Texas Writing Groups

Austin Creative Fiction Writers

Austin Creative Fiction Writers: A critique group that meets 7 to 9 PM. every other Wednesday at Borders Bookstore at The Domain (near the cafe area). Short Story and Novel Work, critiqued in a group setting. For further information visit Austin Creative Fiction Writers or e-mail Brenton Buxton.

Austin International Poetry Festival

From academic poets in Anchorage to folk poets in Zambia, AIPF draws poets from every continent for its April festivities, and is the largest non-juried poetry festival in the world. Live poetry for three days, make friends with a poet in Sri Lanka and submit your poetry to the AIPF anthology, di-verse-city, for a chance to win the Christina Sergeyevna Award. For more information, visit Austin International Poetry Festival .

Austin Poetry Society

The Austin chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas and an affiliate of the Academy of American Poets. APS members engage in outreach to the community, meet informally to hone their poetic skills. An eclectic array of speakers address the society at mothly meetings, and the society offers monthly and annual competitions as incentives. Membership is open to all, and visitors are welcome to sit in on meetings. For more information, visit Austin Poetry Society.

Austin SCBWI

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Austin chapter offers a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children's literature. The local chapter began in 1995 and meets at Barnes & Noble Westlake. Subscription to the Austin newsletter is $20. National dues are $75 for new members. Visitors always welcome. Contact Julie Lake at julielake@mindspring.com or visit ASCBWI.

Austin Screenwriters

1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., Bookpeople, 3rd Floor. Visit Austin Screenwriters for schedule and info.

Austin Songwriters Group

Meet with fellow Austin Songwriters, first Wednesdays of the month, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. dinner; then monthly meeting program, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Threadgill's World Headquarters, 301 West Riverside Drive, Austin. For more information, visit Austin Songwriters.

Austin Writergirls

Meets twice monthly for lunch. Women writers with varied publishing experience. For location, dates, and times, contact Kim Lane at kimbolou@aol.com

Austin Writer's Block

A supportive group of writers open to anyone struggling to get that stubborn writing project going, as well as to those who want a fresh critique on their completed work. No membership fee. AWB meets every Tuesday at 4:30 at La Madeleine French Bakery located at 3418 N. Lamar in Austin.

Austin Unbound Screenwriters

Screenwriters helping screenwriters since 2001. Austin Unbound meets the second and fourth Tuesday nights of each month, from 7 - 10 PM. Membership is open to screenwriters of all levels who are committed to becoming the best writers they can be. Over half of the members are competition finalists and/or produced screenwriters and film professionals. For more information and the location of the next meeting, visit Austin Unbound Screenwriters.

Austin Fictionists

Austin Fictionists is a diverse group that critiques short stories, novellas, and novels. They participate in workshops during their meetings every other Wednesday at La Madeleine French Bakery, 3418 N. Lamar, Austin, from 7-9 PM. Seats are limited to maintain quality. For more information, visit Austin Fictionalists.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10 AM - Noon, BookPeople. The group, formerly known as Writing from the Heart, is loosely based on Natalie Goldberg's book Writing Down the Bones. Using a variety of prompts, we do timed writings and then share what we've written on a voluntary basis. This is not a critique group and although participants are writers with a wide range of experience, for our sessions, all the writing is done during our meetings. The group is open to anyone free of charge. For more information, visit http://minutesoffame.wordpress.com or contact MindyRed@aol.com or wallerk@rocketmail.com.

Freelance Austin

2nd Wednesday, 12:30 - 1:45 PM, Austin Public Library - Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Check Freelance Austin for details. Freelance Austin holds regular monthly meetings to help freelance writers, designers, PR specialists and other communications professionals meet, mingle with and learn from some of Austin's best in the business.

Highland Lakes Writers

2nd Thursday, 6:30 PM, Marble Falls Library - For more information, visit Highland Lake Writers.

Novel in Progress

For over 20 years, the Novel in Progress study group has nurtured Austin-area writers, including several who have become published novelists. We critique 25 pages of a member's manuscript at each meeting and welcome visitors to sit in to see if the group is a good fit. We meet the second and fourth Sundays at 1:30 at the Austin Recreation Center near 15th and Lamar. Learn more about us at
http://nip.lizardfire.com or email deanna@austin.rr.com.

Poetry

2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 PM., Hancock Recreation Center. For more information contact Scott Wiggerman, 512.467.0678,

Round Rock Writers

The group is limited to six people meeting weekly. Critiques are done using a standard printed critique form. Members will submit writings biweekly. Each week a published short story will be analyzed for its strengths and weaknesses. For more information, contact b613a@yahoo.com.

Romance Writers of America, Austin chapter

2nd Tuesday, 7 PM, Marie Callendar’s at Gateway Shopping Center, 183 and 360; check out Romance Writers of America, Austin chapter .

