Fiction Writing Communities in St. Louis, Missouri
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in St. Louis, Missouri. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in St. Louis
Kaldi's Coffee
Multiple locations, notably DeMun and Clayton
A St. Louis institution beloved by writers for its consistently excellent coffee and laptop-friendly atmosphere. The DeMun location is particularly popular with novelists and screenwriters who appreciate the spacious layout and mix of communal and intimate seating options.
Central Library - St. Louis Public Library
Downtown St. Louis
The crown jewel of St. Louis libraries, featuring beautiful architecture and dedicated quiet study areas. The special collections and local history sections provide incredible research opportunities for historical fiction writers.
Left Bank Books
Central West End
An independent bookstore with a cozy cafe area perfect for writing sessions. The literary atmosphere is unmatched, and you might find yourself inspired by browsing their carefully curated fiction selection between writing sprints.
Nebula Coworking
Grand Center Arts District
A creative coworking space that explicitly welcomes writers and offers both open workspace and private writing nooks. The arts district location puts you in the heart of St. Louis's creative community.
Blueprint Coffee
Delmar Loop
A minimalist coffee shop with excellent acoustics and a no-nonsense approach to providing workspace. Popular with graduate students and professional writers who need to meet deadlines.
Meshuggah Cafe
University City
An eclectic, bohemian cafe that has been nurturing writers for decades. The mismatched furniture and local art create a wonderfully creative environment that many fiction writers find stimulating.
Forest Park
Central St. Louis
One of the largest urban parks in the US, offering countless inspiring spots for outdoor writing. The Shakespeare Glen and various pavilions provide natural settings that spark creativity, while the park's history offers rich material for local fiction.
The Novel Neighbor
Webster Groves
A charming independent bookstore with a dedicated writing corner and regular author meetups. The owner is particularly supportive of local fiction writers and often hosts writing groups.
The Grind Coffee House
Soulard
Located in historic Soulard, this coffee house occupies a beautifully restored building that oozes character. The historic neighborhood provides endless inspiration for period fiction writers.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Shaw neighborhood
While not a traditional writing venue, the Garden's peaceful settings and inspiring beauty make it perfect for outdoor writing sessions. The Japanese Garden and Victorian District are particularly conducive to creative thinking.
The Writing Community Scene in St. Louis, Missouri
Types of Writing Groups:
Critique Groups
Focus on providing constructive feedback on members' work through structured manuscript exchanges
Genre-Specific Groups
Concentrate on particular genres like mystery, romance, science fiction, or literary fiction
General Fiction Groups
Welcome writers of all fiction genres for broader discussions and support
Writing Workshops
Skill-building sessions focusing on craft elements like dialogue, character development, or plot structure
Sample Writing Groups:
Gateway Writers Circle
Central West End Library
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
General fiction critique group welcoming all genres
How to find: Listed on St. Louis Public Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Forest Park Fiction Workshop
Kaldi's Coffee (Forest Park)
Every Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Literary fiction and contemporary writing
How to find: Facebook group 'Forest Park Writers' and coffee shop bulletin board
Mystery Writers of Greater St. Louis
Kirkwood Community Center
First Thursday of each month, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mystery, thriller, and crime fiction
How to find: Meetup.com and promoted through local mystery bookstore events
South City Scribes
Cherokee Street Coffee shops (rotating)
Biweekly Sundays, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Emerging writers, all genres welcome
How to find: Instagram @SouthCityScribes and local coffee shop announcements
Write On! St. Louis
Various library branches
Monthly, rotating locations
Multi-genre support group for serious writers
How to find: St. Louis Public Library website and Facebook events
Finding Writing Groups:
What to Expect:
First Meeting:
Most groups welcome newcomers to observe before committing. Expect introductions, group guidelines explanation, and possibly a sample critique session.
Typical Format:
Groups usually begin with brief check-ins, followed by manuscript reviews or writing exercises, and end with announcements or social time.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 2-3 hours per meeting, plus time to read and critique other members' work between sessions.
Costs:
Most Groups
Workshops
Coffee Shop Groups
Library Groups
St. Louis writers are known for their supportive, collaborative spirit. Don't hesitate to reach out - most groups are eager to welcome new members and help fellow writers grow. The connections you make in these groups often extend beyond critique sessions, forming lasting friendships and professional networks that can support your writing journey for years to come.
Writing Events & Workshops
St. Louis hosts various writing-related events throughout the year, including workshops, author readings, and literary festivals. Check local libraries, universities, and bookstores for upcoming events and recurring programs.
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Left Bank Books
Iconic independent bookstore in the Central West End with strong local author support, regular readings, and book signings.
The Novel Neighbor
Webster Groves bookstore featuring local authors and hosting community literary events.
Subterranean Books
University City bookstore known for supporting regional writers and hosting author events.
Literary Publications
River Styx Magazine
Long-running St. Louis literary magazine publishing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Natural Bridge
Literary journal from University of Missouri-St. Louis featuring contemporary fiction and poetry.
Writing Organizations
St. Louis Writers Guild
Active community organization offering workshops, critique groups, and networking events for fiction writers.
Missouri Writers' Guild - St. Louis Chapter
Local chapter providing writing contests, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
University Programs
Washington University Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops and continuing education courses in fiction writing.
University of Missouri-St. Louis MFA Program
Graduate program with some community outreach and visiting author series.
Practical Information for Writers
St. Louis's Literary Heritage
St. Louis 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
T.S. Eliot
One of the most influential modernist poets
Notable Works:
- • The Waste Land
- • Four Quartets
Tennessee Williams
Drew inspiration from his St. Louis experiences for many plays
Notable Works:
- • A Streetcar Named Desire
- • The Glass Menagerie
Kate Chopin
Pioneer of feminist literature
Notable Works:
- • The Awakening
- • Bayou Folk
William S. Burroughs
Beat Generation icon
Notable Works:
- • Naked Lunch
- • Junky
Literary Landmarks
T.S. Eliot House
Missouri History Museum
Central Library
Inspiring Quotes
"I am moved by fancies that are curled / Around these images, and cling: / The notion of some infinitely gentle / Infinitely suffering thing."
— T.S. Eliot
"Cities aren't like people; they live on and on, even though their reason for being where they are has gone downriver and out to sea."
— John Updike
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