What we’re about
A community for writers of speculative fiction, emerging and established. This Meetup is designed for writers serious about their craft and will feature events to educate and support you.
We meet from 5.30-8.30pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Creator Space at Chatswood Library.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Australian Society of Authors: Getting fantasy published (Virtual)Link visible for attendees
Fantasy is a hugely popular genre with readers around the globe, but can be a tough sell to publishers in Australia. Many authors working in this space struggle to secure a literary agent or traditional publisher. What is it about the market for fantasy that makes an author’s path to publication so challenging, and how can a fantasy author get their start?
Shelley Parker-Chan and Lev Grossman are two fantasy authors who have found great success through traditional publishing. In this conversation, they will be sharing their publishing experiences, which approaches and avenues have worked for them, and what they have learned about the fantasy genre and the publishing industry along the way.
If you’re a fantasy author, you’ll not want to miss this inspiring session with Lev and Shelley, who will address questions such as:
- Where does the fantasy genre sit in the Australian publishing landscape?
- How does the local fantasy market differ from the international market?
- Do fantasy authors need an agent to get published?
- Should fantasy authors be aiming to get represented or published overseas first?
- Are stand-alones or series more attractive to publishers when you’re starting out?
- How can you improve your chances of success when pitching fantasy?
There will be time for further questions from the participants.
Cost is $70 (or $35 for ASA members)
Book your place via the ASA website
Please note a 'yes' RSVP does not secure your place. You must book and pay via the ASA link above.
- Scribes Open Mic @ WestWords ParramattaWestWords, Parramatta
WestWords 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.
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 arrive.
Your reading should be:
- Speculative fiction (that's sci-fi, fantasy, horror, alt-history...)
- Ideally 5 mins, no more than 8 mins long (about 1000 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. 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.
- Kaliane Bradley: The Ministry of TimeCarriageWorks, Darlington
The Ministry of Time landed on multiple bestseller lists thanks to its highly original, genre-defying story, which combines elements of time travel, romance and spy thriller.
Described by Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton as “outrageously brilliant”, Kaliane Bradley’s debut challenges the boundaries of literary and genre fiction as the past meets the future when a disaffected civil servant accepts a job at a mysterious new government ministry specialising in ‘historical expats’.
Join Kaliane and host Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey to unpack the triumph of Kaliane’s debut novel and what it means to change the world by defying history. With an introduction from Fiona Morrison.
Cost is $35-45 in person or buy a Livestream day pass for $35
Please note a 'yes' RSVP does not confirm your place. You must purchase a ticket from the Sydney Writers' Festival above. Adeline will be attending in person.
- Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood LibraryChatswood Library, Chatswood
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.
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 progressWhat 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
