Creative Writing Sydney

Short Story Club: 'Bright Hearts' by Kaaron Warren

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 Ditmar finalist '[Bright Hearts](https://reactormag.com/bright-hearts-kaaron-warren/)' by Kaaron Warren. Kaaron Warren published her first short story in 1993 and has had fiction in print every year since. She has published six multi-award winning novels (*Slights*, *Walking the Tree*, *Mistification*, *The Grief Hole*, *Tide of Stone*, and *The Underhistory*) and eight short story collections, the most recent being *Calvaria Fell*, with Cat Sparks. No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story.

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?

Write Night in Marrickville 2026!

Welcome to Write Night in Marrickville! We're meeting at Thirstville on Illawarra Road Marrickville. Its a very chilled out venue, and has a nice upstairs area which suits a writing group well. 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.

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. We meet in the NSW State Library Café. We have a general chat and catch-up from 10:00-1:00pm that's casual and friendly where we discuss all things writing (and some not-so-writing-related topics). From 1:00-3:00, there's a write-in in one of the library study rooms downstairs for anyone who wants to get some words down or pages edited.

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. We meet in the NSW State Library Café. We have a general chat and catch-up from 10:00-1:00pm that's casual and friendly where we discuss all things writing (and some not-so-writing-related topics). From 1:00-3:00, there's a write-in in one of the library study rooms downstairs for anyone who wants to get some words down or pages edited.

Scribes Social

Whether you've been with us from the beginning or just want to get to know the people behind the group, this social session is for you. Meet the Sydney Speculative Scribes team and other scribes at The Orchard Tavern. We'll start with sharing our favourite speculative fiction (stories, books. movies, TV shows etc) from 2026 – a great time to give recommendations and find other fans of your favourite works. Then feel free to chat about your work-in-progress, share goals and exchange writing tips for the coming year. We'll be in the Hideaway section (mezzanine of The Orchard Hotel) – ask bar staff if you are lost. You're welcome to order food and drink and join us at any time.

Shut up & Write Bondi Junction

Join us at the Bonnibel cafe in Bondi Junction every week for an hour of solid writing. Whether you’re making the finishing touches to your manuscript or staring at a blank first page, this is the place to get some words down. Don’t worry, no one will ask you to share your work. There are no critiques or prompts, no unsolicited advice and definitely no reading aloud to a room of people. Just the chance to meet fellow writers and get some work done in a friendly environment. Writing can be a solitary hobby. Everyone feels like they’re writing a bestseller on Monday and a nonsensical fiasco on Friday. Come and hang out with fellow writers who understand the highs, the lows and the absolute slog of act 2. The structure: • 7pm: Arrive, settle in, chat to those around you • 7:15: Write in silence for an hour • 8:15: Stop writing, chat about how the session went, mark down your word count etc… • 8:30: The session ends but feel free to stick around and chat more if you like 😊The cafe stays open till 10 Don’t worry if you’re not writing a novel. We've had people writing blog posts, poems, jokes, academic papers and more besides! So if any of this appeals to you, hit that attending button, shut up, and write!

Advanced Writers' Group

Our in-person sessions, following the IWWG session.

Sydney Rapid Romance and Quick Sparks

We are trying something a little different for our next gathering. Instead of our usual screenwriting talk, we are hosting a speed dating night for our community. The idea is to keep things relaxed and low-pressure, giving everyone a chance to meet people from our club that they might not have had a proper conversation with yet. Whether you are looking for romance or just hoping to expand your social circle, it should be a fun change of pace from our typical meetups. We will have a series of quick rounds where you can chat with different members, followed by some time to hang out and grab a drink afterward. This is open to anyone in the Drafting Dreams community who wants to step away from the keyboard for a few hours and meet some new faces in person. It is just a casual way to see if there is any chemistry or connection between us, screenwriting aside. If you are interested in joining us, please make sure to RSVP by the end of the week so we can get the numbers right for the venue. We are looking forward to seeing who shows up and hopefully sparking a few new connections.

Shorts Off - Video Creators Play Session

**Monthly play session for content creators! Come mingle with your fellow creatives, team up, and having a blast making short videos.** **Event rundown:** **3:00pm Creatives mingle (light refreshments)** **3:30pm Session begins! A theme is introduced.** **Guests pitch ideas, vote, and form teams.** **4:00pm Teams write, shoot & edit an under-1-minute video.** **6:30pm Screening, prize! And more mingling.** **Whether you're a pro or just love creating, come join the fun. Bring your gear (optional), meet new people, and make something awesome.** **Check out www.shortsoff.com for more info.** **You read this full description, here is a $5 off promo code as thank you!** **Promo: HIGHFIVE** **https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/shorts-off-video-creators-play-session-tickets-2003557979852** *************************** **Questions? hello@shortsoff.com**

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. Sign up from 630PM Performances start at 7PM

Sappho poetry night