Sydney Speculative Scribes

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

Wed, Apr 22 · 5:30 PM AEST

Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NS, AU

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

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
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.

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 so they can set out enough places for us on the night.

Photo credit: Cedrik Wesche

Global Book Crawl x Teahouses of Sydney

Sun, Apr 26 · 10:00 AM AEST

Abbey's Bookshop, 131 York Street, Sydney, AU

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." So said author CS Lewis of the strong link between books and tea.

For the Global Book Crawl (20-26 April 2026), I'm pairing some book browsing sessions with tea meetups. Come join me?

10am: Abbey's/Galaxy Bookshop, 131 York Street, Sydney
11am: The Palace Tea Room, QVB
Noon: Kinokuniya, The Galeries (+ Dulcet Cafe)

Browsing books is free, tea at your own expense.

Workshop: From the Page to the Stage

Sun, May 10 · 11:00 AM AEST

WestWords, 41 Hunter Street, Parramatta, AU

Former stand-up comedian, TV and radio personality Adam Richard shares tips on how to improve your stage presence. Whether you want to read at Open Mic for the first time, or take the stage or the mic for another occasion, this workshop will help you to express yourself to a room full of people.

FREE! But registration is required

Adam Richard's career has spanned stand-up comedy, radio and television – both in front of the camera and as a writer. His spec-adjacent work includes writing and starring in the TV series Outland (2012), about a queer sci-fi fan club, and as a panellist on the ABC's Whovians (2017-2020) featuring Doctor Who fans. He has a podcast, 'Adam Richard Has a Theory', and his fiction has appeared in the 2025 UTS Writers’ Anthology Light the Lanterns.

Find him at www.adamrichard.com.au.

Click here to register

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.

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. 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.