Writing Groups

Please note: this is by no means a comprehensive list, but only those groups who share their information with us. If you know of more groups who are open to receiving new members, please let us know.

The Maritime Writers' Social Group

Writing can be a lonely act. But it doesn’t have to be. The Maritime Writers Social Club is for Maritime writers at any stage — aspiring, beginner or professional. It’s not a how-to-write group, although we do talk about the business of writing at times and members are encouraged to ask questions or share writing, but more about getting together with other writers to chat, talk writing, or simply have a coffee. Our goal is for members of shared geographical areas to create regular meet-ups with the hope of a larger Maritime gathering eventually. Membership is free. Look for us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/937566541727118

Sussex

SUSSEX & AREA WRITERS’ AND AUTHORS’ GROUP 

SUSSEX REGIONAL LIBRARY, 46 Magnolia Ave. Sussex, NB

Free membership to anyone with an interest in writing, whether published or unpublished. If you have an interest in writing, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, short verse, epigrams or greeting card ideas or rhymes, you are welcome to attend.

Please register by email, giving full name only: Sussexwritersgroup@gmail.com

Or call: 506-432-4585 Or drop into the library in person to register.

Fredericton

For Fredericton/Oromocto, contact Ann Kitching (Dog Eared Books) almkitching@outlook.com with any questions--kindly write "Writers Group" in the subject line.

Lou Ellen Mielke Somerville tells us about FredNoWriMo, which is a collection of Fredericton NaNoWriMo participants who are always open to accepting new members/participants. Check out their private Facebook group. They are doing virtual events and aim to get back into having in-person events - primarily from late October to early December. There is also CampNaNo in April and July. Lou Ellen is one of two Municipal Liaisons this year.

Freddy Words (a public Facebook group) is connected, though not currently as active and not specifically tied to NaNo. It was (and hopefully will be again) a year-round group.

Saint John

Jeremy Cairns tells us about Saint John Writers (SJW), which meets every Sunday. They welcome a wide variety of ages and different types of writers. They are about getting together and producing, rather than exchanging work or reading aloud. They write from 10 am-11:30 am and then they sit and discuss narrative, character development, publishing, etc. https://saintjohnwriters.wordpress.com/

• Saint John Writers - Every Sunday, 10am-12 @ The Write Cup
• Saint John Voices - Last Sunday of the month @ The Write Cup
• Saint John Publishing Forum - Saint John Library

BTW - Saint John Voices features a published writer and a merch table every month where they can sell their books. If any WFNB writers would like to participate, it’s a great way to get in front of a crowd and possibly sell a few copies. All proceeds go to the author. Beyond the featured reader, it’s an open mic where readers get approx. 7 minutes. We have a panel of experts offering feedback to readers if they choose to receive it.

John Hanson tells us that Fog City Scribes has become a loose connection for writers in the Saint John area, originally formed for NaNoWriMo.

Amanda Evans and Jaimie McGivery tell us about Write Now Saint John, which is a social writing group which takes place every other Thursday evening (the next one is Thursday, September 21st) at Homeport Inn on Douglas Avenue. They review work, do activities, and have social events. The proprietor of the Homeport Inn is Lane Mack and her husband’s name is Neil. https://www.homeportinn.ca Email: stay@homeportinn.ca

Community Events

Moncton

Fredericton

Saint John

Updated January Events at The Write Cup Bookstore Café

January 10, 2026 – Noon – 3:00 pm: Cathy Verreault & Maurice Durepos author signing

Authors Cathy Verreault and Maurice Durepos will be at The Write Cup Bookstore Café to sign their collection of books and to talk about the process of writing, not just in English but also in multilingual books.

This is an excellent opportunity for any author whose first language is not English to find out what it is like to get published in New Brunswick.

January 17, 2026 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Writing Exposition workshop by Keila Gallardo

Help yourself reach your goal of writing your novel this year by taking part in our first writing workshop of the year. Learn how to write exposition and how to keep your story strong.

This is a first-come, first-served event, so come on in and learn how to write.

January 18, 2026 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Colin J. Friars: From Maine to Georgia, Highlights, Q&A, and book signing.

Colin J. Friars will be at The Write Cup Bookstore Café to talk about his 5-month-long hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail!

This is your chance to learn about travel writing, view amazing photos, listen to his exciting adventures and get a signed copy of his book!

January 24, 2026 – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: The Rise of Little Bear by Joyce Rice Book Launch

Author Joyce Rice will be launching her second book, The Rise of Little Bear!

We would like to invite you to join us in celebrating this event!

Bray and the Adventures of Zorkon, Joyce Rice’s first book, helps young children learn about bullying and how to handle it properly, with donations from the sale of each book going toward Brain Cancer research!

We can’t wait to see what we’ll learn about in her new book.

Join us for an author reading, Q&A, and get a signed copy of The Rise of Little Bear!

January 31, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: CJ Leavitt Travel Talks and author reading

Have you ever dreamed of travelling the world? Of the things that you would see and the things that you would do?

Well, it’s still early in the year, and CJ Leavitt, author of Tales of a Curious Wander, will be at The Write Cup Bookstore Café to talk to you about her experiences while travelling, and read to you from her book.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick the brain of someone who has travelled far and wide, find out what you should know, and get you pumped for your next big adventure.

Don’t miss the chance to see what exciting souvenirs and tales she’ll have!

February 2026 date and events

February 12, 2026 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Chapter by Chapter meeting

This is a free event to get the first chapter of some of the books available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café. Check out the start of some of the books you may be interested in and see how important the first chapter really is.

Various local authors are participating, so come on in and check them out.

February 22, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Saint John Voices

A literary open mic event. Sign-up is at 6:00 pm, and reading starts at 6:30 pm. We feature prose, poetry, and plays. Readers have 7 minutes to read their piece. Experts are available to offer feedback upon request.

Anyone can sign up to read, locals and visitors alike.

February 26, 2026 – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Chapter by Chapter meeting

This is a free event to get the first chapter of some of the books available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café. Check out the start of some of the books you may be interested in and see how important the first chapter really is.

Various local authors are participating, so come on in and check them out.

Workshops