Non-Fiction Writers' Group
Recruiting writers who are Mechanics' Institute members. If you wish to join this group, email Nico Chen at [email protected] with a brief description of your writing background and areas of interest in non-fiction.

Join Our Advanced Non-Fiction Writers' Group at Mechanics' Institute

Are you an experienced non-fiction writer looking to join a committed, productive, and collaborative writing group? Mechanics' Institute is home to an advanced non-fiction writers' group that meets at the library every other Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm — and we’re currently looking to welcome another writer into our circle.

This is a group for writers who value in-depth feedback, accountability, and the support of a community of peers. All members are advanced-level writers with publication experience, working on essays, memoirs, literary journalism, and other forms of non-fiction.

Our Process

Each meeting is structured to provide rich, focused feedback:

• Two members email up to 3,000 words by Monday before the Thursday meeting.
• Along with their work, writers include any initial questions or areas of focus for the group.
• During the meeting, each writer gets up to an hour for feedback and discussion.
• Feedback begins with positive comments, moves into clarifying questions, and ends with constructive critique to support revision.
• The tone is thoughtful, honest, and supportive.

Who Should Join?

We’re seeking a writer who:

• Has experience in non-fiction writing and has been published in some form.
• Is actively working on a project.
• Is open to giving and receiving rigorous, respectful feedback.
• Is curious about others’ work and values community.

Visit Us

Interested writers are welcome to observe our next meeting on April 17 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to get a sense of our process and group dynamic before joining. We believe the best way to know if it’s a good fit is to see us in action.

If you decide to move forward after attending, you will be invited to submit a 3,000-word writing sample (plus any guiding questions) by Monday, April 28, and you’ll receive feedback during our next session on Thursday, May 1.

How to Express Interest

To RSVP for the April 17 session, please email: [email protected]
Include a brief description of your writing background and areas of interest in non-fiction.

Let’s keep each other writing, revising, and thriving.