Best Writing Groups in San Francisco: Connect, Create, and Write

Whether you're just starting out or already have a few stories under your belt, joining a writing group can seriously level up your craft. San Francisco is full of creative energy, and luckily, there are tons of writing groups around the city where you can share your work, get feedback, and meet people who actually get what you're trying to do. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best options, both in-person and online, so you can find the right fit for your writing journey.

1. The Writers Grotto

The Writers Grotto has been part of San Francisco’s creative scene for over 30 years. It's more than just a group - it's a full-on community where writers of all kinds come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Whether you're working on your first short story or a full-length memoir, this space gives you the tools and people to help you along the way.

They offer tons of workshops, readings, and special events throughout the year. From craft-focused classes like imagery or memoir writing to sessions on publishing and MFA prep, there’s always something happening. Members also get access to small group critiques and community meetups, which makes it easier to stay motivated and on track with your goals.

Key Points:

• Offers regular in-person and virtual classes led by experienced instructors

• Hosts themed monthly readings that showcase local voices

• Membership includes access to special writing groups and events

• Produces writing prompt books called Lit Starts to spark creativity

Ideal for:

• Writers looking for a supportive, long-term community

• Anyone interested in taking focused writing classes

• People who want help navigating the publishing world

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.writersgrotto.org

• Email: info@writersgrotto.org

• Address: The Writers Grotto, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 602, San Francisco, CA 94103

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfgrotto

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewritersgrotto

• Twitter/X: x.com/sfgrotto

2. The Writing Salon

The Writing Salon has been a go-to spot for Bay Area writers since 1999. With locations in both San Francisco and Berkeley, it’s a place where beginners and experienced writers alike can find classes that spark creativity and build skill. The vibe is welcoming and focused on helping you connect with your voice in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

They offer a wide range of workshops across genres, including fiction, poetry, personal essays, screenwriting, and more. Whether you're exploring creative writing for the first time or revisiting a long-time passion, the Salon gives you space to experiment, learn from others, and grow at your own pace. Their instructors are working writers who know how to make the process both serious and fun.

Key Points:

• Offers in-person and online workshops across genres like fiction, poetry, and memoir

• Designed for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced writers

• Hosts the annual Jane Underwood Poetry Prize to highlight new voices

• Two Bay Area locations plus virtual classes for flexibility

Ideal for:

• New writers looking for a creative starting point

• People who enjoy learning in a workshop-style setting

• Writers who want to try out different genres and find their niche

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.writingsalons.com

• Phone: (510) 982-6252

• Email: hello@writingsalons.com

• Address: 2042 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94121

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/the.writing.salon

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/writingsalon

• Twitter/X: x.com/writingsalon

3. Laguna Writers Workshops

Laguna Writers offers a warm and welcoming space for writers looking to express themselves in a real, authentic way. Led by writer and teacher Christopher DeLorenzo, this group hosts weekly workshops both online and in-person, along with occasional retreats like the popular (and often sold-out) San Juan Island experience. The focus here is on honesty, personal storytelling, and community support.

Workshops cover a range of themes, from healing and grief writing to more structured memoir and fiction work. You’ll find a mix of generative writing prompts, group sharing, and optional publishing opportunities through their Just Hatched imprint. This is a great group for anyone who wants to dig deep into their own experiences and write from the heart.

Key Points:

• Weekly writing workshops available online and in-person

• Specialized sessions like Writing for Grief and Healing

• Offers retreats, including the popular San Juan Island Retreat

• Led by experienced writer and teacher Christopher DeLorenzo

Ideal for:

• Writers exploring personal stories or memoir

• People looking for a supportive and healing writing space

• Anyone interested in retreats and creative getaways

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.laguna-writers.com

• Phone: 415.206.9771

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewritingcatalyst

4. 826 Valencia

826 Valencia is a nonprofit organization that’s all about empowering young voices through writing. They provide free programs to students ages six to eighteen in San Francisco, helping kids from under-resourced communities express themselves and build confidence through words. From after-school tutoring to creative workshops, their mission is to make writing fun, accessible, and meaningful for every student they serve.

Their programs range from one-on-one homework help to full-scale publishing opportunities where students see their work in print, on podcasts, and even performed. With a big focus on creativity and leadership, 826 Valencia not only supports writing skills but also helps kids dream bigger about their futures. Plus, their storefronts (yes, there's a Pirate Supply Store) help fund these programs while adding a little magic to the process.

Key Points:

• Free writing programs for students aged 6 to 18 in San Francisco

• Offers after-school help, field trips, workshops, and summer programs

• Publishes student writing in books, podcasts, and live readings

• Features two themed storefronts that support their mission

Ideal for:

• Kids and teens from underserved communities who love to write

• Teachers and schools looking for creative writing support

• Volunteers who want to make a real difference through education

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.826valencia.org

• Phone: (415) 642-5905

• Email: workshops@826valencia.org

• Address: 826 Valencia Street, San Francisco, California 94110

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/826-valencia

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/826-Valencia-118312808184158

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/826valencia

5. San Francisco Peninsula Writers

San Francisco Peninsula Writers is a branch of the long-standing California Writers Club, built on the simple idea of “writers helping writers.” Whether you're working on a novel, poetry, essays, or just starting out, this group offers a supportive space to grow. They host monthly in-person gatherings, workshops, critique groups, and even publish their own anthology series called Fault Zone.

