Fiction Writing Communities in Providence, Rhode Island
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Providence, Rhode Island. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Providence
The Coffee Exchange
Wickenden Street, Fox Point
A beloved local institution that roasts its own beans and attracts a creative crowd. The exposed brick walls and vintage atmosphere create an inspiring environment, while the steady hum of conversation provides perfect white noise for writing. Many local authors have penned chapters here.
Seven Stars Bakery - Broadway
Broadway, Federal Hill
This artisanal bakery offers a quieter writing environment than typical coffee shops, with excellent pastries and coffee to fuel long writing sessions. The large windows provide natural light, and the neighborhood location keeps it from getting too crowded with tourists.
Providence Athenaeum
Benefit Street, The Hill
One of America's oldest libraries, where Edgar Allan Poe once courted his future wife. This historic gem offers multiple quiet reading rooms with original 19th-century atmosphere. The rare book collection and literary history make it incredibly inspiring for fiction writers seeking authentic period details.
Providence Public Library - Central Branch
Empire Street, Downtown
The main library features dedicated quiet zones and a beautiful reading room with high ceilings. The local history collection is excellent for research, and the building's classical architecture provides an inspiring backdrop for serious writing work.
Books on the Square
Angell Street, Wayland Square
An independent bookstore with a cozy cafe area featuring comfortable seating and local art on the walls. The literary atmosphere is enhanced by frequent author readings and book clubs. Staff are knowledgeable about local literary scene and often recommend writing events.
The Guild
Westminster Street, Downtown
A creative coworking space housed in a historic building that welcomes writers alongside other creatives. Offers both shared spaces and quiet zones, with a community of artists and entrepreneurs. Regular networking events help writers connect with other creatives.
Bolt Coffee
Washington Street, Downtown
A minimalist coffee shop with excellent wifi and plenty of power outlets. The clean, uncluttered design helps maintain focus, while the quality coffee keeps you energized. Popular with freelancers and students, creating a productive work atmosphere.
Roger Williams Park
Broad Street, South Providence
A sprawling 435-acre park with numerous quiet spots perfect for outdoor writing. The Japanese Garden offers serene inspiration, while the Museum of Natural History provides research opportunities. Multiple benches and gazebos provide comfortable writing spots with natural inspiration.
Prospect Terrace Park
Congdon Street, The Hill
A small hilltop park offering panoramic views of downtown Providence and the State House. The inspiring vista and quiet benches make it perfect for brainstorming or writing atmospheric descriptions. The Roger Williams statue adds historical context for period writers.
The Grad Providence
The Hill, near Brown University
This boutique hotel's lobby and library area welcome non-guests during the day. The sophisticated academic atmosphere, complete with leather chairs and bookshelves, creates an ideal writing environment. The location near Brown University adds to the scholarly ambiance.
Waterfire Arts Center
Valley Street, Olneyville
While primarily an arts venue, the cafe area welcomes writers and offers a creative atmosphere surrounded by local artwork. The industrial space with high ceilings and artistic energy provides unique inspiration. Often hosts literary events and open mic nights.
Small Point Cafe
Hope Street, East Side
A neighborhood gem known for its quiet atmosphere and writer-friendly policies. The owner is supportive of writers camping out for hours, and the eclectic decor provides visual inspiration. Regular customers include several published local authors who often share writing tips.
The Writing Community Scene in Providence, Rhode Island
Types of Writing Groups:
Critique Groups
Small, focused groups (4-8 members) that provide detailed feedback on member submissions
Genre-Specific Groups
Groups dedicated to particular genres like sci-fi, mystery, romance, or literary fiction
General Fiction Groups
Welcoming spaces for writers of all genres to share work and receive feedback
Writing Practice Groups
Groups focused on exercises, prompts, and developing writing habits rather than critique
Sample Writing Groups:
Federal Hill Fiction Writers
Knight Memorial Library
Second Saturday monthly, 10 AM - 12 PM
Literary and contemporary fiction
How to find: Library bulletin board and Meetup.com
Ocean State Scribes
Seven Stars Bakery (Broadway)
Every other Thursday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
All genres welcome, emphasis on supportive feedback
How to find: Facebook group and bookstore referrals
Providence Speculative Fiction Circle
AS220 Community Space
Monthly, first Wednesday, 7 PM - 9 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror
How to find: Genre-specific online forums and Meetup
Riverside Writers Workshop
South Providence Community Library
Weekly Tuesdays, 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Writing exercises and skill development
How to find: Library programming calendar
College Hill Critique Group
Members' homes (rotating)
Bi-weekly Sundays, 2 PM - 4 PM
Serious critique for advanced writers
How to find: Word of mouth and writing workshop referrals
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by researching online - check Meetup, Facebook, and library websites
- 2.Visit 2-3 different groups as a guest before making commitments
- 3.Prepare a short piece to share if groups encourage new member participation
- 4.Bring a notebook and be ready to take notes on feedback
- 5.Follow up with organizers or members you connect with
- 6.Consider starting your own group if existing options don't meet your needs
Providence's writing community is known for being welcoming and supportive. Don't be intimidated if you're new to critique groups - everyone started somewhere, and fellow writers understand the vulnerability of sharing creative work. The connections you make and skills you develop through local writing groups can significantly enhance both your craft and your enjoyment of the writing process.
