Write On! Resources for Writers in San Miguel

By Catherine Marenghi

San Miguel de Allende is home to a vibrant literary community that nourishes both new and established talent. Writers who are new to San Miguel, and even seasoned pros, may not know about the wealth of opportunities available to improve their craft and share their work – many free of charge. Here are a few:

San Miguel Literary Sala. The Literary Sala has been the focal point of local literary activity for more than 20 years. It produces the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival, the monthly San Miguel Poetry and Prose Cafes, and numerous programs, book fairs, and publications. Membership ($50 a year) entitles authors to sell their books at the Biblioteca’s Tesoros bookstore, Aurora Books, and the on-site bookstore at the annual Writers’ Conference. Other benefits: featuring your book(s) on the Literary Sala’s online “Books by Our Members” page, announcing your book or launch event in its wide-reaching email newsletter, and more.

For membership information: sanmiguelliterarysala.org/memberships. And while you’re there, sign up to receive the Literary Sala email newsletter!

San Miguel Writers’ Group. If you seek quiet, distraction-free writing time and a community of likeminded writers, consider joining this group. Founded more than eight years ago, the group currently meets at the Biblioteca courtyard every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Facilitators are writers Amy Cotler and Rosaleen Bertolino with occasional guest hosts. Writers at all levels share their writerly intentions and then disperse to write quietly in the Biblioteca. They reconvene at 12:30 p.m. to report on their progress, and read from their work if they choose. “Writers are kind, respectful and inclusive,” says Cotler.

To join and receive weekly reminders, contact Amy at amycotler@gmail.com

The Not Yet Dead Poets Society. Every Sunday, 3:00-4:30 p.m., this informal group meets at the Casa de la Noche on Organos 19. This 14-year institution invites poets and poetry enthusiasts to read their work or that of others, or just to listen. The group does not define “poetry.” Because Barbara Poole of Casa de la Noche has generously provided meeting space for years, attendees are asked for a small voluntary donation, $50 mxn. “There is always a seat at the table for you,” says long-time facilitator Bill Cloud.

No registration. Just show up!

San Miguel Poetry and Prose Café. This venerable monthly reading series runs September to April. Founded in 2019, the group typically features 3-4 live readings at each event. Recent events have taken place at Café Murmullo. To apply for a future reading slot, contact Rosaleen Bertolino at smapoetryandprosecafe@gmail.com; include your brief bio, genre, months you are in San Miguel, and a writing sample (no more than 5 pages).

San Miguel Writers’ Confe-rence & Literary Festival. February 11^th-15^th, 2026. This internationally acclaimed conference offers writers a wealth of learning and networking opportunities with publishers, agents and authors. Consider:

1. One-on-one consultations with literary agents (fee-based).

2. Free open-mic opportunities. Spaces fill up quickly, so sign up as soon as possible.

3. Conference Writing Contest. The winner receives the full Conference package, valued at $1,450, including access to the conference, parties and receptions, seven workshops, and one six-hour Intensive Workshop.

Entries are accepted for poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction/memoir, in Spanish or English.

Deadline is September 15^th, 2025.

Submit here: smwcfacultyproposals.submittable.com/submit

More information on all the above at sanmiguelwritersconference.org

Camino Silvestre/Nectar Café: This lovely store and café at Correo 43 has a courtyard buzzing with hummingbirds that has hosted many literary readings and book launches, including Sandra Cisneros, Merilyn Simonds, and others.

Join the store’s mailing list for notification of upcoming events: info@caminosilvestre.com.mx

Writers should keep an eye out for two annual events: FASMA, the Festival de las Artes San Miguel de Allende in August, and FELISMA, the Festival Literario y Feria del Libro de San Miguel de Allende in February.

New events and opportunities emerge throughout the year. Subscribe to local news media, check out what’s new at the Biblioteca and local bookstores like Aurora Books, follow local literary groups on social media, and talk to other writers!

Staff writer Catherine Marenghi is an award-winning poet, novelist, and memoirist and has published five books. She has been active in the San Miguel literary community for more than a decade. More information on her work is at www.marenghi.com