If you're a writer in Washington, DC, you're in luck. This city is full of people who love telling stories, sharing ideas, and helping each other grow. Whether you’re working on a novel, blog, screenplay, or poems, there’s a writing group out there for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best local writing groups, how to join, and what you can expect. Let’s get into it!
1. Capitol Hill Writers Group
Capitol Hill Writers Group (CHWG) is a welcoming network of local writing groups in Washington, DC, designed to help fiction writers stay motivated and connected. Whether you’re just starting out, getting back into writing, or already have some publishing experience, this group offers the structure and encouragement needed to stay on track. CHWG emphasizes the value of community by connecting writers who are serious about improving their craft while balancing work and personal life.
Writers meet regularly to share their work, give and receive feedback, and keep each other accountable. Group members benefit from diverse perspectives, which helps them grow as writers and enrich their storytelling. The application process is simple, free, and open during seasonal recruitment periods. Meetings are typically organized online, making it easy to join even with a busy schedule. With multiple small groups under its umbrella, CHWG offers flexibility, support, and a strong sense of belonging for DC-area writers.
Key Points:
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Network of fiction-focused writing groups in DC
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Provides structure, deadlines, and peer critiques
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Offers seasonal recruitment with free applications
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Meetings and orientations are held online for convenience
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Includes writers from DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Perfect For:
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Writers looking for accountability and structure
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Fiction writers seeking regular feedback and support
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People balancing writing with work and family life
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: capitolhillwritersgroup.org
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/CHWG.DC
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Twitter/X: x.com/CHWG_DC
2. Writopia Lab
Writopia Lab is a vibrant, youth-focused writing organization that helps kids and teens find their voice through creative writing. With locations across the country, including one in Washington, DC, Writopia Lab runs workshops and camps for young writers aged 4 through 18. Their programs are led by published authors and passionate educators who make the writing experience both meaningful and fun. Whether kids are into poetry, fantasy, essays, or even sports journalism, there’s a class tailored to their interests.
Beyond the regular workshops, Writopia offers specialized programs like college essay coaching, playwriting and performance camps, debate teams, and themed camps like “Politics and Pens.” Their approach is all about empowering young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop strong writing habits. Writopia also partners with schools, libraries, and community organizations to reach as many students as possible, making creative writing more accessible for everyone.
Key Points:
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Offers writing workshops for ages 4 to 18 across a wide range of genres
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Instructors are professional writers and educators
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Includes specialty programs like debate, playwriting, and college essay support
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Provides both in-person and online options
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Partners with schools and nonprofits to serve diverse communities
Perfect For:
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Kids and teens who love to write or want to improve their skills
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Parents looking for creative enrichment programs
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Students preparing for college essays or school writing assignments
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: www.writopialab.org
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Phone: (202) 629-9510
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Email: registerDC@writopialab.org
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/WritopiaLab
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Twitter/X: x.com/WritopiaLab
3. The Inner Loop
The Inner Loop is a lively literary community based in Washington, DC, that brings local writers together in an inclusive and supportive space. It’s open to writers of all levels and focuses on turning the often solitary act of writing into something shared and social. Whether you write poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, The Inner Loop gives you a place to connect with others who share your passion. Their monthly reading series, podcast, and occasional retreats are all about celebrating creativity and helping writers grow.
What sets The Inner Loop apart is its commitment to building a welcoming, diverse community where everyone feels encouraged to share their voice. Writers can read their work aloud at events, listen to others' stories, and be part of conversations that inspire new ideas. It’s not a critique group or a traditional class - it’s more of a creative home base for DC’s literary crowd. Whether you're an emerging writer or someone who just loves being around storytelling energy, The Inner Loop is a great place to belong.
Key Points:
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Hosts a monthly reading series where local writers can share their work
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Offers free programs focused on poetry, fiction, and nonfiction
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Organizes writer retreats and creative workshops
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Produces a podcast with author interviews and writing tips
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Builds a collaborative and diverse writing community
Perfect For:
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Writers looking for inspiration and community
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Poets, storytellers, and essayists of all experience levels
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Anyone who wants to share their work and connect with fellow creatives
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: theinnerlooplit.org
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Email: Hello@TheInnerLoopLit.org
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/theinnerloopdc
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/theinnerlooplit
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Twitter/X: x.com/theinnerlooplit
4. DC Writers Room
DC Writers Room is a dedicated co-working space made specifically for writers who need a quiet, professional environment to focus and get work done. Located in Washington, DC, this 24/7 writing studio has supported hundreds of writers working on everything from novels and poems to dissertations and screenplays. It’s the kind of space where you can show up with your laptop or notebook and simply dive into your writing without distractions.