San Gabriel Writers League

1st Thursday, 7 PM, Georgetown Public Library. For more informationvisit San Gabriel Writers League.

SF/Fantasy/Horror (The Slug Tribe)

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 PM., Hancock Recreation Center. Wendy Wheeler, 512-275-5830 or 512-832-1925, email w2@wendy-wheeler.com or visit The Slug Tribe.

Sisters in Crime

Established in 1986, the Central Texas chapter welcomes both men & women interested in mysteries. Programs usually the 2nd Sunday at Barnes & Noble Westlake. Local dues $15; national dues $40. Visitors are free. Contact Joyce Arquette, 512.266.6543, email: jamck@ev1.net. Visit the Austin Chapter, Sisters in Crime. Men & women interested in mysteries welcome.

Space Cave

The Space Cave residence opens their home to all who would like to bring their poetry, spoken word, performance to our home to share. There are no limits as to what kinds of literary experiences you can explore here. Even if you just want be member of the captive audience and not say anything at all, that is okay too. There will be creatively titled food provided, and more is welcomed. Contact Space Cave to sign up to read, or just show up. Both options are good as gravy.

Society for Technical Communication (Austin Chapter)

For technical writers, editors, illustrators, Web designers, and others: if your job involves communicating technical information, the Society for Technical Communication has the resources you need to help you do your job better ... and to move your career forward. Monthly meetings at 6 to 8 PM on 4th Tuesdays, in the first floor auditorium of the MCC building, 3925 West Braker Lane. For a map and more details, see Society for Technical Communication (Austin Chapter).

Story Circle Network

For women interested in life-writing. Times. places and other information at Story Circle Network.

The Writing Mamas Salon of Austin

The Writing Mamas Salon of Austin offers a fun and encouraging venue for mothers of any age who love to write and share their stories with each other. Their mantra is meet, write, get published, make money. They meet at Vino 100 - 900 RR 620 Suite C-107 (in the Lakeway Commons Shopping Center) in Lakeway the first Sunday of each month from 6 - 8 PM. For more information, visit The Writing Mamas Salon of Austin or write Diane.

East Texas Writers Guild

The East Texas Writers Guild (Tyler, Texas) is is of special interest to writers of all genres in East Texas. The guild offers support, education and opportunity for writers with a serious interest in the art of writing. ETWG meets on the first Monday of each month at the Texas Store, 51559 Highway 691, Bullard TX. For directions and more information, visit East Texas Writers Guild. Visitors are always welcome, but after 3 visits are encouraged to join in order to continue to receive the newsletter, The Next Chapter, and other industry information. Contact: Kay or 903.876.2150.

Northeast Texas Writers' Organization (NETWO)

Anyone interested in writing is invited. NETWO hosts a writer' conference each April and a writers' workshop each fall. NETWO meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. There is a short business meeting, followed by either a critique session or a program. NETWO, P.O. Box 411, Winfield, TX 75493 or contact Georgia Henson, 903.856.6724 or email jimcallan@winnsboro.com. Visit NETWO for information on this Mt. Pleasant Group.

DFW Writers' Workshop

The DFW Writers' Workshop is a 30-year-old non-profit organization devoted to helping writers hone their craft. We meet Wednesday nights at 7 PM in Euless for read-and-critique sessions. The Workshop is a friendly, supportive atmosphere for writers of all genres and all experience levels. We have many published members who are eager to help others succeed.

Dallas Writers Group

Dallas Writers Group, a "general" writers group open to both beginning and seasoned writers, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at the Zula Bryant Wyle Library, 225 Cedar St., Cedar Hill, TX.

Denton Writers' League

Meets at 10:30 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday at the North Branch of the Denton Library located at 3020 N. Locust St. in Denton, TX. For more information, email Joni Latham or visit the DWL.

Flower Mound Writers Group

Flower Mound Writers Group meets at Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane, Flower Mound, TX, 972. 874.6200. Meetings start at 7:00 PM and generally run 90 minutes.

Irving Writers' Connection

Meets 7 PM, second Monday of the month at Barnes & Noble, Irving Mall, and last Monday of the month at the Irving Arts Center. Critique and visiting speakers for writers of all experience levels and genres. Newcomers welcome!

National League Of Pen Women (Dallas Chapter)

National League Of Pen Women (Dallas Chapter) meet on the 1st Saturday of month, 10 a.m., at the Dallas Library Lakewood Branch Conference Room.

North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop

Meets 2nd Saturday of the month at Barnes & Noble North Richland Hills, Dallas/Ft.Worth area. Visit North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop or contact: Pat Alley, 972.641.6423. "Speculative fiction - In our case shorter than saying science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird, alternative, etc."

