Fiction Writing Communities in Tallahassee, Florida
Find active fiction writing groups, venues, and literary events in Tallahassee, Florida. Connect with local writers and grow your craft.
Writer-Friendly Venues in Tallahassee
Catalina Cafe
Midtown/All Saints District
A beloved local institution housed in a charming converted house with multiple rooms and outdoor seating. Writers love the eclectic, bohemian atmosphere and the fact that lingering with a laptop is not just tolerated but encouraged. The mismatched furniture and art-filled walls create an inspiring creative environment.
Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library
Downtown Tallahassee
The main branch offers excellent quiet study areas, including individual study carrels and a dedicated quiet floor. The Heritage Room provides a particularly inspiring setting with historical documents and local history displays. Writers appreciate the professional atmosphere and extensive research resources.
Midtown Reader
Midtown Tallahassee
An independent bookstore with a cozy cafe area featuring comfortable seating and small tables. The literary atmosphere is incredibly inspiring, surrounded by carefully curated books and frequent author events. The staff is writer-friendly and understands the creative process.
Lucky Goat Coffee Co.
Multiple locations (Gaines Street, Thomasville Road)
Local coffee roaster with spacious locations designed for laptop users. The Gaines Street location is particularly popular with writers due to its industrial-chic design, large communal tables, and strong coffee. Known for respecting the 'laptop culture' and providing a productive environment.
Doak Campbell Stadium Concourse
FSU Campus
During off-season and weekdays, the upper concourse offers a unique writing environment with expansive views of the campus and city. The circular walkway provides inspiration for writers seeking an unconventional space with historical significance to the university.
Lake Ella Park
Midtown Tallahassee
A picturesque lake surrounded by a walking path with benches and pavilions. The peaceful water views and wildlife provide natural inspiration for writers. Several covered areas offer protection from weather while maintaining the outdoor writing experience.
Black Dog Cafe
Railroad Square Art Park
Located in the heart of Tallahassee's arts district, this cafe occupies a converted train car and offers a unique, creative atmosphere. Surrounded by artist studios and galleries, it provides constant inspiration. The quirky setting and artistic community make it a favorite among creative writers.
The Strozier Library
FSU Campus
FSU's main library offers multiple environments for writers, from completely silent study floors to collaborative spaces. The 24-hour access during academic sessions and extensive resources make it invaluable for research-heavy writing projects. Graduate students and faculty create a serious academic atmosphere.
Canopy Roads
Various locations throughout Tallahassee
Tallahassee's famous tree-lined roads offer numerous pull-off spots and small parks perfect for car writing or finding a peaceful bench. Old Bainbridge Road and Meridian Road are particularly scenic. These roads provide the quintessential Southern Gothic atmosphere that many writers find inspiring.
Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Northeast Tallahassee
Historic plantation house turned museum with beautiful gardens and peaceful grounds. The historical significance and natural beauty provide rich inspiration for writers, particularly those working on historical fiction or seeking atmospheric settings.
Tallahassee Writing Community: A Guide for Fiction Writers
Types of Writing Groups:
Critique Groups
Small, focused groups that provide detailed feedback on manuscripts and works-in-progress
Genre-Specific Groups
Specialized communities for science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, and literary fiction writers
General Fiction Groups
Welcoming spaces for writers of all fiction genres to share work and discuss craft
Writing Workshops
Skill-building sessions focused on specific techniques, often led by experienced writers or professors
Sample Writing Groups:
Capital City Fiction Writers
Northeast Branch Library meeting room
Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
General fiction critique group for all genres
How to find: Leon County Library events calendar and Meetup.com
Tallahassee Speculative Fiction Society
Lucky Goat Coffee on Gaines Street
First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers
How to find: Facebook group 'Tallahassee SF Writers' and bookstore flyers
Red Hills Writers Circle
Midtown Reader bookstore back room
Weekly Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Literary fiction and memoir with monthly guest speakers
How to find: Midtown Reader events page and word-of-mouth
FSU Community Writers Workshop
Williams Building, FSU campus
Bi-weekly Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open to community members, all fiction genres welcome
How to find: FSU English Department website and campus bulletin boards
Sunrise Writers Collective
Frenchtown Community Center
Monthly, first Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Diverse voices in fiction, emphasis on emerging writers
How to find: Community center newsletters and local Facebook writing groups
What to Expect:
Cost Expectations:
Practical Steps:
- 1.Start by visiting the Leon County Library website for current writing events
- 2.Join Facebook groups like 'Tallahassee Writers' to connect with the community
- 3.Attend local literary events at venues like Word of South to network
- 4.Visit Midtown Reader and ask staff about writing group recommendations
- 5.Consider starting with a monthly group to test the waters before committing to weekly meetings
Tallahassee's writing community is known for being inclusive and supportive. Don't hesitate to reach out - local writers understand the vulnerability of sharing creative work and are committed to helping each other grow. Whether you're working on your first short story or your fifth novel, you'll find fellow writers eager to support your journey.