Membership includes access to a peaceful, respectful writing environment, plus perks like snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you going during long writing sessions. Writers can choose from full, weekend-only, or drop-in memberships depending on their schedules. There are also options for one-on-one manuscript consultations, making it a helpful spot not just for writing, but for getting feedback too. If you’re looking for a consistent, focused place to write in DC, this space is a great solution.
Key Points:
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24/7 access to a quiet, professional writing studio
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Full, weekend-only, and drop-in memberships available
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On-site manuscript consultations with experienced editors
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Complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks for members
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Hosts community events for writers and publishing professionals
Perfect For:
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Writers looking for a quiet, focused place to work
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Anyone working on a long-term project like a book or dissertation
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Creatives who want access to a supportive writing community
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: www.dcwritersroom.com
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Email: info@dcwritersroom.com
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Address: 4000 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington DC
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/dcwritersroom
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/dcwritersroom
5. PEN/Faulkner Writing Workshops
The PEN/Faulkner Foundation runs writing workshops aimed at helping young students develop confidence and skill in their writing. These sessions are led by professional writers, known as Teaching Artists, who visit DC classrooms to guide students through hands-on exercises in storytelling, narrative structure, and self-expression. The workshops are creative, engaging, and designed to help kids see writing not just as a school task but as a meaningful way to express who they are and what they think.
Offered free of charge to Title I schools, these workshops are available for students in grades 3 through 12. Teachers can request sessions that work with their schedules, making the program flexible and easy to integrate into regular classroom learning. The PEN/Faulkner team works to inspire a love for literature and the written word, helping students see themselves as writers with something valuable to say. It's a great blend of mentorship, creative fun, and real-world writing guidance.
Key Points:
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Writing workshops led by professional Teaching Artists
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Free for Title I schools in Washington, DC
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Open to students in grades 3 through 12
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Flexible scheduling based on teacher availability
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Focused on creativity, storytelling, and personal expression
Perfect For:
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DC educators looking to inspire young writers
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Students who benefit from hands-on, creative learning
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Schools seeking free, high-quality writing enrichment programs
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: www.penfaulkner.org
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Phone: (202) 898-9063
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Address: PEN/Faulkner Foundation, 6218 Georgia Avenue NW, Unit #1062, Washington, DC 20011
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-pen-faulkner-foundation
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/penfaulkner
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/penfaulkner
6. DC Writers' Salon
DC Writers' Salon is a cozy, community-driven studio in Dupont Circle that offers writers a dedicated space to focus, connect, and stay accountable. Whether you're a fiction writer, poet, screenwriter, or just someone trying to stick to a writing routine, the Salon gives you a calm and supportive environment to do the work. The core of the experience is the Salon Sessions, structured 2-hour writing blocks that start and end with brief group check-ins. It’s a simple but effective way to make writing a consistent part of your life.
What really makes the DC Writers' Salon stand out is its community vibe. Along with daily writing sessions, members can join Affinity Circles, book clubs, and small project groups to find deeper connections with other writers. There are also occasional workshops, readings, and social events. If you’re tired of writing alone and want to meet other DC-area creatives who are serious about writing, but also like to have fun—the Salon is a great fit.
Key Points:
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Offers 2-hour guided writing sessions with group check-ins
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Located in Dupont Circle with a warm, studio-style atmosphere
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Includes programs like book clubs, Affinity Circles, and project groups
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Hosts occasional workshops, author events, and socials
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Focuses on accountability, consistency, and creative connection
Perfect For:
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Writers who need help staying focused and making writing time
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People looking for a local writing community in a relaxed setting
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Introverts and extroverts alike who want structured support without pressure
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: www.dcwriterssalon.com
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Email: hello@dcwriterssalon.com
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Address: 1807 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/dcwriterssalon
7. District Writers' Academy
District Writers' Academy is all about helping young writers grow their skills and confidence in a positive, creative environment. Based in Washington, DC, this program offers small-group writing classes, private tutoring, and summer camps for pre-teens and teens. Whether a student needs support with academic writing or wants to explore poetry and fiction, the goal is the same, make writing fun, empowering, and approachable.