Poetry Discussion Group - Dallas

Each meeting led by a different member of the discussion group. Location: Center for Non-Profit Management, 2900 Live Oak St., 214.821.0911. Contact person: Sue Glenn, 214.828.1715

Poetry Society of Texas, Dallas

Meets the 2nd Saturday of the month, January through May; September, October, December. Their annual awards are given in November, and their student awards made in May. Regular meetings are held at the Preston Royal Library at 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas at 2:30 PM. Contact Jeannette L. Strother or visit Poetry Society of Texas for more information.

Southwest Writers

Southwest Writers meet on the 1st Saturday of the month, 1 PM - 3 or 3:30 PM. at the Dallas Library, Lakewood Branch Conference Room, Corner of Gaston & Nesbitt, 1 blk from Lakewood Shopping Center, 214.670.1376. Visit Southwest Writers for more information, visit Southwest Writers (Dallas).

Trinity Writers' Workshop

Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. at the Bedford Boy's Ranch (Arts building), 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, Texas 76095. Read and critique. Annual Sept conference (with Tarrant County College) features contest with cash prizes and speakers like Tom Sawyer, former head script writer for TV series "Murder She Wrote." See Trinity Writers' Workshop.

Writers' Guild of Texas

The Writers' Guild of Texas presents a program the third Monday of
every month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at Richardson Public Library, 900 Civic Center Drive, Richardson. Programs are free and open to the public. For more information visit Writers' Guild of Texas.

Elementals

For intermediate and advanced writers interested in the art and craft of fiction-writing. Any and all genres welcome. Looking for 6-8 members. Will meet once a week online and once every other month in Austin (location to be determined). Contact Thomas Tilton at tomtilton@hotmail.com for more information.

Eclectic Writer Critique Group

Meets every three week. For date, time, location, and other information, email Sean Swank at sean_swank@yahoo.com

1st Fifty Words

Start your creative engines. Use the principles of writing practice according to Natalie Goldberg to write the first 50 words on an
assigned topic. Write anything, just write! Visit 1st Fifty Words.

Science Fiction Romance

Science Fiction Romance is a writing organization blending just that - romance and science fiction genres. This genre covers the spectrum from straight science fiction / fantasy novels with romantic subplots to works where the romance is the main subplot or complication. Visit Science Fiction Romance to learn more about this organization.

Texas Coalition of Authors

Texas Coalition of Authors is a non-profit corporation for the purpose of helping Texas authors market their books. To receive the free monthly e-newsletter with calendar of literary events, write join@texasauthors.org. Contact Linda S. Bingham, Texas Coalition of Authors

Texas Non-Fiction Writers

Texas Non-Fiction Writers is an interactive online community committed to encouraging interest and excellence in Texas non-fiction. Their online articles, forums, contests, member contributions and other features make an entirely new kind of writers' group-one that lets you hear from (and talk to) other writers when and how you want. Membership in TNFW is free during 2008. Learn more at Texas Non-Fiction Writers.

Christian Writers Group of San Antonio

Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Universal City, in Faith Building, 1401 Pat Booker Road; Universal City, TX; 210-658-6394. You do not have to be members of the church to attend. For more information, contact Brenda Blanchard at ZBGP1@aol.com

Corpus Christi Writers' Circle

The Corpus Christi Writers' Circle meets the second Tuesday of every month at Barnes & Noble on SPID at 10 AM. Everyone - fiction writers, non-fiction writers, poets, and essayists - are welcome. There are no dues or fees. If they wish, participants may read a few minutes of their work. They may also submit work in advance for a group critique. For more information contact Bill Mays at 361.334.3323 or at bmays@grandecom.net

Gemini Ink

Gemini Ink is a regional organization that nurtures writers and readers and builds community through literature and the related arts. Gemini's programs include four components: University Without Walls, Writers in Communities, Dramatic Reader's Theater, and The Autograph Series, free readings by internationally respected authors produced each spring and fall.

Kerrville Writers Association

The KWA began 25 years and it maintains a membership of about 20. The KWA provides support to writers through members' verbal critiques of work read at meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month. Markets are discussed, along with member experiences with editors, agents, and publishers. Local workshops and classes, as well as those in Austin and San Antonio, are announced when available. The KWA meets at 6:30 p.m at Kerrville's First Presbyterian Church in the Education Building's room #204. This is located at the corner of Earl Garrett and Jefferson streets, adjacent to the Kerr County Courthouse. For more information, please contact Anne Schneider or 830.895.3361.

San Antonio Romance Authors

San Antonio Romance Authors, a chapter of Romance Writers of America, meets on the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Cha-Cha's Restaurant, 2026 Babcock, San Antonio, TX. Speaker presentation begins at 7:30. For more information, visit San Antonio Romance.

