7 Writing Groups and Circles in Tampa Bay

7 Writing Groups and Circles in Tampa Bay
Writers across Tampa Bay are finding community, accountability, and inspiration in local writing groups—one page at a time. Photo courtesy Getty Images

Whether you’re polishing a novel, drafting a screenplay, or just trying to write more often, these local groups offer space, support, and accountability for writers at every stage.

By Avery Anderson

Writing can be a lonely pursuit—but it doesn’t have to be. Across Tampa Bay, writers are finding community in small, supportive circles that meet in libraries, coffee shops, Zoom rooms, and bookstore corners. Whether you're chasing publication or simply want to keep the creative spark alive, these writing groups offer structure, feedback, and friendly faces who get what it's like to face the blank page.

Here are seven spaces where Tampa Bay writers are coming together to share work, swap advice, and stay inspired:

1. Tampa Writers Alliance

A long-running hybrid critique group offering feedback, education, and support for writers across genres. 📍 Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library and via Zoom 🔗 tampawriters.org

2. Pinellas Writers Group

A supportive circle for fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry writers offering in-person and online meetings. 📍 Tuesdays via Zoom; first Saturdays in Clearwater 💰 $30/year, with 3 free trial visits 🔗 Meetup link

3. Tampa Free Writing Group

A casual, inclusive group for writers of all styles—short stories, skits, screenplays, and more. 📍 Bi-weekly at Hot Wax Café (Ybor City) or Dignitary Tea & Coffee (South Tampa) 🔗 Meetup link

4. Screenwriters of Tampa Bay

Perfect for film and TV writers, this group hosts table reads and screenplay critique sessions. 📍 3rd Saturdays, noon–4 PM at Safety Harbor Public Library 🔗 Meetup link

5. Tampa Bay Writers (Facebook Group)

A lively online forum for sharing resources, prompts, events, and support among writers across the region. 📍 Online via Facebook 🔗 Facebook Group

6. PPK Writers Group (Pinellas Park)

A city-sponsored writing group focused on in-progress novels, short stories, and poetry. 📍 Monthly via GoToMeetings 🔗 Pinellas Park Facebook Group

7. Florida Writers Association – Local Chapters

Includes several Tampa Bay–area “Palm Groups” like:

  • Brandon Writers Critique Group (Zoom, every other Thursday)
  • Carrollwood Writers Group (2nd & 4th Tuesdays at Carrollwood Barnes & Noble) 🔗 floridawriters.org

Stay Connected to Tampa Bay’s arts scene! No spam, just art.