ConSYDeration: Sunday

ConSYDeration 2026 is the inaugural speculative writers con for Western Sydney and beyond. Sydney Speculative Scribes and WestWords have partnered to provide an event for speculative fiction writers (science fiction, fantasy and its subgenres), offering panels, workshops and presentations.

Doors open 9am for a 10am start.

Local Hero Garth Thomas in conversation with fellow YA author Emma Lord

Garth Thomas spent 35 years at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation working in news and current affairs (winning several awards, including an Ellie Award). Now in retirement, he wants to tell his own stories. He resides in Carlingford NSW, with two wonderful daughters who have come to appreciate spooky old movies starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi… much in the same spirit (pun intended) as She Walks With Ghosts, his debut novel.

Emma Lord is an Australian author with a love of all things sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Her award-winning debut novel Anomaly was published in 2024. The sequel, Scion, is set for release in October 2026. Emma lives in Sydney’s inner west with her husband, daughter, and Lieutenant Aubrey (an extremely affectionate Bordoodle).

Panel sessions are 50 minutes each

• 11am: Speculative Publishing Insights | On the trends and challenges in the spec fic publishing space
• Noon: The Art of Researching | On how to research for worldbuilding purposes
• 2pm: Using and Abusing History | On alt-history, and how to use history in your writing
• 3pm: Sometimes Speculative: Genre-switching in a body of work | On building a multidisciplinary, multigenre writing career
• 4.30pm: State of the Short Story | On how and why you should write short stories
• 5.30pm: Open Mic with featured reader Jeff Clulow

Workshops available (additional cost)

• 11am: Short Story Essentials – From Idea to Publication with Guan Un
• Publicity 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Book PR with Simone Corletto
• Story Matrices: Using History to Build Fantasy Worlds with Dr Gillian Polack

See full program

Cost is $64.50 for a day pass (workshops are +$30.50 each)

Buy through Sydney Fringe OR if you want to come to other events at ConSYDeration, read this guide first.

Please note a 'yes' RSVP does not secure your place. You must book and pay for a ticket via Sydney Fringe.