Creative Writing Sydney

Inner West Writers Group - Write Club

The next Library session of the year is being held at Marrickville library on 21 Feb at 10am! This group started in January 2020 in a beautiful private room granted by Marrickville Library. We have continued to meet in person fortnightly at the Library, with alternate weeks via Zoom. To keep up to date - sign up and receive our messages! The group is flourishing! You will need to RSVP each week for the following Saturday so we can organise the right number of Zoom rooms and Library space to ensure good quality feedback. RSVP's will receive the link. The intention is to give a supportive environment to get traction on your writing project, gain useful feedback, and exchange writing and publishing information with each other. Please note that if you are attending for the first time - you are welcome to observe and listen to how we work. Your turn to read and be critiqued will be invited in the second session. So come along, bring up to 1500 to 2000 words of your latest writing - fiction writers of all types, memoirists, biographers, graphic novelists, bloggists, poets - all writers welcome. You will have up to ten minutes to read out your work, an equal time of constructive critique and feedback from the rest of the group. If you want a tribe of fellow writers to be with you as you finish your writing project, build your author profile, want to get inspired by other writers, or want to just listen and give constructive feedback (we all need beta readers), you are very welcome. This is a free event. Many thanks to Marrickville Library! For more information, contact Maria, mariaissaris@icloud.com, or Jamie Ramjan (jamie.ramjan@gmail.com) or Sunnie Mosphilis via DM.

Scribes Open Mic @ WestWords Parramatta

[WestWords](http://westwords.com.au/) has partnered with Sydney Speculative Scribes to take your word from the page to the stage. Come read a short story or an excerpt from your longer work and listen to other speculative fiction writers in an intimate and supportive environment. Our featured reader this session is **Yxavel Magno Diño.** **Yxavel Magno Diño** is the author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure novels *The Serpent Rider* and *The Firefly Crown*. She was born in the Philippines before moving to Sydney at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. To make up for it, she spent her time daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did. Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea or getting lost in the pages of a book. Find her at [ymdino.com](http://ymdino.com/) and [@yxavel_writes](https://www.instagram.com/yxavel_writes). **[FREE! RSVP required](https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-speculative-scribes-westwords-march-open-mic)** *In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.* **If you'd like to read, sign up to the open mic list when you [RSVP via Humanitix](https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-speculative-scribes-westwords-march-open-mic). If there are slots available, you may also add your name to the list on the day.** Your reading should be: * Speculative fiction (that's sci-fi, fantasy, horror, alt-history...) * Ideally 5 mins, no more than 10 mins long (about 1500 words) * Either a whole piece (microfiction) or a sensible chunk of a longer work (e.g. a chapter of a novel or a segment that leaves us wanting more from a longer short story) * Rehearsed and ready for sharing. **How to get there**: **Public transport**: WestWords is located at the corner of Marsden and Hunter Streets in Parramatta, 300m from the major Parramatta transportation hub, including Parramatta train station and Parramatta bus interchange. **Parking**: Some limited on-street parking and paid [parking stations](https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/living/parking-and-transport/car-parks). The Westfield also has parking, but please be aware it is very crowded on weekends. If you are a Club Parramatta member, there is free parking next to the club, which is a couple of blocks from the venue. **Cycle**: Bicycle parking is available on premises at your own risk, or at the south entrance of Parramatta Station. **Accessibility:** Please notify us if you require accessible parking as there is limited space on-site. The auditorium is located on the ground floor of the WestWords building but the venue has a few stairs leading into the building (and onto the stage). If you require ramp access, let us know in advance and we will do our best to assist. Unfortunately this heritage building does not have an accessible toilet.

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

Our aim is to provide a supportive community for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror etc) writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library. **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** *In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.* **Schedule:** **5:30 - 6:00 pm:** Introductions and casual chat **6:00 - 7:30 pm:** 'Focus & Write' session **7:30 - 8:30 pm:** Continue writing, or socialise and share your progress **What to bring:** Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper. Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups. **[How to get there](https://libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Locations-and-Hours/Chatswood-Library)** **Public transport**: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange. **Parking**: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found [here](https://www.theconcourse.com.au/visit/parking/). The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free. **Cycle**: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance. **Accessibility** For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist. Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area. **Our meeting room** We are in the **Creator Space**, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us. Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, **[please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** so they can set out enough places for us on the night. Photo credit: [Cedrik Wesche](https://unsplash.com/@cedrikwesche)

