Fiction Writing Communities in Sacramento, California
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Sacramento, California. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Sacramento
Temple Coffee Roasters
Multiple locations including S Street and 22nd Street
A local favorite with excellent coffee and a creative atmosphere that draws writers, artists, and students. The S Street location has a particularly inspiring industrial-chic vibe with high ceilings and natural light. Known for supporting local culture and providing a welcoming space for laptop users.
Insight Coffee Roasters
J Street and other locations
Sacramento's premier specialty coffee roaster with multiple writer-friendly locations. The J Street shop offers a perfect blend of energy and focus, with plenty of seating options including communal tables and cozy corners. Popular with freelancers and creatives.
Central Library - Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street, Downtown
The flagship library features dedicated quiet study areas, a beautiful reading room with high ceilings, and the Writer's Corner - a special section with resources for authors. The historic building itself is inspiring, and the staff is very supportive of writers and researchers.
Time Tested Books
1114 21st Street, Midtown
Sacramento's beloved independent bookstore with a cozy reading area and frequent author events. The atmosphere is literary and inspiring, surrounded by carefully curated books. They welcome writers who want to work among the stacks, and the staff often provides great recommendations for research or inspiration.
Hacker Lab
1715 I Street, Downtown
While primarily a tech-focused coworking space, Hacker Lab welcomes writers and offers 24/7 access for members. Great for writers who need a dedicated workspace outside home, with a community of creative professionals. They host writing meetups and provide a distraction-free environment.
Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters
1716 L Street, Downtown
A quieter alternative to larger coffee chains, known for excellent coffee and a laid-back atmosphere. Popular with writers and students, offering plenty of table space and a relaxed policy on laptop use. The owner is supportive of the local creative community.
McKinley Park
601 Alhambra Blvd, East Sacramento
A beautiful neighborhood park with mature trees, peaceful walking paths, and plenty of benches for outdoor writing. The rose garden is particularly inspiring, and the park offers a perfect escape from urban noise. Many local writers use this as their outdoor office during pleasant weather.
The Mill at Broadway
2330 J Street, Midtown
A unique venue combining coffee, food, and event space in a converted warehouse. The industrial setting with exposed brick and high ceilings creates an inspiring atmosphere. They're very laptop-friendly and often host literary events and writing workshops.
Capitol Park
1300 L Street, Downtown
The grounds surrounding the State Capitol building offer beautiful, inspiring outdoor spaces for writing. With gardens, monuments, and peaceful pathways, it's perfect for writers seeking inspiration from California's political and cultural history. The park's formal gardens provide quiet nooks for contemplation.
Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
1801 L Street, Midtown
While primarily known for artisanal chocolates, this elegant shop has a few small tables perfect for intimate writing sessions. The sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional treats make it ideal for special writing occasions or when you need a luxurious change of pace. Great for character development over exquisite hot chocolate.
Sacramento Writing Community: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Traditional critique groups where members share work and provide detailed feedback on plot, character development, pacing, and prose style.
genre_specific
Groups focused on particular genres like science fiction, mystery, romance, or literary fiction, allowing writers to dive deep into genre conventions and reader expectations.
general_fiction
Broad-based groups welcoming all fiction genres, perfect for writers exploring different styles or those who write across multiple genres.
writing_sprints
Fast-paced sessions focused on generating new content rather than critiquing existing work.
Sample Writing Groups:
Sacramento Fiction Writers Circle
Central Library, Galleria Meeting Room
Second and fourth Saturdays, 2-4 PM
General fiction with emphasis on literary and contemporary works
How to find: Listed on Sacramento Public Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Midtown Mystery & Thriller Writers
Temple Coffee Roasters, 28th Street
Every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
Crime fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels
How to find: Facebook group 'Sacramento Genre Writers' and coffee shop bulletin board
Capital City Scribes
Carmichael Library Community Room
First Sunday of each month, 1-3 PM
Multi-genre fiction group welcoming all experience levels
How to find: Nextdoor posts and library website announcements
East Sacramento Writers Workshop
Members' homes (rotating)
Biweekly Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM
Intensive critique group for serious fiction writers
How to find: Referrals from other writing groups and local bookstore connections
Speculative Fiction Sacramento
Great Valley Museum, Modesto Junior College Sacramento Campus
Third Saturday monthly, 10 AM-12 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction
How to find: Active Facebook page and cross-promotion with local comic book stores
Finding Writing Groups:
Online Platforms:
- Meetup.com - Search for 'Sacramento writing' or 'fiction writers'
- Facebook groups - Look for Sacramento Writers Network and local literary communities
- Nextdoor app - Check neighborhood groups for hyperlocal writing circles
Physical Locations:
- Sacramento Public Library branches often host or advertise writing groups
- Independent bookstores like Time Tested Books frequently have bulletin boards with group announcements
- Community centers in Midtown and East Sacramento
- Coffee shops with community boards, especially in artistic neighborhoods
What to Expect:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching online platforms like Meetup and Facebook for current groups
- 2.Visit your local library branch and ask about writing programs
- 3.Check community bulletin boards at independent bookstores and coffee shops
- 4.Attend literary events and readings to network with local writers
- 5.Consider starting your own group if existing options don't meet your needs
Sacramento Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Sacramento Public Library events calendar
- UC Davis and Sacramento State continuing education websites
- Local independent bookstore newsletters
- Sacramento Area Creatives Facebook group
- California Writers Club Sacramento branch website
Practical Tips:
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Beers Books
Long-standing independent bookstore in midtown Sacramento that actively supports local authors through readings, signings, and consignment programs.
Time Tested Books
Used and new bookstore that hosts author events and maintains a dedicated local authors section.
The Avid Reader
Independent bookstore with strong community ties, offering author readings and local book clubs.
Libraries
Sacramento Public Library Central Branch
Extensive fiction collection with dedicated writing resources, computer access, and quiet writing spaces. Hosts regular author talks and writing workshops.
Carmichael Library
Branch library known for its robust fiction collection and community writing programs.
Literary Publications
Calaveras Station
Sacramento-based literary magazine publishing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction from regional writers.
The Storyteller Magazine
Local publication featuring short fiction and supporting emerging writers in the Sacramento area.
Writing Organizations
Sacramento Poetry Center
While poetry-focused, offers workshops and events that benefit all creative writers, including fiction writers.
California Writers Club - Sacramento Branch
Local chapter providing networking, workshops, and critique groups specifically for fiction and other genres.
University Programs
UC Davis Extension Creative Writing
Continuing education creative writing courses open to community members, including fiction writing workshops.
Sacramento State Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops and events through their MFA program, providing access to literary resources.
Practical Information for Writers
Sacramento's Literary Heritage
Sacramento 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
Joan Didion
Iconic American writer known for 'The White Album' and 'The Year of Magical Thinking'
Richard Brautigan
Counterculture novelist famous for 'Trout Fishing in America'
Ernest J. Gaines
Author of 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman'
Kim Stanley Robinson
Acclaimed science fiction writer of the Mars trilogy
Literary Landmarks
California State Library
Crocker Art Museum
Old Sacramento
Historical Literary Movements
Sacramento became a literary hub documenting westward expansion and frontier life
Connection to San Francisco Beat movement through local writers and venues
Historic Bookstores
Beers Books
Time Tested Books
Literary Traditions
Inspiring Quotes
"Sacramento is California, and California is America."
— Joan Didion
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