Tennessee Writing Groups, Workshops, and Creative Writing Classes
Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee writing resources are worth checking out.
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Writing Organizations & Groups
A nonprofit creative arts studio offering writing classes, workshops, freewrites, and other programs designed to encourage experimentation, self-expression, and creative practice in a supportive community. (Nashville)
A writing organization supporting writers through critique groups, workshops, contests, readings, open mics, and other programs designed to build literary community. (Chattanooga)
A nonprofit writing organization offering monthly programs, workshops, contests, readings, community projects, and other opportunities for writers working across genres and experience levels. (Knoxville)
A community-facing creative writing program at Middle Tennessee State University offering one-on-one mentorship, writing groups, workshops, public events, and an annual conference for writers working in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting. (Murfreesboro / Online)
A nonprofit literary center offering creative writing classes, workshops, youth programs, readings, retreats, and community events for writers and readers of all ages and experience levels. (Nashville)
A twice-monthly reading series and open literary gathering celebrating poetry, fiction, storytelling, music, and other forms of creative expression. (Sewanee)
A Chattanooga literary arts nonprofit offering writing workshops, author events, literary festivals, book clubs, youth programs, contests, and other opportunities designed to connect readers and writers. (Chattanooga)
A statewide writing organization offering an annual conference, seasonal workshops, writing contests, manuscript evaluations, and other programs for writers working across genres and experience levels. (Statewide)
Conferences, Retreats & Residencies
An annual multi-day writers’ conference focused on mystery, thriller, suspense, action, horror, romance, and related genres, featuring workshops, panels, manuscript critiques, networking, and opportunities to meet agents and editors. (Nashville)
A long-running literary program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offering free public readings, panels, workshops, and discussions with nationally recognized writers each fall and spring. (Chattanooga)
The Porch offers multi-day writing retreats at Blue Spring Creek in Ashland City and Rivendell Spiritual Center in Sewanee, combining dedicated writing time with workshops, community, meals, and opportunities for reflection and creative renewal. (Ashland City / Sewanee)
A writers’ residency program offering dedicated time and private accommodations for writers, along with retreats, workshops, fellowships, and other literary programs in a rural setting outside Nashville. (College Grove)
A highly regarded annual writers’ conference offering intensive workshops, craft lectures, readings, individual conferences, and opportunities to meet editors, publishers, and other literary professionals. (Sewanee)
An annual full-day writing conference focused on craft and publication, featuring educational sessions, manuscript critiques, and opportunities to pitch literary agents and editors. (Nashville)
Literary Magazines & Publishers
A quarterly online literary journal produced by Trevecca Nazarene University, publishing poetry, fiction, essays, and visual art by emerging and established writers and artists. (Nashville / Online)
A literary journal published by the University of Tennessee, featuring fiction, nonfiction, poetry, craft essays, interviews, and reviews by emerging and established writers. (Knoxville)
A long-running literary journal based at the University of Memphis, publishing fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art while also sponsoring annual literary contests. (Memphis)
A historic literary quarterly published by the University of the South, featuring fiction, poetry, essays, reviews, and other literary work by contemporary writers. (Sewanee)
A literary journal and small press based at Austin Peay State University, publishing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, interviews, and reviews, along with books of poetry and creative nonfiction. (Clarksville)
Help us add to this list, Tennessee writers! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a Tennessee literary journal or publisher we should be aware of? Let us know here. We periodically review these listings for broken links and outdated information.