Fiction Writing Communities in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Santa Fe
Iconik Coffee Roasters
Midtown District
A spacious coffee shop with industrial-chic design that's become a favorite among Santa Fe's creative community. The high ceilings and concrete floors create an inspiring atmosphere, while the quality coffee keeps writers fueled for long sessions. Multiple seating options include communal tables perfect for spreading out manuscripts.
Cafe Pasqual's
Downtown Plaza area
This legendary Santa Fe institution offers a quieter upstairs dining area that transforms into a writer's haven between meal rushes. The colorful murals and authentic New Mexican atmosphere provide rich inspiration, while the slower pace during off-peak hours makes it ideal for contemplative writing.
La Fonda on the Plaza - Library Bar
Historic Plaza
The historic Library Bar within La Fonda hotel offers an intimate, book-lined space that feels like writing in a private study. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and dim lighting create a literary atmosphere that's particularly inspiring for fiction writers. Best during afternoon hours when it's quieter.
Santa Fe Public Library - Main Branch
Southside
The main library features dedicated quiet study rooms and a beautiful reading garden. The Southwest architecture and natural lighting create an inspiring environment, while the extensive local history collection can spark story ideas. Individual study carrels offer privacy for focused writing sessions.
Collected Works Bookstore
Near St. John's College
This independent bookstore features comfortable reading nooks and a welcoming atmosphere for writers. The carefully curated selection and knowledgeable staff create an inspiring literary environment. The adjoining cafe area provides a perfect spot to write while surrounded by books and fellow book lovers.
The Compound Restaurant
Canyon Road arts district
During off-peak hours, this upscale restaurant's bar area becomes a sophisticated writing retreat. The adobe architecture and art-filled walls provide inspiration, while the professional service ensures you won't be disturbed. Perfect for writers who prefer an elegant environment.
Cross of the Martyrs Park
Hillside above downtown
This hilltop park offers panoramic views of Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains, providing natural inspiration for writers. The peaceful walking paths and secluded benches create perfect spots for outdoor writing or brainstorming. The dramatic landscape has inspired countless artists and writers throughout Santa Fe's history.
Violet Crown Cinema Cafe
Railyard District
This unique cinema cafe offers a quiet writing space during daytime hours before movie screenings begin. The modern design and film-themed decor can spark creativity, while the full menu keeps writers sustained. The connection to storytelling through cinema makes it especially appealing to fiction writers.
Ohori's Coffee
Multiple locations
Local coffee chain with several writer-friendly locations throughout Santa Fe. Known for excellent espresso and a no-nonsense approach that appeals to serious writers. The Cerrillos Road location is particularly spacious with plenty of table space for spreading out notes and laptops.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Cafe
Downtown near the Plaza
The small cafe within the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum provides an artistically charged environment perfect for creative writing. Surrounded by O'Keeffe's inspiring landscapes and abstracts, writers often find their creativity enhanced. The intimate space encourages quiet contemplation and artistic expression.
Santa Fe Writing Community: A Thriving Scene for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
critique_groups
Small, focused groups (4-8 members) that meet regularly to provide detailed feedback on works-in-progress. These tend to be more structured and commitment-oriented.
genre_specific
Groups dedicated to particular genres like mystery, science fiction, romance, or literary fiction. Members share similar interests and understand genre conventions.
general_fiction
Welcoming communities for writers of all experience levels and genres, often featuring guest speakers, writing exercises, and social networking.
workshop_style
Groups that combine instruction with peer feedback, often led by published authors or writing instructors.
Sample Writing Groups:
Canyon Road Writers Circle
Collected Works Bookstore
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00 AM
Literary fiction and memoir
How to find: Contact Collected Works Bookstore or check their community board
An established group welcoming both emerging and published writers. Combines critique sessions with craft discussions.
