacious, writer-friendly location. Good for longer writing sessions with reliable wifi and a creative crowd. The Magazine Street location offers people-watching inspiration.
The Writing Community Scene in New Orleans, Louisiana
Sample Writing Groups:
Crescent City Scribes
East Bank Regional Library, Metairie
Second Saturday of each month, 10 AM - 12 PM
General fiction and memoir with emphasis on constructive critique
How to find: Listed on library website and Meetup.com
A welcoming group for writers of all levels focusing on manuscript critique and craft discussions
French Quarter Writers Circle
Café Beignet, Royal Street
Every other Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Literary fiction and Southern Gothic with occasional guest authors
How to find: Facebook group 'NOLA Literary Community' and café bulletin board
An intimate group that celebrates New Orleans' literary tradition while supporting contemporary voices
Bywater Mystery Writers
The Joint BBQ back room, Bywater
First Thursday monthly, 7 PM - 9 PM
Crime fiction, mystery, and thriller genres
How to find: Meetup.com and recommendations from local mystery bookstore events
Genre-focused group that combines critique with discussions of market trends and publishing
Uptown Storytellers
Audubon Branch Library
Weekly Tuesdays, 6 PM - 7:30 PM
All genres welcome, emphasis on sharing work aloud and oral storytelling tradition
How to find: Library calendar and word-of-mouth through local writing workshops
Fast-paced group perfect for writers who enjoy reading their work aloud and getting immediate feedback
NOLA Romance Writers
PJ's Coffee, Magazine Street
Third Sunday monthly, 2 PM - 4 PM
Romance fiction in all subgenres
How to find: Facebook group and connections through Romance Writers of America chapter
Supportive community focusing on character development, market knowledge, and publishing opportunities in romance
New Orleans' writing community embodies the city's spirit of creativity and collaboration. Whether you're crafting your first short story or polishing your third novel, you'll find writers eager to share their knowledge and support your journey. The city's rich literary history creates an inspiring backdrop for any writing endeavor, and local groups often organize readings, workshops, and social events that extend beyond regular meetings. Don't hesitate to reach out - most groups welcome visitors and are happy to help newcomers find their place in the community.
Writing Events & Opportunities in New Orleans
Annual Events:
New Orleans Writers Conference
Type: Annual Conference
Venue: Tulane University
Three-day conference featuring workshops, agent pitches, and keynote speakers. Covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
Type: Literary Festival
Venue: French Quarter venues
Five-day festival celebrating Southern literature with readings, panels, and the Tennessee Williams Fiction Contest.
Recurring Opportunities:
Loyola Writing Institute
Type: Workshops & Classes
Venue: Loyola University
Continuing education writing courses including fiction, memoir, and poetry. Weekend intensives and semester-long classes available.
Maple Street Book Shop Reading Series
Type: Author Readings
Venue: Maple Street Book Shop
Local and visiting authors read from new releases. Free events with book sales and signing opportunities.
Crescent City Writers Group
Type: Critique Group
Venue: New Orleans Public Library branches
Open critique sessions for fiction writers. Supportive environment for sharing work and receiving feedback.
Finding Current Information:
Social Media:
Follow @NOLAWriters, local bookstore Facebook pages
Practical Tips:
Timing:
Many events cluster in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November)
Costs:
Range from free library events to $350 conference fees. Many workshops $50-200
Parking:
Consider streetcar or rideshare for French Quarter events
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Octavia Books
Uptown independent bookstore known for hosting local author events, book signings, and readings. Strong supporter of Louisiana writers with dedicated local author section.
Kitchen Witch Cookbooks
Specialty bookstore in the French Quarter that also supports local authors and hosts literary events, particularly for food writing and Southern fiction.
Crescent City Books
Used and rare bookstore that frequently hosts author readings and maintains a strong collection of Louisiana literature and local authors.
Libraries
New Orleans Public Library Main Branch
Central library offering extensive fiction collections, writer workshops, and the Louisiana Division with local literary archives and resources for research.
East New Orleans Regional Library
Branch library hosting regular writing groups, author talks, and providing access to literary databases and writing software.
Literary Publications
New Orleans Review
Literary magazine published by Loyola University featuring fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, actively seeking submissions from local writers.
Louisiana Literature
Academic journal focusing on Louisiana writers and themes, published by Southeastern Louisiana University but welcomes regional submissions.
Writing Organizations
New Orleans Writers Guild
Local organization offering workshops, critique groups, networking events, and annual conferences for fiction writers of all levels.
Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society
Literary nonprofit hosting the annual Words & Music festival, writing competitions, and year-round workshops focusing on fiction and creative writing.
University Programs
Tulane University Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops and continuing education classes in fiction writing, plus public readings and literary events.
University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop
Graduate program that hosts public readings, community workshops, and the annual UNO Publishing Lab events.
Local Services
NOLA Editing Services
Local editorial collective offering developmental editing, copyediting, and manuscript coaching specifically for fiction writers.
Pelican Publishing
Louisiana-based publisher offering self-publishing services and focusing on regional authors and Southern fiction.
Practical Information for Writers
New Orleans's Literary Heritage
New Orleans 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
Tennessee Williams
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who lived in the French Quarter and set many works in New Orleans
Notable Works:
- • A Streetcar Named Desire
- • The Glass Menagerie
Anne Rice
Gothic novelist who made New Orleans synonymous with vampire literature
Notable Works:
- • Interview with the Vampire
- • The Vampire Chronicles
Walker Percy
Philosophical novelist and essayist who explored Southern identity
Notable Works:
- • The Moviegoer
- • Love in the Ruins
Kate Chopin
Pioneer of feminist literature in the late 19th century
Notable Works:
- • The Awakening
- • Bayou Folk
Literary Landmarks
Historical Literary Movements
Historic Bookstores
Faulkner House Books
Garden District Book Shop
Octavia Books
Inspiring Quotes
"New Orleans is a city whose basic industry is the service of pleasure."
— Tennessee Williams
"The only city in America where you can eat and drink the night away and justify it as a cultural experience."
— Andrei Codrescu
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