The group meets bayside at the Sequoia Yacht Club in Redwood City, making for a friendly, scenic spot to connect. Each meeting includes social time and a guest speaker, usually an author, editor, or publishing pro, sharing practical advice and insights. It's a great place to make connections, get feedback, and stay motivated with a consistent community of fellow writers.

Key Points:

• Monthly in-person meetings with guest speakers and networking

• Publishes an anthology series called Fault Zone

• Offers critique groups and workshops to help writers grow

• Welcomes writers of all levels and genres

Ideal for:

• Writers seeking consistent, in-person community support

• Those interested in publishing their work in a group anthology

• Writers looking to network and learn from guest experts

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.cwc-sfpeninsula.org

• Email: webmaster@sfpeninsulawriters.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CWC.SF.Peninsula

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cwcsfpeninsula

6. Ripe Fruit Writing

Ripe Fruit Writing is a one-of-a-kind creative writing school in San Francisco that offers a clear, progressive path for beginning and emerging writers. Founded by Leslie Kirk Campbell, an award-winning author and master teacher, Ripe Fruit is designed to help writers tap into their imagination, strengthen their voice, and grow their writing confidence with intention and heart.

Classes are structured in a step-by-step format, from foundational courses like The Writing Faith and Ripe Fruit I to more advanced workshops in revision, short stories, and multi-genre critique. What sets Ripe Fruit apart is the personal approach. Students write in a nurturing, safe space and are encouraged to dig deep emotionally and creatively. Even during Leslie’s sabbatical (through July 2025), teen summer camps are still running, and adult classes will resume in the fall.

Key Points:

• Offers a progressive series of creative writing classes for adults and teens

• Focuses on emotional depth, self-discovery, and craft development

• Led by award-winning author Leslie Kirk Campbell

• Located in a cozy Edwardian space in Noe Valley, with online options available

Ideal for:

• New and emerging writers looking for structure and supportive guidance

• Anyone drawn to memoir, personal essay, or expressive fiction

• Teens and adults who want to explore writing in a personal, growth-focused way

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.ripefruitwriting.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lesliekirkcampbell

• Twitter/X: x.com/lesliekirkcamp

7. Youth Speaks

Youth Speaks is a powerhouse in San Francisco’s creative scene, giving young people a platform to develop their voice through poetry, writing, and performance. Their free weekly workshops are open to teens and focus on expression, storytelling, and building community. With guidance from poet mentors, students explore everything from structured forms to radical self-expression through music and spoken word.

Their programs go way beyond just writing. From the Youth Poet Laureate cohort (in partnership with 826 Valencia) to themed after-school workshops, Youth Speaks helps young artists grow their craft while also offering stipends, performance opportunities, and publication. Whether you’re new to poetry or already performing, it’s a supportive space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Key Points:

• Weekly writing and performance workshops led by professional poet mentors

• Youth Poet Laureate program includes publication, public readings, and scholarships

• Themed workshops include poetry, music, cultural studies, and even Dungeons & Dragons

• Stipends available for active participation in workshop series

Ideal for:

• Teens (ages 13-19) looking for a creative outlet and community

• Young poets who want to perform, publish, or compete

• Youth who thrive in expressive, inclusive spaces rooted in identity and voice

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: youthspeaks.org

• Phone: 415-255-9035

• Email: info@youthspeaks.org

• Address: 265 Shotwell St., San Francisco, CA 94110

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/youth-speaks

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/youthspeaks

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/youthspeaks

• Twitter/X: x.com/youthspeaks

8. The Writers Studio San Francisco

The Writers Studio San Francisco is part of a larger, globally recognized creative writing school founded in 1987. This branch offers a deeply immersive experience focused on helping students strengthen their voice and storytelling craft using the Writers Studio method, a system developed by Pulitzer Prize winner Philip Schultz. Classes are offered online via Zoom and led by instructors who were once students themselves, creating a tight-knit, respectful, and growth-focused environment.

What makes the Writers Studio stand out is its structured progression through multiple levels of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction workshops. Students don’t need to apply or submit writing samples, which makes it easy to jump in, no matter where you’re starting from. Each course centers on writing from prompts inspired by classic and contemporary texts, followed by personalized, constructive feedback. With no-pressure attendance policies and a strong, welcoming community, it's a great place to learn seriously while balancing a full life.