High Desert Mystery Writers
Southside Library meeting room
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 PM
Mystery, thriller, and crime fiction
How to find: Santa Fe Public Library system website or Meetup.com
Genre-focused group that discusses craft, markets, and provides manuscript feedback. Occasionally hosts agent visits.
Writers & Lattes
Iconik Coffee (various locations)
Weekly Wednesdays, 5:30 PM
All genres welcome
How to find: Facebook page 'Santa Fe Writers & Lattes' or ask at Iconik Coffee locations
Casual, drop-in friendly group combining writing time with optional sharing and feedback. Perfect for beginners.
Adobe Writers Workshop
Santa Fe Community College
Bi-weekly Tuesdays, 7:00 PM
Workshop-style with rotating genre focus
How to find: SFCC continuing education catalog or community bulletin boards
Structured workshop led by local published authors. Includes craft instruction and manuscript critique.
Sangre de Cristo Scribes
Members' homes (rotating)
Monthly, first Sunday, 2:00 PM
Serious critique group for advanced writers
How to find: Referrals from other writing groups or literary community connections
Intimate group limited to 6 members, requiring submission of pages in advance. Highly focused on craft development.
What to Expect:
Meeting Formats:
Duration
Structure
Submission Requirements
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching online for 'Santa Fe writing groups'
- 2.Visit 2-3 different groups before deciding
- 3.Prepare a brief introduction about your writing interests
- 4.Bring business cards or contact information to share
- 5.Be open to different group styles and personalities
- 6.Consider starting your own group if you can't find the right fit
Santa Fe's writing community is known for its warmth and inclusivity. Don't be intimidated - most groups actively welcome newcomers and understand that every writer's journey is unique. The city's creative energy and stunning landscape provide endless inspiration, and connecting with fellow writers will enrich both your craft and your experience in this magical place.
Santa Fe Writing Events & Opportunities Guide
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
202 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe's premier independent bookstore featuring local author events, readings, and book signings. Strong community support for regional writers.
Garcia Street Books
376 Garcia St, Santa Fe, NM
Intimate neighborhood bookstore known for literary fiction and hosting author readings. Actively promotes local and regional writers.
Ark Books
133 Romero St, Santa Fe, NM
Used and rare bookstore with extensive fiction collection and occasional literary events supporting local authors.
Libraries
Santa Fe Public Library Main Branch
145 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Offers extensive fiction collections, writer workshops, and meeting spaces for writing groups. Features local author showcases and literary programming.
Literary Publications
Santa Fe Literary Review
Quarterly publication featuring fiction, poetry, and essays from regional writers. Accepts submissions from local authors.
New Mexico Magazine
State publication that occasionally features fiction and supports New Mexico writers with regional storytelling focus.
Writing Organizations
Santa Fe Writers Project
Literary nonprofit offering workshops, readings, and publishing opportunities for fiction writers. Hosts annual literary awards.
SouthWest Writers
Statewide organization with active Santa Fe chapter providing critique groups, workshops, and networking for fiction writers.
University Programs
Santa Fe Community College Creative Writing
Offers continuing education courses in fiction writing open to community members, including workshops and craft seminars.
Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
MFA program with community workshops focusing on indigenous storytelling and contemporary fiction techniques.
Practical Information for Writers
Santa Fe's Literary Heritage
Notable Authors
Willa Cather
Nobel Prize winner who wrote 'Death Comes for the Archbishop' inspired by Santa Fe's landscape and Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy
Tony Hillerman
Mystery writer famous for Navajo Tribal Police series, longtime Santa Fe resident
N. Scott Momaday
Pulitzer Prize-winning Native American author, professor at University of New Mexico
Rudolfo Anaya
Chicano literature pioneer, author of 'Bless Me, Ultima'
Literary Landmarks
Loretto Chapel
Palace of the Governors
Santa Fe Opera House
Inspiring Quotes
"The country was still wild then... The old Archbishop and I have seen the beginning of a great change."
— Willa Cather
"Santa Fe was a place where cultures crashed against one another like waves."
— Tony Hillerman
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