Led by experienced educators and writers, the Academy focuses on teaching real writing strategies in a way that makes sense to kids and teens. Sessions are hands-on, interactive, and designed to meet students where they are. Whether it’s preparing for college essays or simply learning to love self-expression, every class builds confidence and skill. The atmosphere is patient, creative, and nonjudgmental, exactly what young writers need to thrive.
Key Points:
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Offers creative writing classes, academic writing support, and private tutoring
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Small group settings designed to build confidence and engagement
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Taught by experienced, patient educators who are also writers
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Hands-on, interactive lessons that help students find their voice
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Summer writing camps available for immersive learning
Perfect For:
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Pre-teens and teens who want to improve or enjoy writing
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Parents looking for academic support or creative enrichment
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Students preparing for high school or college-level writing tasks
Contact and Social Media Information:
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Website: districtwritersacademy.com
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Phone: 202-780-6037
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Email: info@districtwritersacademy.com
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Address: 5028 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite #100, Washington DC 20016
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/district-writers-academy
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/District-Writers-Academy-100920735673855
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Ready to Write Your Novel? Meet the Tool Built Just for That
After exploring some of the best writing groups and communities around DC, you're probably feeling inspired, and maybe even itching to finally get that novel or screenplay out of your head and onto the page. Community is a huge part of staying motivated, but so is having the right tool for the job. That’s where we come in.
We createdFreewrite for writers who are serious about getting words on the page without distractions. No social media. No email. No pop-ups or notifications. Just a clean screen, a great keyboard, and space to write freely. Whether you're working from a quiet room or a noisy café, Freewrite devices give you the focus and simplicity you need to keep writing, stay in the zone, and finally hit those word count goals.
Our mission is to help you write more and worry less. Every Freewrite is designed with purpose: to support deep, uninterrupted drafting. Writing groups build community. Freewrite builds momentum. Pair the two, and you’re well on your way to finishing that next great American novel.
Alpha Cosmic Edition
TheAlpha Cosmic Edition is a distraction-free drafting device built for writers who want to stay in their creative zone without interruptions. With its speckled-black space-inspired shell and warm backlit screen, it’s designed for late-night writing, on-the-go sessions, or quiet early mornings. Lightweight and durable, it travels easily and stores your words safely, both locally and in the cloud. It even comes with an exclusive felt sleeve to protect your writing companion wherever your imagination takes you.
What Sets It Apart:
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Warm, adjustable backlight for comfortable writing in low light
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Super lightweight at just 1.6 lbs, ideal for writing anywhere
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Stores up to 1 million words with automatic cloud syncing
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Comes with a custom-designed felt sleeve for safe and stylish travel
Smart Typewriter Valentine
TheSmart Typewriter Valentine blends vintage Italian design with modern writing tech. This bold drafting machine isn’t just functional, it’s a statement piece. Equipped with a mechanical keyboard and an eye-friendly E Ink screen, it’s perfect for writers who want to unplug, focus, and type with confidence. With cloud syncing, a water-resistant travel case, and a distraction-free interface, Valentine brings passion and productivity together in one beautiful device.
What Sets It Apart:
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Striking 1969-inspired design with a premium carrying case
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Mechanical keyboard with satisfying tactile feedback
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E Ink display for glare-free writing with minimal eye strain
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Seamless cloud and offline syncing to keep your work backed up
Traveler
Traveler is Freewrite’s most portable writing tool, made for writers who want to stay productive wherever they go. Weighing just 1.6 lbs and half the size of a laptop, it slips easily into a bag and is ready when inspiration strikes. With an E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes, a smooth scissor-switch keyboard, and weeks of battery life, Traveler helps you focus on writing, not on charging or clicking between tabs.
What Sets It Apart:
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Featherlight and compact, built for writing anywhere
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E Ink screen with no glare, perfect for outdoor or long sessions
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Smooth keyboard for a natural typing feel
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Long-lasting battery and automatic cloud syncing to save every word
Final Thoughts
Washington, DC is more than just monuments and politics - it's a city full of storytellers, dreamers, and creators just like you. Whether you're looking for structure, feedback, inspiration, or simply some friendly faces who "get it," there's a writing group or space here that fits your style and goals.
From community-focused circles to professional workshops and distraction-free writing tools like Freewrite, you’ve got all the resources you need to finally finish that draft, start something new, or just enjoy the creative process. So take that next step - join a group, grab your favorite writing device, and start writing your story. DC is ready for it.
