Fiction Writing Sydney

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?

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.

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! For those of you who have previously attended the group, we've moved - we're now at 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.

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](https://scribes.com.au/consyderation-program/)** **Cost is $64.50** for a day pass (workshops are +$30.50 each) [Buy through Sydney Fringe](https://sydneyfringe.com/events/consyderation/) OR if you want to come to other events at ConSYDeration, [read this guide](https://scribes.com.au/consyderation-tickets/) first. *Please note a 'yes' RSVP does not secure your place. You must [book and pay for a ticket via Sydney Fringe](https://scribes.com.au/consyderation-tickets/).*

Proposal Writing - 1 Day Workshop in Sydney

**The Winning Edge: Master the Art of Persuasive Proposal Writing** Learn to research, write, and polish winning business proposals in our practical 1-day Proposal Writing workshop. **Ready to secure your spot? 🎯 Register now and complete your payment securely via Stripe Checkout!** [Click Here](https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ1aam1YGeG4aeg2oE43) **Program Details** **Duration:** 1 Full Day (8 Hours) **Delivery Mode:** Classroom / Inhouse **Language:** English **Credits:** 8 PDUs / Training Hours **Certification:** Course Completion Certificate **Refreshments:** Lunch, Snacks, and beverages will be provided during the session **Elevate your writing. Increase your influence. Win more business.** **If you would like weekend training sessions, kindly reach out to us at [info@mangates.com](info@mangates.com) for availability and scheduling.** **In a competitive market, is your proposal just a document, or is it a definitive argument for your success?** A truly effective proposal does more than just list services—it positions your solution as the only logical choice for the reader. Whether you are bidding for a major contract, applying for a grant, or pitching to an investor, the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing are what separate winners from the rest. **Why Results-Driven Professionals Choose This Course:** Winning proposals are built on strategy, not just words. This session is engineered to help you: • **Think Like an Evaluator**: Understand the psychology of buyers and investors to address their needs before they even ask. • **Differentiate from Competition**: Learn the art of "ghosting" the competition—highlighting your strengths while subtly exposing their weaknesses. • **Master Persuasive Syntax**: Move beyond basic grammar to master the voice, tone, and transitions that lead a reader to a "Yes." • **Streamline Your Process**: Use proven templates and outlines to write high-quality proposals in less time. **The Professional Curriculum:** **Module 1: The Strategic Foundation** • Defining the proposal and the modern writing process. • Navigating different types of proposals and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). **Module 2: Purpose & Audience Alignment** • Identifying your core purpose and performing a deep needs analysis. • Crafting a powerful goal statement that resonates. **Module 3: Structural Frameworks** • Mastering general formats and specialized sections. • Building a detailed framework that ensures no critical detail is missed. **Module 4: Fact-Finding & Data Organization** • Identifying and leveraging high-quality resources and the internet. • Organizing complex information for maximum clarity. **Modules 5 & 6: Advanced Writing & Persuasion Skills** • Mastering grammar, sentence construction, and persuasive voice. • Creating strong transitions and building logical, undeniable conclusions. **Module 7: Educating the Evaluator** • Using illustrations and strategic writing to guide the evaluator’s decision. • Techniques for "ghosting" the competition effectively. **Modules 8 & 9: Precision Editing & Proofreading** • Using the Readability Index to ensure your message is crystal clear. • Professional proofreading and editing techniques, including the power of peer review. **Module 10: The Final Professional Package** • Typesetting tips and achieving a high-end look and feel. • Packaging your proposal for maximum professional impact. **Tailored for Your Business:** Does your team struggle with specific RFP formats, government contracts, or complex technical bids? We offer Customized In-House Training designed to align perfectly with your organization’s business development goals. The primary benefit of our in-house sessions **is** contextual relevance. We don’t just use generic examples; we can tailor the content to your specific industry and current bidding challenges. We can work directly with your existing templates or help you build new ones, ensuring that your team leaves the workshop with a refined, ready-to-use process that increases your organization’s win rate. **©2026 Mangates Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd. This content is protected by copyright law. Copy or Reproduction without permission is prohibited.** **Who Should Attend?** This course is open to anybody looking to improve their professional influence, including: • Sales & Business Development Teams • Grant Writers & Non-Profit Professionals • Project Managers & Freelancers • Entrepreneurs seeking investment or partnerships **📧 Contact us today to schedule a customized in-house session: [corporate@mangates.com](corporate@mangates.com)** ## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** **1\. Do I need to be a professional writer to attend this course?** **No.** This course is designed for anyone who needs to write persuasive proposals, whether for business, grants, contracts, or internal approvals. You'll learn practical techniques that anyone can apply, regardless of writing experience. *** **2\. Does this course cover grant writing?** **Yes.** While the course focuses on proposal writing principles applicable across industries, it also covers techniques relevant to grant applications, funding proposals, business contracts, and internal business cases. *** **3\. What is "ghosting the competition"?** It is a proposal strategy that highlights your unique strengths and value proposition while subtly addressing common weaknesses found in competing solutions—without directly mentioning competitors. *** **4\. Will I receive templates and resources after the workshop?** **Yes.** Participants receive a comprehensive course manual containing proposal templates, writing frameworks, best practices, and practical tips to support future proposal development. *** **5\. How does the course help with Request for Proposal \(RFP\) responses?** You'll learn how to interpret RFP requirements, understand evaluation criteria, ensure compliance, and develop compelling responses that improve your chances of success. *** **6\. What is a Needs Analysis in proposal writing?** A Needs Analysis identifies the client's challenges, objectives, and expectations. The course teaches you how to align your proposal with these needs to create more persuasive, client-focused solutions. *** **7\. Will this course improve my business writing skills?** **Yes.** In addition to proposal strategies, you'll learn professional writing techniques, including clear sentence structure, effective language, and common writing practices that improve clarity and credibility. *** **8\. What is the Readability Index\, and why is it important?** The Readability Index measures how easy your proposal is to understand. You'll learn how to write clear, concise content that keeps evaluators engaged and communicates your message effectively. *** **9\. Does the course cover proposal design and formatting?** **Yes.** The workshop includes guidance on proposal layout, formatting, document structure, and professional presentation to ensure your proposals are both visually appealing and easy to navigate. *** **10\. Can this course be delivered onsite for our organization?** **Yes.** The workshop is available in onsite, classroom, and virtual formats. For corporate groups, the content can be customized to align with your industry, proposal processes, and organizational requirements. **11\. What is the refund policy?** You are eligible to request a refund up to 7 days before the event.