San Antonio Writers Guild

San Antonio Writers Guild is an organization of writers of all kinds and all levels of experience. Our purpose is to share information among all writers and help each other grow in our craft. We meet the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Bethany Congregational Church at 500 Pilgrim Drive. The first Thursday date is bumped to the second Thursday when holidays interfere, such as New Year's Day and Independence Day. The general meeting and speaker is from 7:30 to 8:30 PM Workshops in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry follow after the general meeting. Critique sessions are also held in San Antonio libraries on the second, third, fourth and when it happens, the fifth Wednesday of the month. See website for details of when and where. Visit San Antonio Writers Guild for more information, call 210.473.5192.

SCBWI (Southwest Texas Chapter, San Antonio)

Visit Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators for details on meeting times and locations.

Bay Area Writers' League

The group meets the first Thursday of each month (if it's is a holiday, we meet the second Thursday) at Barnes & Noble, 1029 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX. (Webster is located just south of the Clear Lake/Houston area.) Networking begins at 7 p.m. and the general meeting starts at 7:30. Most meetings feature a speaker who is a published writer, editor, teacher, or literary agent. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information,visit Bay Area Writers' League.

Brazos Writers

Second Thursday of a month at 7 p.m. at the new P. David Romel Arts Center building, 2275 Dartmouth Street, College Station. Brazos Writers is a nonprofit support community for those interested in the development and encouragement of all types of writers. Our regular meetings consist of speakers and programs. They also have regularly meeting critique groups.

Houston Writers Guild

The Houston Writers Guild (formerly the Fort Bend Writers Guild) meets every Monday at Barnes & Noble, Sugar Land, from 7 until 9ish, except holidays. The guild offers classes, tutoring and individual help for those who want it and has connections with several other groups where they can steer you there if it is closer to where you live.

Houston Writers Network

2nd Thursday, The Yale Street Coffee House, 2617 Yale in the Heights. For more information, visit Houston Writers Network.

Mystery Writers of America/Southwest Region

Meets the third Saturday of most months, with the exception of July, August and December at noon at the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, 5353 Westheimer, in the Galleria area of Houston. The meeting includes a luncheon, followed by a speaker from law enforcement, forensics, editing, publishing, or a successful author. Cost of the luncheon meeting is $17 for MWA members or $20 for nonmembers. For information on the current speaker and to make reservations, call 713-797-8464. MWA/SW members also meet monthly in Dallas and New Orleans. Information on all meetings can be found at Mystery Writers of America/Southwest Region.

White Oak Writers (Houston)

In the style of the Algonquin Round table in the 1920's, White Oak Writers is a monthly social gathering held in a relaxed atmosphere in which to share our creative experiences, with optional dinner /drinks. We invite and are joined by authors, poets, editors, journalists, illustrators, storytellers, literary translators, screenwriters, publishers, and our admirers. We also have formed a critique and support group by and for writers writing to be published in traditional publishing markets. Details available at White Oaks Writers gatherings. Meets the second Tuesday of each month 7 PM at Cavatore Italian Restaurant at 2120 Ella Blvd. (610 North Loop West). 713.869.6622 Contact: speakeasy@pdq.net

Write Ingredients Writer's Workshop

The Write Ingredients Writer's Workshop of The Woodlands meets every Monday at 7 PM at Barnes and Noble, The Woodlands Mall. Co-leaders are Kristl Volk Franklyn and Jonna Smith. For more information, visit their Web site.

Write on Houston Writing Group

Write On Houston is a small writers' support group that meets the second and fourth Saturdays from 10 AM - noon at the Looscan Branch Public Library, 2510 Willowick Rd., Houston. The group uses a typical workshop format where a member reads 5-10 pages of a work in progress and receives comments from other members. Membership is open to interested writers, and there are no dues. For more information, please contact Tom Mitchell. The group welcomes visits to see if there is a fit of mutual writing goals.

Writers Club of Pasadena

Meets in the community room of the Fairmont Branch Pasadena Public Library on Fairmont Parkway at 1 PM. The objectives of the Writers Club of Pasadena are "to encourage members to WRITE and to share themselves and their thoughts with others without fear of hurtful criticism or misunderstandings.Visit Writers Club of Pasadena for more information.

Rio Grande Valley Writers

Critique group meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30-3:30 PM in the Main Library. Contact person is Georgia Tuxbury, or 956.783.7421.

Texas Mountain Trail Writers

Texas Mountain Trail Writers is an active writers group that meets monthly in Alpine and alternately in Ft. Davis. All lovers of the written word are welcome to visit, hear informative programs, network, write in our frequent interactive programs, share current work, and socialize with other friendly writers. For information contact Donna Greene or Reba Cross Seals .

West Texas Writers

The West Texas Writers meet at 2 PM the first Saturday of each month except for June, July and August, or unless a holiday conflict occurs. For current meeting locations and future scheduled speakers, contact Marty Morris in Midland, Texas or call 432.620.0282.