Fiction Writing Communities in Spokane, Washington
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Spokane, Washington. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Spokane
Atticus Coffee & Gifts
1344 W Garland Ave, Garland District
A beloved local institution housed in a converted house with multiple cozy rooms. Writers love the literary atmosphere - it's named after the famous character from To Kill a Mockingbird. The varied seating options include quiet nooks perfect for getting lost in your manuscript. The staff is writer-friendly and won't rush you during long writing sessions.
Indaba Coffee Roasters
1425 W Broadway Ave, West Central
A spacious coffee roastery with high ceilings and an industrial-chic vibe. The large communal tables and smaller intimate spots make it perfect for writers who need room to spread out notes and notebooks. The coffee is exceptional, roasted on-site, providing that perfect caffeine fuel for creativity.
Spokane Public Library - Central Branch
906 W Main Ave, Downtown
The main library offers dedicated quiet study areas and a beautiful, inspiring interior with soaring ceilings. The third floor has particularly quiet spaces perfect for focused writing. Free wifi, plenty of outlets, and access to research materials make this a writer's paradise. The architecture itself is inspiring for creative minds.
Auntie's Bookstore
402 W Main Ave, Downtown
An independent bookstore institution since 1978, Auntie's has a dedicated cafe area with comfortable seating surrounded by thousands of books. Being immersed in literature while writing provides incredible inspiration. The staff are book lovers who understand the writer's need for a quiet corner and good coffee.
The Hive
104 S Freya St, Millwood
A coworking space that specifically welcomes writers and creative professionals. Offers both open workspace and private rooms when you need complete quiet. The community here understands the creative process, and there are often networking events for local writers and artists.
Rocket Bakery
22 W Main Ave, Downtown
A European-style bakery and cafe with excellent coffee and pastries to fuel long writing sessions. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance - lively enough to feel energized but not so busy that you can't concentrate. Large windows provide great people-watching opportunities for character inspiration.
Manito Park Rose Garden
1702 S Grand Blvd, South Hill
One of the most beautiful outdoor writing spots in Spokane. The formal rose garden provides a serene, inspiring environment perfect for outdoor writing sessions. Benches throughout the garden offer peaceful spots to write longhand or use a laptop. The changing seasons provide constant inspiration for descriptive writing.
Riverfront Park
507 N Howard St, Downtown
Spokane's crown jewel park offers numerous quiet spots along the Spokane River. The sound of flowing water creates a natural white noise perfect for concentration. Multiple pavilions and benches provide shelter and seating. The historic Looff Carrousel and scenic views can spark creative inspiration.
Coeur Coffee
621 W Mallon Ave, Browne's Addition
A neighborhood coffee shop in the historic Browne's Addition with a loyal following of local writers and artists. The intimate space and excellent coffee create a perfect environment for focused writing. The baristas know their regular writers and will keep your coffee cup full during long sessions.
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
2316 W 1st Ave, Browne's Addition
While primarily a museum, the MAC has a beautiful cafe and outdoor courtyard that welcomes writers. The cultural atmosphere and rotating art exhibitions provide endless inspiration. The quiet courtyard is particularly perfect for outdoor writing sessions, surrounded by regional art and history.
