Fiction Writing Communities in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond's vibrant literary scene offers year-round opportunities for writers at all levels, from established conferences to intimate workshop settings.

Richmond, Virginia stands as a remarkable testament to American literary heritage, where the shadows of Edgar Allan Poe still dance through the city's historic streets. This capital city has nurtured an extraordinary lineage of writers, from Poe's haunting tales crafted during his formative years here, to Ellen Glasgow's Pulitzer Prize-winning chronicles of the changing South. The Richmond Renaissance of the early 20th century established the city as a serious literary force, with writers like James Branch Cabell challenging conventional Southern narratives. Today, Richmond continues this proud tradition through vibrant independent bookstores like Fountain Bookstore and Chop Suey Books, which serve as gathering places for contemporary writers and readers. The city's literary landmarks, including the world-renowned Poe Museum and the atmospheric Hollywood Cemetery, offer tangible connections to its storied past. From Tom Wolfe's revolutionary New Journalism to the city's thriving modern poetry scene, Richmond remains a place where literature lives and breathes, where every cobblestone seems to echo with the footsteps of writers who found inspiration in its unique blend of history, mystery, and Southern Gothic atmosphere.