Literary Directory
Triangle ArtWorks strives to include all Triangle groups in this listing, but needs your help in keeping it complete and current. Please inform us of any changes/additions by email.
These entries are for convenience only and the information regarding each organization was provided by the organization or from their websites. Triangle ArtWorks makes NO endorsement or recommendation regarding any of the businesses or organizations listed. Be sure to review their websites and other sources independently before you patronize them.
Literary Resources / Statewide Groups
National Humanities Center - The National Humanities Center is the only major independent American institute for advanced study in all fields of the humanities. Privately incorporated and governed by a distinguished board of trustees from academic, professional, and public life, the Center was planned under the auspices of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and began operation in 1978. It provides a national focus for the best work in the liberal arts, drawing attention to the enduring value of ancient and modern history, language and literature, ethical and moral reflection, artistic and cultural traditions, and critical thought in every area of humanistic investigation. By encouraging excellence in scholarship, the Center seeks to insure the continuing strength of the liberal arts and to affirm the importance of the humanities in American life. Website.
Nazim Hikmet Poetry Festival - The Nazim Hikmet Poetry Festival is an annual celebration of poetry that brings together artists, the community, scholars and lovers of poetry in April. The one-day festival gathers in the humanistic spirit of internationally renowned poet Nazim Hikmet. The Festival incorporates year round events such as a Poetry Competition and a Poetry Workshop. The Festival and its events are free and open to the public. Website.
NC Center for the Book - A collaborative project of the community of the book to focus public interest on books, reading, libraries, literacy, print culture, and the literary heritage of the state. The North Carolina Center for the Book develops and coordinates a wide range of programs hosted locally by public libraries and their community partners, and it sponsors a statewide writing contest for secondary school students. Website.
North Carolina Haiku Society - The North Carolina Haiku Society was founded in 1979 to promote the writing and appreciation of haiku in English. Members support these goals by writing haiku, by participating in meetings and events, and by maintaining the Web site. Most NCHS members try to write haiku in English that capture some elements of traditional Japanese haiku. Website.
North Carolina Poet Laureate Website.
NC Writers Network - Founded in 1985, the North Carolina Writers’ Network seeks to educate, connect, promote, and lead writers, no matter their level of skill and experience, throughout North Carolina and beyond. The Network builds audiences for literature, advocates for the literary arts and for literacy, and provides information and support services. Website.
North Carolina Songwriters Co-op (NCSC) - Dedicated to the support and promotion of songwriters in the state of North Carolina. The NCSC assists new and established songwriters by providing a supportive environment, including resources for marketing and promotion, the opportunity to network with other songwriters, the chance to assist with and participate in its annual song contest, and to attend seminars and workshops designed to enhance songwriting and performing skills. Website.
Piedmont Laureate Program - A joint program of the Triangle’s arts organizations, the Piedmont Laureate Program promotes has, as its primary goal: “to promote awareness and heighten appreciation for excellence in the literary arts in the Piedmont region.” The program is dedicated to building a literary bridge for residents to come together and celebrate the art of writing, enriching the lives of all our citizens. Each year, the chosen Piedmont Laureate, works in the region to further the programs goals. Website.
Raleigh Review - The Raleigh Review is a nonprofit magazine of poetry, short fiction, and art, offering accessible works of experience that are emotionally and intellectually complex. At Raleigh Review, we believe that great literature inspires empathy by allowing us to see the world through the eyes of our neighbors, whether across the street or across the globe. Website.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Whether your manuscript is complete or just a glimmer in the back of your mind, SCBWI is a must for any children’s author or illustrator. With conferences, workshops, and other resources, you can sharpen your skills, learn tips and tricks to getting published, and meet others who share your dream. If you are looking for a local networking and support group, the local Carolinas Chapter is very active. Website.
West End Poets Weekend – The West End Poets Weekend is held annually for the purpose of providing a connection between the significant poetry talent that is deeply rooted in our community and the many poetry enthusiasts that reside in the Triangle area. The weekend event wishes to recognize and reward emerging talent as well. Most importantly, The West End Poets Weekend aims to bring together all ages to read, hear and talk about the art of poetry. Website.
Local Writers Groups
Durham Writers Meetup Group – Come meet other local writers and let creativity bloom! Looking to make this group writer friendly, helpful and encouraging to new and experienced writers. Critique for growth will be encouraged- but it should be appropriate and given in a helpful manner! We have several different meetings each month and hopefully we will soon have more. Most of the meetings follow a similar format – readers present their work and other members give feedback. Website.
Triangle Area Freelancers (TAF) – TAF is a nonprofit organization serving independent nonfiction and fiction writers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Founded in 2003, TAF is committed to educating, mentoring and promoting both aspiring and established writers by connecting them with fellow writers and the vital resources and services available to them. TAF advocates for fair compensation of writers and content creators, as well as the ongoing professional development of those in the writing profession. To those ends, TAF hosts monthly meetings featuring guest speakers presenting on a diverse array of topics, and presents an annual writers conference each spring. TAF’s vision is to connect, support and empower North Carolina’s independent and freelance writers. Writing can be a lonely profession; TAF is proof that it doesn’t have to be. Website.
The Triangle Comics Creator Network – The TCCN is a community of writers and artists who gather regularly to support each other in the creation of comics and graphic novels, whether we are seasoned professionals or just starting out. Gatherings include unstructured hangouts, workshops, group outings, and more. Comics-adjacent folks – critics, publishers, illustrators, etc. – are welcome, as are friends and family! TCCN is a collaboration of Durham County Library and Chapel Hill Public Library. Website.
Triangle Sisters in Crime – Triangle Sisters in Crime is a chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime. We are authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by our passion for the mystery genre and our support of mystery writers. We welcome Sisters and Brothers in Crime from anywhere who have an interest in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill mystery community of North Carolina. Triangle SinC meets the second Sunday of each month. Website.
Workshops / Classes
Redbud Writing Project – The Redbud Writing Project is the Triangle’s only adult education writing school, serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond. Founded by two North Carolina State University MFA graduates, the Redbud Writing Project offers six-week courses at community spaces around the Triangle. Their course topics range from short story, novel , and memoir writing, to workshopping and revising, to publishing and submitting. They also offer manuscript consultations and one-off seminars. They welcome beginners who are looking to try out a new creative pursuit, advanced writers looking to further hone their craft or embark on a specific project, and everyone in between. Website.
LaVenson Press Studios – Located on 3.5 acres of inspiring rural land in Hillsborough, LaVenson Press Studios seeks to offer women and young women workshops that instill emotional, and psychological truth in their writing. Director Zelda Lockhart facilitates workshops along with other teaching artists like Kelly Starling Lyons, Grey Brown, Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Kim Arrington. Genres include fiction, memoir, song writing, children’s literature writing, poetry and screenwriting. Because Lockhart feels that one’s writing is not finished until it reaches its audience, LaVenson Press Studios also hosts a literary magazine, Firefly Ridge, which hosts a Poetry & Prose Literary Competition yearly. Website.