The Writing Community Scene in Spokane, Washington
Types of Writing Groups:
Sample Writing Groups:
Riverside Writers Circle
Spokane Valley Library
Every other Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
General fiction and memoir, all experience levels welcome
How to find: Listed on library website events calendar and Meetup.com
Millwood Mystery Writers
Thomas Hammer Coffee, Monroe Street
First and third Saturday mornings, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Mystery, thriller, and suspense genres
How to find: Facebook group 'Spokane Genre Writers' and coffee shop bulletin board
South Hill Scribes
Rotating between members' homes
Monthly, second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM
Literary fiction and poetry critique group
How to find: Referrals from Auntie's Bookstore and local writing workshops
Inland Northwest Romance Writers
Spokane Community Centers (rotating locations)
Weekly Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00 PM
Romance fiction in all subgenres
How to find: Active Facebook page and Romance Writers of America chapter listings
Downtown Word Weavers
Spokane Central Library meeting room
Biweekly Tuesday afternoons, 2:00-4:00 PM
Mixed genres with emphasis on craft development
How to find: Library community bulletin board and Spokane Parks & Recreation newsletter
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by searching 'Spokane writing groups' on Meetup.com and Facebook
- 2.Visit the main Spokane Public Library downtown and ask reference librarians about local groups
- 3.Stop by Auntie's Bookstore on Main Avenue and check their community board
- 4.Attend a Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP) meeting to network
- 5.Contact Spokane Community College about their writing workshops and group referrals
- 6.Join online Spokane writer Facebook groups to ask for recommendations
- 7.Attend local literary events like First Friday readings to meet fellow writers
Spokane's writing community is known for being particularly welcoming to newcomers. Don't be intimidated if you're just starting out - many successful local authors began their journey in these very groups. The key is taking that first step and showing up. Most writers find their tribe within 2-3 group visits, and the connections made often last well beyond writing goals, creating lasting friendships and professional networks in the Pacific Northwest literary scene.
Writing Events and Opportunities in Spokane, Washington
Finding Current Information:
Local Writing Resources
Spokane offers numerous resources for fiction writers, including independent bookstores that support local authors, libraries with strong fiction collections, and local literary organizations that provide networking and educational opportunities.
Practical Information for Writers
Transportation
Public Transit:
Spokane Transit Authority (STA) operates city buses with routes connecting downtown to residential areas. Day passes cost $4, monthly passes $60. The STA Plaza downtown serves as the main hub.
Driving Tips:
Most literary venues are within 10 minutes of downtown. Winter driving requires snow tires or chains (October-March). Traffic is generally light compared to larger cities.
Parking
Downtown Options:
Street parking is $1.25/hour with 2-hour limits. The River Park Square garage offers $5 daily rates. Many coffee shops and bookstores have small free lots.
Event Venues:
Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University offer free parking for literary events. The Fox Theater and Bing Crosby Theater have adjacent paid lots.
Cost Of Living
Coffee Culture:
Coffee averages $3-5 at local spots like Atticus Coffee, Indaba Coffee, and Boots Bakery. Many offer WiFi and welcome laptop users during off-peak hours.
Workspace Costs:
Co-working spaces like Neko Co-working run $150-300/month. Public libraries offer free WiFi and quiet spaces. Rent averages $1,200-1,800 for one-bedrooms.
Writer Friendly Neighborhoods
South Hill:
Quiet residential area with cafes and proximity to Manito Park. Good for established writers seeking peace.
Kendall Yards:
Trendy area with modern amenities, walking distance to downtown venues and the Centennial Trail.
Brownes Addition:
Historic neighborhood near downtown with character homes and walkable literary venues.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer:
Perfect for outdoor writing at Riverfront Park or Manito Park. Many festivals and readings move outdoors May-September.
Winter:
Indoor venues dominate November-March. Prepare for snow and shorter daylight hours affecting evening events.
Literary Scene Navigation
Key Venues:
Visit Auntie's Bookstore for readings, The Bartlett for open mics, and Spark Central for community workshops.
Networking:
Join Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP) and attend First Friday art walks for literary connections.
Resources:
Spokane Public Library hosts regular author talks and writing groups. Check Spokane7 and The Inlander for event listings.
Spokane's Literary Heritage
Spokane 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
Sherman Alexie
Acclaimed Native American author, poet, and filmmaker born on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Known for 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven' and 'Smoke Signals'
Jess Walter
Award-winning novelist and former Spokane journalist, author of 'Beautiful Ruins' and 'The Cold Millions'
William Stafford
Renowned poet and former Oregon Poet Laureate
Literary Landmarks
Spokane Public Library Central Branch
Gonzaga University
Spokane Falls
Inspiring Quotes
"Spokane is a city where stories flow like the river through downtown, carrying the voices of generations."
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"In Spokane, the landscape writes itself into every story we tell."
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