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

Our aim is to provide a supportive community for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror etc) writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library. **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** *In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.* **Schedule:** **5:30 - 6:00 pm:** Introductions and casual chat **6:00 - 7:30 pm:** 'Focus & Write' session **7:30 - 8:30 pm:** Continue writing, or socialise and share your progress **What to bring:** Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper. Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups. **[How to get there](https://libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Locations-and-Hours/Chatswood-Library)** **Public transport**: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange. **Parking**: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found [here](https://www.theconcourse.com.au/visit/parking/). The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free. **Cycle**: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance. **Accessibility** For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist. Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area. **Our meeting room** We are in the **Creator Space**, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us. Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, **[please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** so they can set out enough places for us on the night. Photo credit: [Cedrik Wesche](https://unsplash.com/@cedrikwesche)

Speculative Writing Night

This is a Sydney Speculative Scribes regular meeting (meetup https://www.meetup.com/sydney-speculative-scribes/events/312717109/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events and Discord). Our aim is to provide a supportive community for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror etc) writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library. **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** *In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.* **Schedule:** **5:30 - 6:00 pm:** Introductions and casual chat **6:00 - 7:30 pm:** 'Focus & Write' session **7:30 - 8:30 pm:** Continue writing, or socialise and share your progress **What to bring:** Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper. Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups. **[How to get there](https://libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Locations-and-Hours/Chatswood-Library)** **Public transport**: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange. **Parking**: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found [here](https://www.theconcourse.com.au/visit/parking/). The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free. **Cycle**: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance. **Accessibility** For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist. Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area. **Our meeting room** We are in the **Creator Space**, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us. Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, **[please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** so they can set out enough places for us on the night.

Writers at the Pub - Sydney Authors Inked

FREE EVENT From 4 Feb 2026 through to 2 Dec 2026, on the * **First Wednesday (2-3:30pm) every second month,** * **Second Thursday (6:30-8pm) every four months.** **Sydney Authors Inked presents 'Writers at the Pub'.** Come and support local authors by registering for your free tickets. Food and drink can be purchased at the pub, too. For more info, visit [https://sydneyauthorsinked.wordpress.com/](https://sydneyauthorsinked.wordpress.com/)

Craft Society: Scrap Journal 22nd Feb | Not-So Secret Society

#### Bring Your Journal: Slow Sunday Scrap Journaling ✨ Settle in for a calm and cozy afternoon of scrap journaling with us. This session is self led and all about gentle creativity, slow moments, and connecting with other women who love making pretty pages 💕 Feel free to bring your own materials if you have them. We will also have a sweet selection of stationery for you to use. **Across the session you can:** • Write, collage, plan, or play with your pages at your own pace ✍🏻 • Explore our stationery table with stickers, tapes, stamps, and papers 📚 • Use optional prompts if you want a little creative spark ✨ • Float between quiet focus and gentle chats with other journal lovers 🤍 **You will leave with:** • A refreshed or newly made journal spread 🌿 • Simple prompts to continue at home 🪄 • A soft mind and maybe a few new creative friends ☁️ **Bring your own journal. All extra materials are ready for you to use ✨** 📅 **Date:** Sunday, 22nd February 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 4PM-6:30PM 📍 **Location:** Not-So Secret Society Headquarters, Level 1, 245 Broadway, Glebe NSW 2037 Whether you come solo or with your besties, you’ll leave with a story you didn’t expect — and maybe a new chapter of friendship too. 💌 Also make sure to leave your instagram handle so we can add you to the group chat! **🚘 Parking Information** The closest parking to Not-So Secret Society HQ is at Broadway Sydney Car Park, 1 Bay St, Glebe. Hours: 6am – Midnight Entrances: Bay St, Francis St, or Grose St (best for North & South car parks - Max height is 1.95m – higher vehicles can use Bay St or nearby street parking) Rates: 0–2 hrs: FREE (exit within 60 mins of validation) 2–3 hrs: $11 \| 3–4 hrs: $22 \| 4–5 hrs: $33 5–6 hrs: $44 \| 6–7 hrs: $61 \| 7\+ hrs: $77 After 6pm, exit before midnight: FREE ***Note: This venue isn’t wheelchair accessible. We’re sorry for the limitation and are always on the lookout for spaces that welcome everyone.*** ***No Refunds.***

Stories that Stir®: Ideas Shape The World, But Stories Make Them Real.

