Montana Writing Groups, Workshops, and Creative Writing Classes
Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in Montana, from conferences to local critique groups, workshops, and creative writing classes. If you’re looking for writing groups near you, a workshop or class, a place to connect with other writers, or somewhere to submit your work, these Montana writing resources are worth checking out.
Including WriteByNight! Since 2009, we’ve helped hundreds of Montana writers achieve their literary goals. Claim your free consultation to learn about WBN’s customizable one-on-one book coaching, manuscript critique, publishing assistance, and more.
Writing Organizations & Groups
A nonprofit writing organization offering weekly hybrid meetings, craft workshops, guest speakers, readings, critique-group support, and an annual writing conference for writers across genres and experience levels. (Kalispell / Online)
A free community writing group for adults working in fiction, poetry, memoir, essays, and other genres, offering regular opportunities to write, exchange ideas, and connect with other writers. (Belgrade)
Missoula Writing Collaborative
A nonprofit writing organization offering creative writing programs for young people as well as workshops and other literary programming for adults and communities across western Montana. (Missoula / Western Montana)
A statewide organization supporting playwrights and other writers through workshops, competitions, script-development opportunities, readings, professional development, networking, and public presentations of original work. (Statewide, based in Helena)
Conferences, Retreats & Residencies
An annual multi-day writing workshop at Chico Hot Springs offering intensive classes in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and other genres, along with readings, craft programming, excursions, and opportunities for manuscript consultation. (Pray / Chico Hot Springs)
Flathead River Writers Conference
An annual conference featuring craft sessions, masterclasses, agent and editor pitches, manuscript consultations, and opportunities to meet publishing professionals and fellow writers. (Kalispell)
Small-group writing retreats offering craft instruction, dedicated writing time, one-on-one mentorship, and an immersive residential experience for writers at varying stages of their work. (Whitefish)
Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering
An annual gathering celebrating cowboy poetry, western music, storytelling, and Montana’s ranching and western traditions, with performances and opportunities for poets to share original work. (Lewistown)
An immersive writing residency combining workshops with field experiences and a focus on place, observation, ecology, and the relationship between landscape and creative practice. (Missoula)
Under the Big Sky: The Montana Writers Retreat
A multi-day retreat for nonfiction and creative nonfiction writers offering dedicated writing time, group discussion, and craft-focused programming at a ranch near Yellowstone National Park. (Emigrant)
Literary Magazines & Publishers
The literary journal of the University of Montana, publishing poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, interviews, reviews, and other literary work in print and online. (Missoula)
A Montana-based science fiction and fantasy magazine publishing short fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, photography, and visual art in print and online. (Online)
A literary journal publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography, and interviews, with a slant toward mountain culture. (Whitefish)
Help us add to this list, Montana writers! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a Montana literary journal or publisher we should be aware of? Let us know here. We periodically review these listings for broken links and outdated information.