Writing is an isolating craft. Hours spent agonizing over the right word, the perfect turn of phrase—often with nothing but ink and paper or the steady blink of the cursor for companionship. There’s a hint of truth behind the twitchy-hermit-poring-over-a-manuscript stereotype, after all.
Which is why local writing groups can be invaluable tools. Whether for group reading and constructive criticism; access to conferences and workshops; or simple camaraderie with other creatives, writing groups are abundant in Oklahoma City—if you know where to look.
Literati Press
First a boutique publishing company, then a bookstore, now home to a creative writing center, Literati Press is a self-proclaimed place for book people. Located in Paseo Arts District, the back half of the brick-and-mortar shop plays host to the Literati Press Writer’s Co-Op, a small but potent community of committed storytellers. The Co-Op isn’t only a hub of creativity where members receive insightful feedback; it’s a safety net of like-minded individuals who show up to each other’s events and champion one another’s work. Home to myriad workshops and events open to the public, Literati Press is dedicated to making space for every writer—from the most casual hobbyist to the most practiced professional.
Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild
Romance authors, rejoice! With chapters in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Durant, Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild is a gold mine for writers of the genre. Guild members gain access to gatherings like the Red Dirt Romance Book Event—an 18+ book signing that takes place on the last day of the RomanceLahoma conference—and intimate critique groups where writers share, discuss and offer feedback for each other’s work. OKRWG holds coffee socials every third Sunday of the month at Second Story Books, as well as monthly meetings in all three of its locations. While these events are open to the public, chances are the free membership and community experience will entice you to join.
Central Region Oklahoma Writers
With its focus on uniting writers of all genres, Central Region Oklahoma Writers is a great place to grow your narrative voice. This group has it all: monthly meet-ups at rotating metro libraries, topical workshops, weekend retreats—even a Monsters in Romance contest just in time for Halloween. And if competition is your cup of tea, submit your published work to its annual Nest Contest. From paranormal to historical to YA, winners of this genre-inclusive showcase garner the spotlight Oklahoma authors deserve.
Red Dirt Poetry
At Red Dirt Poetry, verse is king—though royalty might better fit this writing consortium’s inclusive ethos. Its peer editing group, Red Dirt Edits, meets the first Saturday of each month at Second Story Books and is open to writers of all experience levels. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of a poem they wish to edit, a highlighter and a pen, as well as a ready ear for constructive criticism. Red Dirt Writes and Red Dirt Reads offer monthly writing workshops and poetry book clubs, respectively. But Red Dirt Poetry’s pièce de résistance is the weekly open mic nights. Local voices gather on Wednesdays at Literati Press for their six minutes of stage time, where audience members are welcome to shout “Damn!” if a performer throws out a particularly unforgettable line.
Many small-scale writing groups are closed to the public, but you can often access them through the places that host them. Reach out to your local bookstore or library to discover more.