Key Points:

• No application needed, open to all levels of writers

• Offers four progressive levels of workshops in fiction, poetry, and essays

• Focuses on voice development through text-based exercises and feedback

• Supportive, high-standard environment with live online classes and in-person events

Ideal for:

• Writers looking for a structured yet accessible long-term writing program

• Those who value thoughtful craft discussions and peer feedback

• Anyone wanting to develop both poetry and fiction skills in one place

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: www.writerstudio.com

• Phone: (212) 255-7075

• Email: info@writerstudio.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Writers-Studio-134641415337

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewritersstudio1987

• Twitter/X: x.com/thewriterstudio

9. San Francisco Creative Writing Institute

The San Francisco Creative Writing Institute (SFCWI) is a vibrant community-based writing school where students of all levels come to hone their craft, find their voice, and connect with other passionate writers. Their focus is on helping people grow through writing, whether that means building a career, finding confidence, or finally finishing that book idea you've been sitting on.

SFCWI offers classes in personal essay, poetry, fiction, memoir, screenwriting, and more – all taught by experienced writers who are active in the literary and publishing world. What sets this school apart is its balance of creativity and professionalism. You’ll get practical tools, thoughtful critique, and the kind of encouragement that makes you want to keep going. They also offer a popular teen summer camp and are known for helping students go from “workshop mode” to “published author.”

Key Points:

• Wide range of in-person and online writing classes for all levels

• Instructors are published authors, editors, and working artists

• Offers a summer teen writing camp and classes focused on healing through writing

• Community-driven with over 50 award-winning or finalist alumni

Ideal for:

• Writers looking to improve their skills with expert guidance

• Teens and adults who want to write in a supportive, inclusive space

• People aiming to publish their work or perform it publicly

Contact and Social Media Information:

• Website: sfwriting.institute

• Phone: (415) 371-9054

• Email: alexandra@sfwriting.institute

• Address: Harvey Milk Center, 50 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94117

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/school/sf-creative-writing-institute

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativewritingSF

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativewritingsf

Tools That Support the Writing Life: Meet Freewrite

After exploring the many inspiring writing groups across San Francisco and beyond, it's clear that community is a powerful part of the writing journey. But just as important is having the right tools to help you stay focused once you sit down to actually write. That’s whereFreewrite comes in.

As the creators of Freewrite, we designed these devices with one goal in mind: to help writers get into the zone and stay there. We know how easy it is to get distracted, one browser tab becomes ten, and suddenly the writing session is over before it even begins. Freewrite changes that. Our distraction-free writing tools give you a clean, minimal interface with no notifications, no social media, and no rabbit holes, just you, your thoughts, and the words on the page.

Writers who use Freewrite often say they write faster, stay more focused, and enjoy the process more. It’s not just about having fewer distractions, it’s about creating space for your ideas to truly unfold.

Smart Typewriter

Smart Typewriter is Freewrite’s original distraction-free writing device, built for serious writers who want to get into deep focus mode without any interruptions. With a mechanical keyboard and a crystal-clear E Ink screen, this device strips away all the digital clutter so you can just sit and write. Its all-metal aluminum build, built-in handle, and robust battery make it as durable as it is stylish. Whether you’re writing at home or outside under the sun, the screen is easy on the eyes and the experience is all about flow.

How It Helps Writers

• Mechanical keyboard with satisfying tactile feedback encourages longer writing sessions

• E Ink screen is gentle on the eyes and readable in all lighting, including bright sunlight

• Constant cloud and local saving means your work is always backed up

• No internet distractions - just you, your words, and a clean space to draft

Alpha (Raven Black with Backlight)

Alpha is Freewrite’s lightest and most affordable device, created for writers who want portability without sacrificing the writing experience. Weighing less than 2 lbs, it's perfect for writing on the go - from your kitchen table to your next flight. It features a quiet mechanical keyboard, adjustable backlight for nighttime drafting, and up to 100 hours of battery life. You can take it anywhere and never miss a chance to write when inspiration hits.

How It Helps Writers

• Lightweight and travel-ready so you can write anywhere, anytime

• Backlit screen with multiple brightness levels makes it easy to write in low light

• Low-profile mechanical keys make for a smooth, quiet, and fatigue-free typing experience

• Saves automatically and syncs to the cloud when you're connected

Traveler

Traveler is the ultimate portable writing tool, combining the distraction-free benefits of Freewrite with a compact, foldable design. It's smaller than most laptops and super lightweight, but features a keyboard and E Ink display for clear visibility in any setting. Designed for writers on the move, it's easy to tuck into your bag and take wherever your stories go. With cloud syncing and local storage, your work is always safe and accessible.

How It Helps Writers

• Compact and foldable design fits easily in bags and backpacks

• E Ink screen reduces eye strain and works well outdoors

• Keyboard delivers comfort and responsiveness

• Long battery life and offline access let you write even off the grid

Conclusion

San Francisco is bursting with creativity, and its writing community is just as vibrant. Whether you're a seasoned author looking for feedback, a new writer trying to find your voice, or someone craving connection with fellow creatives, there's a group or space here for you. From critique circles and generative workshops to youth programs and professional development, SF has something for every kind of writer.

At the end of the day, writing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Finding your people can spark new ideas, build your confidence, and help you keep going when the words feel stuck. So go ahead – reach out, join a group, attend a session. Your writing life in San Francisco is waiting to grow.