Creative Writing Sydney

Inner West Writers Group - Write Club

Saturday 15 August is an in-person event at Marrickville Library. RSVP to secure a place. 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 words of your latest writing - fiction writers of all types, memoirists, biographers, graphic novelists, bloggists, poets - all writers welcome. You will have up to eight 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, but membership is essential in wider to attend. 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.

Romance Writers of Australia - Sydney Meetup

This is our monthly meet-up!! This is a social group for local romance writers to discuss all things craft, publishing, and overall a chance to connect with other writers and refill the creative well. This is a group designated for ROMANCE writers (romantasy, paranormal romance, historical romance, etc.). Please review the group's description for further information. We do not read sections/give feedback during these meetings unlike many other writing groups. Please save some trees and do not print/bring copies of your work during the meet-up.

Anonymous Readings

Please buy your ticket on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996438103109?aff=oddtdtcreator The heart of this event is creating a space for writing that feels a little too vulnerable, strange, personal, or unconventional for a typical open mic. Bring a poem, journal entry, story, lyrics, letter, or any piece of writing you’d like to share. It might be something you’ve always wanted to read aloud or share but never quite found the right space for. Maybe it’s deeply personal. Maybe it’s dark, funny, messy, intense, embarrassing, provocative, or unfinished. Whatever it is, this is a space where the focus is on honesty and expression. When you arrive, you’ll place your writing into a hat anonymously. Everyone will then draw a piece at random and read someone else’s work aloud. Your words get to be heard without the pressure of standing up and claiming them as your own. This is a participant-focused event. Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring a piece of writing and take part in the anonymous readings. The idea is that we’re all readers, writers, and supporters of one another. As the community grows, we may open future events to spectators, but for now I’d love everyone to participate.

Short Story Club: 'Singing My Sister Down' by Margo Lanagan

Short Story Club is a reading club for time-poor people who love speculative fiction. Just like other clubs we read the story and discuss it... though expect to go deeper into craft as writers. This session we're reading Margo Lanagan's 'Singing My Sister Down', an Aurealis and Ditmar Award-winning story that was also selected for a few Year's Best anthologies. This is available to read as part of her [collection of the same name](https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/220726254?keyword=singing%20my%20sister%20down) or an [audio version read by Paul Capsis](https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/singing-my-sister-down-by-margo-lanagan-read-by-paul-capsis/id1805313866?i=1000713159939). WSU students and staff can read the story [here](https://uws.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?context=PC&vid=61UWSTSYD_INST:UWS_ALMA&search_scope=AUS&tab=Everything&lang=en&docid=cdi_austlit_primary_C531896_utm_source_proquest) (login required). August's Short Story Club is co-hosted with 2026 Parramatta Laureate **Eda Gunaydin** at Western Sydney University. No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story. *Image credit: [Allen & Unwin](https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Margo-Lanagan-Singing-My-Sister-Down-and-other-stories-9781760295134)*

Write Night in Marrickville 2026!

Hi everyone. After a long hiatus, Welcome to Write Night in Marrickville (2026)! Its been a while, but Id like to get this group going again. For those of you who have previously attended the group, we're having a change of venue. I'd like to move Write Night to Thirstville on Illawarra Road Marrickville. Its a quieter venue (compared to the Gasoline Pony where we used to meet), very chilled out, and has a nice upstairs area which should suit us well for a meeting. The night will be in two parts - 1) The group starts the evening with some writing exercises, so please bring along paper, pencil/pen, laptop, whatever works for you. 2) After that, we go over any written material you care to share with us. Please bring two A4 pages at most, or a few more if spaced out (such as with poetry). Please bring around 6-8 print-outs of pre-written work to share with others - the benefit of paper is that people can write thoughts and feedback on them, and we can all relax with less screen time. If you cant print anything, no problem, we'll work something out. Please be prepared to offer constructive - but nice and supportive - feedback. The official finish time as 8.30pm, but feel free to hang around for mid-week socialising with fellow creatives if you like. Very relaxed and welcoming! Many thanks, and have a great night! Cheers, Roger.

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

Twisted Fiction readings

Twisted Fiction returns at The Shakespeare Hotel. Don’t miss out on a night of fantastical storytelling. With tales from: * Kell Woods * Jeremy Szal * Jamie Ramjan * Erin Latimer **FREE**

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

**If you're coming, [please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817) as well as here so they can set out enough places for us on the night.** 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. 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. \*\*\* **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. **[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. Did I mention you should **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** to make sure they know our numbers?

Ashfield Writing Group #16

Bring along 750-1500, share your work and prepare to get some feedback! Sessions are fairly free flowing but will follow a basic format of 6-8 minutes of reading and 6-8 minutes of feedback for each participant. If you are having trouble finding the entrance to Ashfield library, use this document. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing) This link is to the google drive folder. If you'd like to put your writing here, send a request for permissions. The folder is for any longer pieces you'd like to share, whether that's for feedback or just because you want someone to read it. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link)

Advanced Writers' Group

Our in-person sessions, following the IWWG session.

Open Mic Night @ Soultrap Surry Hills

✨ Open Mic Night @ Soul Trap – Surry Hills ✨ We’ve locked in a venue — and it’s a good one. Join us at Soul Trap, Surry Hills, a small, classy, intimate spot that’s perfect for a relaxed nighttime open mic and social hang. 🎤 Want to get on the mic? Share music, poetry, acting, or anything you feel like trying out. 🍷 Mostly want to hang out and meet people? Absolutely welcome. Come watch, chat, connect, and enjoy the vibe — you don’t need to perform to be part of the night. 🎟 Free entry 🤝 Friendly, social atmosphere ✨ Come solo or bring a friend This is about community as much as creativity. Low pressure, supportive energy, good conversations, and a room full of interesting people.

Painting Creative Art Experience

**Painting Creative Art Experience** Join us for a fun and relaxing in-person workshop where you'll explore the power of painting to unlock your creativity and promote healing. No experience needed—just bring your open mind and let your imagination flow! Step into a calm, welcoming space where you can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through colour and creative expression. This is a gentle, guided painting experience designed to support emotional release, relaxation, and creative flow—no art experience needed. You don’t need to be “good at art.” You just need to come as you are. Through intuitive painting and reflective creative exercises, you’ll be invited to explore your inner world in a safe and supportive environment. This is a space to let go of pressure, quiet the mind, and reconnect with your natural creativity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or simply needing time to rest and reset, this workshop offers a pause from everyday life and a return to yourself. You’ll be gently guided by **Louisa Chan**, an artist and art therapist who integrates creativity, emotional wellbeing, and healing practices into her work. Expect a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere, soft guidance, and a sense of freedom to express what words often cannot. **In this workshop you will:** * Explore painting as a tool for emotional expression and release * Experience a calm, supportive creative space * Reconnect with your imagination and inner world * Let go of perfection and create freely * Leave feeling more grounded, lighter, and creatively refreshed No experience needed. All materials are provided. Come as you are—leave with colour, calm, and something meaningful you created from within.