There’s something quietly electric about a space filled with caffeine, creativity, and shared ambition. Every Wednesday evening at Foxtail Coffee Co. in Venice, Florida, that energy comes alive as a tight-knit community of 20- and 30-something writers gathers for Young Writers Wednesday—an intimate, no-fluff gathering where stories are written, shared, and refined over expertly brewed coffee and mutual respect.
Whether you’re crafting your first novel, revising a short story, or untangling the plot of a screenplay, Young Writers Wednesday offers a rare blend of focused accountability and supportive feedback. It’s not a class. It’s not a meetup. It’s a commitment—a creative sanctuary where literary dreams turn into polished manuscripts.
A Space Where Stories Start (or Restart)
As laptops flicker open and notebooks are flipped to dog-eared pages, something transformational happens. The scent of fresh espresso mingles with the quiet hum of conversation and keyboard clicks. Foxtail Coffee’s welcoming vibe—complete with warm lighting, cozy corners, and baristas who know your name—becomes the unofficial writing studio for a community that thrives on momentum and mutual encouragement.
Each week, no more than seven writers gather, making the group small enough for meaningful critique but diverse enough for a wide range of perspectives. “It’s not about ego,” says Emma, a regular since 2024. “It’s about finishing your work and making it better. This group helped me pull my novel out of a drawer and polish it until I felt proud enough to submit it. I just got my first full manuscript request last month.”
Ritual, Routine, and Real Progress
The night follows a consistent rhythm. The first half-hour is for catching up, sipping coffee (Foxtail’s signature cold brew is the group favorite), and easing into the flow of the evening. Then, it’s time to work. Each writer presents up to 2,000 words, read aloud or shared in print, followed by group feedback.
The format is structured but kind: first, what worked; then, what could improve. This thoughtful approach creates a safe space to grow and be challenged, without sacrificing creative confidence. No harsh critiques. No vague comments. Just actionable insight from peers who care about storytelling craft as much as you do.
“Before this group, I thought writing was a solo sport,” says Jason, who recently finished a screenplay he’s submitting to competitions. “Now I understand the power of creative community. Every major breakthrough in my story came after one of these sessions.”
Coffee, Collaboration, and a Path to Publication
What starts at Foxtail rarely ends at 8 PM. When the café begins its evening close, conversations drift to the patio, extending the night with pastries and Kelly’s Ice Cream from the counter. These unscripted chats often dive deeper—into plot dilemmas, query strategies, and the reality of getting published.
Some members have formed ongoing writing partnerships, trading chapters and meeting outside of Wednesday nights to push through deadlines or celebrate breakthroughs. A few have even landed literary agents since joining, thanks to the confidence and clarity that come from consistent peer feedback.
Want to Join the Table?
If you’re a writer in your 20s or 30s and want to move your work from first draft to final form, Young Writers Wednesday might be exactly what you need. It’s free to attend, but the value? Immeasurable. Bring your work, buy a coffee, and prepare to be part of something creatively contagious.
📍 Where: Foxtail Coffee, 213 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL
📅 When: Every Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📣 RSVP or Questions? Reach out on Instagram @youngwriterswednesday or just show up with your draft in hand.
Because every great story needs a place to begin—and every great writer needs a tribe.