Big ideas don’t live only in books—they come alive when we wrestle with them together. They spark something when they’re questioned, shared, and grounded in real human experience. Storytelling is where ideas leave the page and enter lived reality, turning concepts into insight and insight into meaningful change. When a story is told with honesty and depth, it invites us not just to think differently, but to see differently. Storytelling turns concepts into insight, inviting reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Listen closely, and ideas don’t just inform—they resonate, awaken, and stick. **Stories that Stir®** events are designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change. At each event, six people share a raw and personal story linked to a theme. Themes are juicy, emotive topics such as FREEDOM, TRUTH, EXPECTATIONS, CONNECTION etc. Audience members rave about how good it feels to spend a lovely evening, listening to other people’s funny, moving, and inspiring stories and how connected to humanity the event makes them feel. Come and listen to six storytellers, who will each share their 10-minute raw and personal story on the theme BEGINNINGS in all its shapes and forms. You’ll meet incredible people, maintain and increase your networks, and become known as someone who is doing something outstanding for your community and humanity. Tickets include a delicious grazing table to enjoy before the storytelling begins. Food allergies are catered to. **Meet your Storytellers:** **Twist of Fate – Rowena Robinson** Rowena had a tough start to life growing up in Housing Projects and later moving to the ghetto streets of South Central LA. She was determined to get out of there as she was certain she’d die if she didn’t, but had no idea how she would accomplish this. Sport and gymnastics in particular gave her a chance at a new beginning, not without a huge dose of tenacity and a few miracles thrown in for good measure. **For my Daughters – Victor Simone** Thursday ended perfectly for Victor and his family. Friday started like any other, with Victor heading to work, his wife Liz taking the girls to school, and meeting friends for coffee. A quick morning call with Liz; and a few hours later, Victor received a call from a friend that changed everything … that day was the beginning of his life as a single parent, shifting priorities and the reinvention of myself. **Mum of 14 – Toby Leider** At age 20, Toby met her husband, who qualified her five dealbreakers, which included a very large family. Her dream was shattered when she was told by the doctor that due to medical complications she couldn't have more than two children. Her Rabbi blessed and prayed for them and encouraged her to have natural birth after three cesareans. Not giving up her dream, through tears and hope, miraculously child [#3](https://www.storiesthatstir.com/search/posts?query=%23#3) was born with the Rabbis blessings, and 11 more after! **Blind Faith – Bashir** Born legally blind, Bashir discovered that true vision comes from within. It began with the courage to be curious enough to explore what he could achieve despite his limitations. This was the beginning of his portal to purpose, guiding him to awaken the transformative power of inner vision. **Invincible - Caroline Hey** As the saying goes, “Life happens when you have other plans.” After building a life that Caroline thought was creative, and nothing at all that her family expected of her, she still had the feeling that she wasn't on her destined path. That message became unmistakeably clear when she turned thirty. New beginnings were something she was accustomed to, in fact she chased them. Yet, this one was something different. Becoming invincible and being taught a superpower no one in the Western world talked about, was what life had planned for. But being invincible comes with its challenges. **Finding Belonging - Saurabh Kaura** Saurabh moved to Sydney in 2019 feeling excited, anonymous, and quietly overwhelmed. He spent years in sales roles, having conversations all day, yet often feeling disconnected once work ended. He was deeply introverted and struggled to feel like he belonged in his new country. Small steps with starting a podcast, a rapidly growing walking group and coffee meetings with a wide range of people became his way of finding confidence, connection, and community before he even realised what he was building. **\* Trigger warning:** Story content may include sensitive topics such as trauma, suicide, death etc. Earlybird ticket sales end on Sunday 8 Feb 2026: [https://www.storiesthatstir.com/event-details-registration/stories-that-stir-r-beginnings](https://www.storiesthatstir.com/event-details-registration/stories-that-stir-r-beginnings)

Spiritual Awakening and Cultivation Zen & Tao Te Ching in Centennial Park (Free)