Writing Events and Opportunities in Providence, Rhode Island
Annual Events:
Ocean State Writers Conference
Type: Annual Conference
Venue: Rhode Island Convention Center or Brown University
Two-day conference featuring workshops, agent pitches, and keynote speakers. Covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing industry insights.
Providence Literary Festival
Type: Literary Festival
Venue: Various downtown venues and libraries
Week-long celebration featuring author readings, panel discussions, and community writing events. Mix of local and nationally recognized authors.
Recurring Opportunities:
Brown University Writers' Studio
Type: Ongoing Workshops
Venue: Brown University campus
Community workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Led by MFA students and faculty.
Providence Public Library Writer Circles
Type: Weekly Writing Groups
Venue: Central Library and branch locations
Free writing groups for different genres and skill levels. Include critique groups and generative writing sessions.
Writers' Room Reading Series
Type: Monthly Author Readings
Venue: AS220 or local bookstores
Features mix of emerging and established authors, often with open mic component.
Seasonal Events:
NaNoWriMo Providence
Daily write-ins, weekend writing marathons, and virtual support meetings throughout November.
Summer Writing Intensives
Intensive weekend workshops covering specific genres or techniques. Popular topics include memoir writing and young adult fiction.
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Providence Public Library events calendar
- Brown University Creative Writing Program website
- Rhode Island Writers Guild newsletter
- Local independent bookstore event listings
Social Media:
Follow @ProvidenceWrites and local literary organizations on Instagram and Facebook
Mailing Lists:
Sign up for quarterly newsletters from major venues and writing organizations
Practical Tips:
Timing:
Fall offers most opportunities due to academic calendar; summer focuses on intensive formats
Registration:
Popular events fill quickly; register early for best selection and pricing
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Books on the Square
471 Angell Street, Providence, RI
Community-focused bookstore that regularly hosts author readings and book launches for local writers. Offers consignment opportunities for self-published authors.
Cellar Stories Bookstore
111 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI
Used bookstore with a strong local author section and regular literary events. Supportive of emerging Providence writers.
Libraries
Providence Public Library - Central Branch
225 Washington Street, Providence, RI
Features extensive fiction collections, writer resources, and hosts regular author talks. Offers quiet writing spaces and research assistance.
John Hay Library - Brown University
20 Prospect Street, Providence, RI
Houses special collections including manuscripts and rare books. Open to community researchers with proper registration.
Literary Publications
The Providence Journal Arts & Entertainment
Local newspaper section that features book reviews and author profiles, often highlighting Rhode Island writers.
Rhode Island Monthly
State magazine that regularly publishes fiction and profiles local authors.
Writing Organizations
Rhode Island Writers' Circle
Active writing group that meets regularly in Providence area, offering critique sessions and networking opportunities for fiction writers.
Writers' Room of Boston (Providence Chapter)
Provides co-working space and community for writers, with regular Providence meetups.
University Programs
Brown University Literary Arts Program
Offers community workshops and continuing education courses in creative writing. Hosts the Brown Arts Institute with public events.
Practical Information for Writers
Providence's Literary Heritage
Providence 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
H.P. Lovecraft
Master of cosmic horror, spent most of his life in Providence, setting many stories in fictional New England towns inspired by the area
Cormac McCarthy
Pulitzer Prize winner attended Brown University, influenced by his time in Providence
John Updike
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who studied at Harvard but maintained connections to Rhode Island literary circles
Galway Kinnell
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who taught at Brown University for many years
Literary Landmarks
H.P. Lovecraft's Grave
Brown University
The Athenaeum
Federal Hill
Historical Literary Movements
Historic Bookstores
Cellar Stories Bookstore
Books on the Square
Literary Traditions
Inspiring Quotes
"Providence has ancient roots and may claim to be, in a sense, the literary capital of America."
— H.P. Lovecraft
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
— H.P. Lovecraft
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