Fiction Writing Communities in New York, New York
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in New York, New York. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in New York
The New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, Midtown
The iconic main branch offers the legendary Rose Main Reading Room - a cathedral-like space where countless authors have penned their masterpieces. The McGraw Rotunda and Wertheim Study provide quieter alternatives. Free wifi, abundant natural light, and the inspiring presence of literary history make this a writer's pilgrimage site.
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby Street, SoHo
A charming used bookstore with a full cafe upstairs, featuring mismatched furniture, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a bohemian vibe that's inspired writers for decades. The eclectic atmosphere and literary surroundings provide perfect inspiration, plus your coffee purchase supports a good cause.
The Morgan Library & Museum
225 Madison Avenue, Murray Hill
Beyond the museum exhibits, the Morgan offers a stunning reading room in J.P. Morgan's original library. The Gilbert Court cafe provides a more casual writing space surrounded by literary treasures. The atmosphere alone - with original manuscripts and rare books nearby - can spark any writer's imagination.
Think Coffee
Multiple locations (West Village, East Village, Upper West Side)
A local chain beloved by writers for its consistently good wifi, ample seating, and writer-friendly policies. The Mercer Street location is particularly popular with NYU students and local authors. They don't rush customers, making it perfect for long writing sessions.
The Writers Room
740 Broadway, Greenwich Village
A dedicated coworking space exclusively for writers, offering 24/7 access, individual desks, and a community of serious writers. Members include published authors, journalists, and screenwriters. It's an investment, but provides the ultimate distraction-free environment.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO waterfront
Offering stunning Manhattan skyline views, this waterfront park provides numerous benches and grassy areas perfect for outdoor writing. The Granite Prospect and Pier 1 are particularly inspiring spots. The combination of natural beauty and urban energy has inspired countless writers and artists.
McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince Street, Nolita
An independent bookstore with a cozy cafe area perfect for writing. The carefully curated book selection and literary events create an inspiring environment. The cafe serves excellent coffee and light meals, and the staff understands the needs of writers who want to linger.
The High Line
Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards
This elevated park built on former railway tracks offers unique perspectives of the city and numerous benches for outdoor writing. The blend of nature, art installations, and urban views provides endless inspiration. Less crowded early mornings and late afternoons.
Joe Coffee
Multiple locations (West Village, East Village, Grand Central)
A NYC coffee institution known for welcoming laptop users and providing excellent wifi. The original Gay Street location is tiny but charming, while the Grand Central location offers more space. Popular with freelancers and writers for good reason.
Washington Square Park
Greenwich Village
The heart of Greenwich Village's literary scene, this park has been inspiring writers for generations. Numerous benches around the fountain and under trees provide perfect people-watching spots. The chess players, street performers, and NYU students create a vibrant atmosphere that many writers find energizing.
The Thriving Writing Community Scene in New York City
Sample Writing Groups:
Manhattan Fiction Writers Circle
Donnell Library Center, Midtown
Every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
Literary and commercial fiction, all experience levels welcome
How to find: Listed on NYPL events calendar and Meetup.com
Brooklyn Genre Writers Collective
Prospect Heights Library
First and third Saturdays, 2:00-4:00 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction
How to find: Facebook group 'Brooklyn Writers' and library bulletin board
Astoria Storytellers Society
Astoria Coffee Shop, Queens
Weekly Sundays, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Short stories and flash fiction across all genres
How to find: Meetup.com and flyers at local coffee shops
Upper West Side Novel Workshop
Community center rotating locations
Biweekly Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 PM
Novel-length works in progress, intermediate to advanced writers
How to find: Word-of-mouth referrals and Writers' Room bulletin board
Diverse Voices Writing Circle
Harlem Public Library
Monthly, second Saturday, 1:00-3:00 PM
Writers from underrepresented communities, all genres
How to find: Community center announcements and social media outreach
Writer's Guide to New York City Literary Events & Opportunities
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
The Strand Bookstore
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Iconic 18-mile bookstore hosting author events, book signings, and supporting local writers through their Writers Room program.
McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Independent bookstore with multiple locations featuring local author readings, writing workshops, and strong fiction section.
Book Club Bar
197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
Literary-themed bar and bookstore hosting regular fiction readings and author events in the East Village.
Libraries
New York Public Library - Jefferson Market Branch
425 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Historic Greenwich Village library with extensive fiction collection and regular author talks and writing workshops.
NYPL - Ottendorfer Branch
135 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Specialized research collections and quiet writing spaces, plus fiction-focused programming.
Literary Publications
The Brooklyn Rail
Monthly arts and culture magazine accepting fiction submissions from NYC-area writers.
Epiphany Magazine
Literary journal based in NYC publishing emerging and established fiction writers.
Writing Organizations
The Writers Studio
Long-running writing workshop organization offering ongoing fiction classes and manuscript development.
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Nonprofit bookstore hosting regular writing groups and literary events supporting local authors.
University Programs
The New School Creative Writing Program
Offers continuing education fiction writing courses and public readings open to community members.
Practical Information for Writers
New York's Literary Heritage
New York 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
Walt Whitman
Celebrated Brooklyn and Manhattan in 'Leaves of Grass', worked as journalist in the city
Edith Wharton
Born in NYC, depicted high society in 'The Age of Innocence'
Hart Crane
Immortalized Brooklyn Bridge in epic poem 'The Bridge'
James Baldwin
Harlem-born author who explored identity and social justice
Tom Wolfe
Chronicled NYC culture in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities'
Literary Landmarks
The New York Public Library
Washington Square Park
The Chelsea Hotel
Brooklyn Bridge
Inspiring Quotes
"One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years."
— Tom Wolfe
"The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world."
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
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