The in-person discussion is for people to meet, discuss, share and help each other for Spiritual Growth, Cultivation and Network. We know that we have body, mind and spirit. The body is tangible and will go through birth, sickness, aging, and death. It also has duality, there is men and women and it lives in the physical world. Mind is intangible, but still has duality. There are positive/negative thoughts. The spirit is intangible and beyond duality. Lao Tzu used Tao to refer to origin of creation and the pure spirit within each one of us. Buddha called the pure spirit as Buddha nature, meaning everyone can reach Buddhahood or enlightenment. It is referred to as the image of God in Bible and spirit of Allah in Koran. The more modern terms can be pure awareness or pure consciousness. Even though there are different names, they all point to the same pure nature within us. The analogy of sun and clouds is one of my favourites. The pure nature can be likened to the sun, which is always emitting light regardless of sunny days, cloudy days or stormy days. The vexations such as anger, resentment, greed, ignorance, attachment to fame, possessions...etc. can be liken to clouds that can temporarily obscure the light from the pure nature. However, once they are blown away, the light or wisdom from the pure nature will shine again. The spiritual cultivation is the journey to awaken to the pure nature within us and how to blow away clouds of delusions to let the wisdom or light to flow from the pure nature without hindrance, which lead us to a life with joy, ease and love while living in this dualistic world. Welcome to join and share your understanding and realisation and how to apply them in life. We will meet in below location [https://maps.app.goo.gl/LGYjpccaPep2QfQC8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LGYjpccaPep2QfQC8) It's outdoors. **We will contact you via Meetup message to exchange mobile numbers so we can call or text each other to confirm details or locate one another on the day.** **If you don't receive our Meetup message, please email us at [TaoZen168@gmail.com](http://TaoZen168@gmail.com/) with your mobile number, and we will reach out to you directly.** Please see more details in below meetup groups and there are other events if you're interested. [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/tao-te-ching/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/tao-te-ching/) [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/vegetarian-vegan/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/vegetarian-vegan/) Looking forward to meeting you there.

Stories that Stir®: Human Connection and Healing through Storytelling

Zen and Tao Study for Spiritual Cultivation @ Flinders Slopes, Georges Hall, NSW

The in-person discussion is for people to meet, discuss, share and help each other for Spiritual Growth, Cultivation and Network. We know that we have body, mind and spirit. The body is tangible and will go through birth, sickness, aging, and death. It also has duality, there is men and women and it lives in the physical world. Mind is intangible, but still has duality. There are positive/negative thoughts. The spirit is intangible and beyond duality. Lao Tzu used Tao to refer to origin of creation and the pure spirit within each one of us. Buddha called the pure spirit as Buddha nature, meaning everyone can reach Buddhahood or enlightenment. It is referred to as the image of God in Bible and spirit of Allah in Koran. The more modern terms can be pure awareness or pure consciousness. Even though there are different names, they all point to the same pure nature within us. The analogy of sun and clouds is one of my favourites. The pure nature can be likened to the sun, which is always emitting light regardless of sunny days, cloudy days or stormy days. The vexations such as anger, resentment, greed, ignorance, attachment to fame, possessions...etc. can be liken to clouds that can temporarily obscure the light from the pure nature. However, once they are blown away, the light or wisdom from the pure nature will shine again. The spiritual cultivation is the journey to awaken to the pure nature within us and how to blow away clouds of delusions to let the wisdom or light to flow from the pure nature without hindrance, which lead us to a life with joy, ease and love while living in this dualistic world. Welcome to join and share your understanding and realisation and how to apply them in life. We have done the translation ourselves to reflect the true meaning of the original text as accurately as possible. We welcome any suggestions during the discussion. It's outdoors but under cover. So we can still do it even if it rains. There is tai chi and qi qong excercise from 9 30 AM at the same place if you like to do the workout. We meet near Flinders Slope playground, You can find location below. https://maps.app.goo.gl/kfBHSoxDCaErEgCk7 **Please note that there are regular attendees who may not RSVP here. Don't be discouraged by the low RSVP count. You're warmly welcome to join us!** **We will contact you via Meetup message to exchange mobile numbers so we can call or text each other to confirm details or locate one another on the day.** **If you don't receive our Meetup message, please email us at [TaoZen168@gmail.com](http://TaoZen168@gmail.com/) with your mobile number, and we will reach out to you directly.** Please see more details in below meetup groups and there are other events if you're interested. [https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/tao-te-ching/](https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/tao-te-ching/) [https://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-vegan/](https://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-vegan/) Looking forward to meeting you there.

Online Photography - The letter L