Writing Events and Opportunities in Tallahassee, Florida
Annual Events:
Word of South Festival
Type:
Venue: Cascades Park and downtown venues
Cost: Free-$50 for workshops
Annual music and literature festival featuring author readings, writing workshops, and literary panels
Tallahassee Writers Association Annual Conference
Type:
Venue: DoubleTree Hotel or FSU campus
Cost: $125-200 for members, $150-225 for non-members
Contact: tallywriters.org
Two-day conference with craft sessions, agent pitches, and networking opportunities
Recurring Opportunities:
FSU Creative Writing Program Events
Type:
Venue: Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus
Cost: Free
Monthly reading series featuring visiting authors and student showcases
LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library Writing Workshops
Type:
Venue: Main Library downtown
Cost: Free
Monthly workshops covering poetry, fiction, memoir, and publishing basics
NaNoWriMo Tallahassee Chapter
Type:
Cost: Free
November write-ins, prep sessions in October, and year-round critique groups
Finding Current Information:
Social Media:
Facebook groups: 'Tallahassee Writers,' 'FSU Creative Writing Community'
Practical Tips:
Timing:
Academic year (August-May) offers most opportunities; summer has fewer but more intensive options
Costs:
Many events are free or low-cost; annual conference represents biggest investment
Parking:
University events may require parking fees; downtown library offers free parking
Local Writing Resources
Independent Bookstores
Midtown Reader
1123 Thomasville Rd
Tallahassee's premier independent bookstore, actively supports local authors through book signings, readings, and consignment sales. Hosts regular literary events and maintains a dedicated local authors section.
The Bookshelf
2415 N Monroe St
Used bookstore that welcomes local authors for readings and book sales. Offers consignment opportunities for self-published works.
Libraries
LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library
200 W Park Ave
Main branch features extensive fiction collection, hosts author events, and offers writing workshops. Provides meeting spaces for writing groups and maintains a local authors collection.
FSU Libraries Special Collections
Houses significant literary archives and manuscripts, offering research opportunities for fiction writers studying craft and literary history.
Literary Publications
The Southeast Review
FSU's nationally recognized literary magazine accepting fiction submissions. Offers opportunities for local writers to publish alongside established authors.
Apalachee Review
Tallahassee Community College's literary journal publishing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction from regional and national writers.
University Programs
FSU Creative Writing Program
Offers community workshops, visiting writer series, and continuing education courses. Graduate students often provide affordable editing services.
TCC Creative Writing Program
Community college courses open to all, offering affordable fiction writing instruction and workshops.
Practical Information for Writers
Tallahassee's Literary Heritage
The literary landscape here is enriched by its unique position as both state capital and college town, where political intrigue meets academic discourse in coffee shops and bookstores. Zora Neale Hurston's early years at FAMU planted seeds that would bloom into one of America's most celebrated literary careers, while contemporary authors like Robert Olen Butler continue the tradition of excellence.
Tallahassee's rolling hills and canopy roads provide inspiration for writers exploring themes of Southern identity, environmental change, and cultural transformation. The city's literary community thrives through institutions like Midtown Reader and events that celebrate both established and emerging voices, creating an ecosystem where storytelling flourishes amid the live oaks and academic halls.
Notable Authors
Zora Neale Hurston
Harlem Renaissance author of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'
Carl Hiaasen
Satirical novelist capturing Florida's unique culture
Robert Olen Butler
Pulitzer Prize winner for 'A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain'
Mark Winegardner
Author of 'The Godfather Returns'
Literary Landmarks
Florida State University Creative Writing Program
Mission San Luis
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
Historic Bookstores
Midtown Reader
FSU Bookstore
Inspiring Quotes
"Tallahassee is where the Old South meets the New South, creating perfect tension for storytelling."
—
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