Fiction Writing Communities in Salt Lake City, Utah
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Salt Lake City, Utah. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Salt Lake City
The King's English Bookshop
15th & 15th neighborhood
This beloved independent bookstore has cozy reading nooks and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for writers seeking inspiration among carefully curated books. The staff respects quiet contemplation, and you can browse literary fiction to spark creativity between writing sessions.
Salt Lake City Main Library
Downtown - 210 E 400 S
This stunning architectural gem offers multiple floors of quiet study spaces, including designated silent zones perfect for deep writing work. The rooftop garden provides outdoor inspiration, and the building itself is a work of art that stimulates creativity.
Alchemy Coffee
Sugar House neighborhood
A writer's haven with consistently excellent coffee, reliable wifi, and a respectful laptop culture. The industrial-chic space has plenty of power outlets and comfortable seating. The baristas understand the writing process and won't rush you during long sessions.
Mestizo Coffeehouse
15th & 15th neighborhood
This community-focused cafe champions local artists and writers, creating an inspiring creative environment. With fair-trade coffee, local art on the walls, and a welcoming vibe for long writing sessions, it's where many local authors have penned their works.
Memory Grove Park
Capitol Hill area
This peaceful memorial park offers shaded benches along a babbling creek, providing natural inspiration for writers who work best outdoors. The combination of historical monuments and natural beauty creates a contemplative environment perfect for character development and plot brainstorming.
The Leonardo Museum
Downtown - Library Square
While unconventional, this science and art museum has a quiet cafe area and inspiring exhibits that can spark creative ideas. The intersection of science, technology, and art provides unique inspiration for speculative fiction writers and those seeking fresh perspectives.
Caffe Molise
Downtown - 404 S West Temple
This authentic Italian restaurant transforms into a quiet writing spot during off-peak hours. The old-world charm, excellent espresso, and European cafe culture make it perfect for writers who want to feel transported while crafting their stories.
Red Butte Garden
University of Utah campus
These botanical gardens offer numerous secluded benches surrounded by themed garden areas. The changing seasons provide constant inspiration, and the natural beauty helps clear writer's block. Perfect for nature writers or anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor writing retreat.
Millcreek Coffee Roasters
Multiple locations, original in Millcreek
Local roaster with multiple writer-friendly locations featuring excellent coffee, consistent wifi, and a understanding of laptop culture. The original Millcreek location has a particularly cozy atmosphere with local art and community feel that many writers find inspiring.
Ensign Peak
North Salt Lake foothills
This short hike leads to a historic overlook with benches and panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley. The elevation and perspective can provide literal and figurative inspiration for writers, especially those working on scenes requiring reflection or revelation.
Salt Lake City Writing Groups: A Thriving Community for Fiction Writers
Salt Lake City Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Annual Events:
Utah Writers Conference
Type: Annual Conference
Venue: University of Utah Campus
Three-day conference featuring workshops, agent pitches, and keynote speakers. Covers fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting.
Salt Lake City Book Festival
Type: Literary Festival
Venue: Library Square and surrounding venues
Weekend festival with author readings, panel discussions, and book signings. Features local and regional authors.
Recurring Opportunities:
Writers at Work Conference
Type: Summer Workshop Series
Frequency: Annual summer program
Venue: University of Utah
Intensive workshops led by published authors and industry professionals. Includes craft sessions and manuscript consultations.
Salt Lake Community College Writing Workshops
Type: Continuing Education
Frequency: Semester-based
Venue: SLCC campuses
Credit and non-credit courses in creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and memoir writing.
King's English Bookshop Reading Series
Type: Author Readings
Frequency: 2-3 events per month
Venue: Independent bookstores
Regular author readings and book launches featuring local and touring writers.
Finding Current Information:
Primary Sources:
- Salt Lake City Public Library events calendar
- University of Utah and SLCC continuing education departments
- Salt Lake City Arts Council website
- Local independent bookstore newsletters
Social Media:
Follow @SLCWriters and local literary organizations on Facebook and Instagram
Practical Tips:
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
The King's English Bookshop
Iconic independent bookstore in Sugarhouse that champions local authors through readings, signings, and dedicated local author sections. Hosts regular literary events and book clubs.
Weller Book Works
Historic bookstore downtown that supports local writers with author events, book launches, and community literary programming. Features extensive fiction collections.
Libraries
Salt Lake City Public Library Main Branch
Award-winning library system with extensive fiction collections, writer-in-residence programs, and dedicated spaces for writers. Offers workshops and literary programming.
Marriott Library - University of Utah
Academic library with special collections, archives, and research resources valuable for fiction writers. Provides access to literary databases and rare manuscripts.
Literary Publications
15 Bytes
Utah's premier arts magazine featuring local literature, author interviews, and book reviews. Covers the state's vibrant literary scene.
Quarterly West
Literary magazine published by University of Utah's creative writing program. Accepts submissions and showcases contemporary fiction and poetry.
Writing Organizations
Utah Writers Association
Statewide organization offering workshops, conferences, critique groups, and networking opportunities for writers of all genres and experience levels.
League of Utah Writers
Long-established organization providing education, support, and community for Utah writers through local chapters, contests, and annual conferences.
University Programs
University of Utah Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops, reading series, and continuing education courses. The program welcomes non-degree seeking students in many offerings.
Practical Information for Writers
Salt Lake City's Literary Heritage
Salt Lake City 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
Orson Scott Card
Science fiction author, born in Richland, Washington but raised in Utah, known for 'Ender's Game'
Terry Tempest Williams
Environmental writer and naturalist, author of 'Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place'
Shannon Hale
Young adult and children's author, known for 'The Princess Academy' and 'The Goose Girl'
Brandon Sanderson
Fantasy author known for the 'Mistborn' series and 'The Stormlight Archive'
Literary Landmarks
Salt Lake City Public Library
University of Utah
The King's English Bookshop
Inspiring Quotes
"The land knows you, even when you are lost."
— Terry Tempest Williams
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