Fiction Writing Communities in Norfolk, Virginia
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Norfolk, Virginia. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Norfolk
Cure Coffeehouse & Brasserie
Ghent District
A beloved local institution that perfectly balances café culture with serious writing space. The exposed brick walls and vintage industrial fixtures create an inspiring atmosphere, while the spacious layout includes cozy nooks perfect for settling in with a manuscript. The staff is famously writer-friendly, understanding the need for long stays and minimal interruption.
Slover Library
Downtown Norfolk
This stunning former department store turned library is a writer's paradise. The building's Art Deco architecture provides endless inspiration, while the multiple floors offer everything from silent study areas to collaborative spaces. The Local History room is particularly valuable for historical fiction writers researching Virginia's maritime heritage.
Prince Books
Ghent District
An independent bookstore with a genuine love for the written word. The café area features comfortable seating surrounded by towering bookshelves, creating the perfect environment for both inspiration and productivity. Regular author events and a knowledgeable staff make this a true community hub for Norfolk writers.
Work + Play
Downtown Norfolk
A modern coworking space that welcomes writers alongside entrepreneurs and freelancers. Offers both open workspace and private rooms, with a community that appreciates creative work. The venue regularly hosts networking events and workshops that can be valuable for writers looking to connect with other creatives.
Orapax Inn Coffee & Tea
Larchmont/Edgewater
A charming neighborhood café housed in a historic building that once served as an inn. The multiple rooms and outdoor patio provide various writing environments, from the quiet back room perfect for deep writing sessions to the livelier front area ideal for people-watching and character development.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Airport Road
165 acres of themed gardens providing endless inspiration for nature writing, poetry, or any genre requiring peaceful outdoor reflection. The Japanese Garden and Rose Garden are particularly conducive to contemplative writing, while benches throughout offer spots to jot down ideas surrounded by seasonal beauty.
The Grilled Cheese & Co.
Colley Avenue, Ghent
While primarily known for comfort food, this cozy spot has become a favorite among local writers for its relaxed atmosphere and generous policy toward laptop users. The booth seating is perfect for spreading out notes, and the comfort food menu provides the perfect fuel for long writing sessions.
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
North Shore Road
The outdoor gardens and riverside location of this historic estate provide a unique writing environment. The formal gardens, woodland trails, and views of the Lafayette River offer inspiration for historical fiction writers, while the peaceful setting is perfect for any genre requiring quiet contemplation.
Doumar's Drive-In
Monticello Avenue
A Norfolk institution since 1934, this historic drive-in offers a unique writing experience for those seeking authentic local atmosphere. The vintage setting and connection to Norfolk's history make it particularly valuable for writers working on period pieces or seeking to capture authentic American culture.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Olney Road, Ghent
The museum's peaceful galleries and sculpture garden provide visual inspiration for writers, while the member lounge offers a quiet space for reflection and note-taking. The changing exhibitions ensure fresh inspiration with each visit, and the glass studio demonstrations can spark creative ideas.
Norfolk, Virginia Writing Group Scene: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Sample Writing Groups:
Tidewater Fiction Writers Circle
Norfolk Public Library - Slover Library
Second Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
General fiction critique group for all genres
How to find: Listed on Norfolk Public Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Ghent Writers Collective
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea (Ghent)
Every other Wednesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Literary fiction and creative writing exercises
How to find: Facebook page and flyers at local Ghent businesses
Hampton Roads Mystery Writers
Norfolk Botanical Garden Education Center
Third Thursday monthly, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Mystery, thriller, and suspense fiction
How to find: Through Sisters in Crime national website and local bookstore recommendations
Norfolk New Writers Workshop
Chrysler Museum of Art - Community Room
Weekly Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Beginning writers, all fiction genres welcome
How to find: Chrysler Museum community programs listing and Meetup.com
Coastal Virginia Scribes
Rotating between members' homes and Norfolk Community Center
First and third Sunday monthly, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Multi-genre fiction with emphasis on regional stories
How to find: Word of mouth through other writing groups and local literary events
Norfolk's writing community is known for being welcoming and supportive. Don't hesitate to try several groups before settling on the right fit - most writers find their perfect match after visiting 2-3 different groups. Remember that every published author started exactly where you are now, and the connections you make in these groups often prove as valuable as the craft feedback you'll receive.
Norfolk, Virginia Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
The Book Exchange
1427 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA
Long-standing independent bookstore that hosts local author events and maintains a dedicated local authors section. Offers consignment opportunities for self-published writers.
Fountain Bookstore (Richmond - serves Hampton Roads)
1312 E Cary St, Richmond, VA
While Richmond-based, this acclaimed indie bookstore frequently features Hampton Roads authors and ships throughout the region.
Libraries
Norfolk Public Library - Slover Library
235 E Plume St, Norfolk, VA
Flagship library with extensive fiction collection, writer resources, and meeting spaces. Hosts regular author talks and writing workshops.
Norfolk Public Library - Pretlow Branch
9640 20th Bay St, Norfolk, VA
Community library offering quiet writing spaces and local history resources valuable for fiction writers.
Literary Publications
The Virginian-Pilot Literary Features
Local newspaper that regularly features book reviews and author profiles, with opportunities for local writers to contribute.
Hampton Roads Writers
Regional publication and online platform showcasing local fiction writers and providing submission opportunities.
Writing Organizations
Hampton Roads Writers
Active local writers' group offering monthly meetings, critique groups, and networking opportunities for fiction writers of all levels.
Virginia Writers Club - Hampton Roads Chapter
Established organization providing workshops, contests, and professional development for regional writers.
University Programs
Old Dominion University - English Department
Offers community writing workshops and literary events. MFA program faculty sometimes provide community workshops.
Norfolk State University - Department of English
Hosts literary events and occasionally offers continuing education writing courses open to the community.
Practical Information for Writers
Norfolk's Literary Heritage
Notable Authors
Edgar Allan Poe
America's master of Gothic literature with regional ties
William Styron
Pulitzer Prize winner for 'The Confessions of Nat Turner'
Tom Wolfe
New Journalism pioneer and social satirist
Literary Landmarks
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Chrysler Museum of Art
Historic Ghent District
Historical Literary Movements
Historic Bookstores
Prince Books
Long-standing independent bookstore supporting local authors
Barnes & Noble at Old Dominion University
Literary Traditions
Inspiring Quotes
""
—
""
—
Enhance Your Writing with AI-Powered Tools
While you're connecting with the Norfolk writing community, supercharge your fiction writing with Cordecho's AI assistant designed specifically for novelists and storytellers.