Scribes Social

So we just finished hosting our first con at Old Government House... and this the ConSYDeration afterparty. Whether or not you came to the con, you're welcome to come meet us at the pub after for 'barcon' and have a chat about all things spec fic. *Everyone pays for their own meal + drinks* See [menu](https://www.woolpackhotel.com.au/dining)

Cognitive benefits of reading fiction

Inspired by my book club meetings, I want to explore and discuss reading fiction and how it affects our minds, especially in the realms of imagination and personal development. Please listen to the following podcast (All In The Mind - BBC) and/or read the open source journal article (Science Direct) 1. How does reading fiction impact our imagination and mental health? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002wv4n 2. The benefits of reading narrative fiction (10-12 paragraphs or 4 pages) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X26001065

Western Classics Book Club social

A social for those who come along to the Western Classics Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. People are encouraged to bring their literary heads along for uplifting discussion and witty repartee. Also, do bring along a book to swap! Although meeting at the usual place (The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills) we will be meeting in one of the smaller rooms on the same floor. Look for the sign! Contact dalemills@cantab.net for more info.

Book Club - 'Black Bag' by Luke Kennard and 'Whistler' by Anne Patchett

SSP TUE - CITY LIGHT & SHADOWS IN MONOCHROME : Kings Cross

Explore the light, shadows, architecture and street life of Kings Cross, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay on a monochrome photography walk following the City of Sydney’s “Passion: Sydney’s Wild Side” cultural route.(see Photos for details) Coffee before the walk and an optional group pub lunch afterwards. **First meeting point:** For those who like coffee, from 10:00 am **Uliveto Café** Location: Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, close to Kings Cross Station **Second meeting point** (Walk starting point): The Coca-Cola Sign, at 10:30 am **Group lunch** Lunch time: Approximately 12:00–12:15 pm Location: **Kings Cross Hotel,** Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross **Photography theme: City Light and Shadows** During this walk, look for: **Pools of light:** Wait for a person to walk through a brightly lit section of pavement while the surrounding area remains in shadow. ↳ **Silhouettes:** Photograph people against bright walls, windows, the sky or reflective surfaces. Exposure compensation may help preserve the highlights and turn the person into a strong graphic shape. **Layers and framing:** Use doorways, railings, stairways, tree branches and architectural openings to divide the frame or surround your subject. **Human gestures:** Street photography can include people as important subjects. Look for an expressive stride, a conversation, an unusual interaction, a moment of solitude or a figure whose position completes the composition. ↳ **Tonal contrast:** Search for scenes containing very bright and very dark areas. In monochrome photography, separation between tones can be more important than the original colours. **Textures and traces of history:** Weathered walls, stone steps, iron fences, old façades, signs and pavement details can communicate the character of the neighbourhood. **Suggested shooting areas** **The Cross and Darlinghurst Road** The walk begins amid the visual intensity of Kings Cross. Look for shopfront reflections, signs, traffic, pedestrians emerging from the station and contrasts between older façades and contemporary street life. This is a good place to practise **layered compositions**. Rather than photographing one person against an empty background, try combining foreground reflections, a middle-distance subject and architectural detail farther away.↳ A slower shutter speed can introduce movement into passing pedestrians or vehicles, while a faster shutter speed can isolate gestures and brief interactions. **Victoria Street and 202 Victoria Street** As we move away from the commercial centre, the visual rhythm changes. Terraces, apartment entrances, balconies, fences and trees create repeated lines and alternating patches of light and shade. Look for people entering and leaving buildings, figures partially hidden by trees, and subjects framed by gates or doorways. In monochrome, small differences in texture—paint, brick, stone, foliage and clothing—can become important. **Butler Stairs and McElhone Stairs** The stairways are among the strongest locations for our theme. Steps, handrails and retaining walls naturally produce leading lines, repeating geometry and deep shadows. Try photographing: \*a single person ascending or descending the stairs * shadows cast across the steps \*a figure positioned between railings↳ * a high-angle or low-angle composition \*the contrast between a sunlit landing and a darker staircase Be considerate here, as the stairs are public access routes. Keep camera bags close and leave space for residents and pedestrians. **Embarkation Park** The park provides a visual transition from the dense streetscape to a more open environment. Trees can create broken or dappled shadows across paths, walls and people. Look for small figures within larger compositions and relationships between people, foliage, surrounding buildings and open sky. This can be an opportunity to make quieter photographs rather than concentrating only on dramatic contrast. **St Vincent’s College, Challis Avenue and surrounding streets** The institutional architecture, mature trees and residential streets offer strong vertical lines, formal façades and framed views. Challis Avenue may provide opportunities to photograph café activity, local residents, deliveries and everyday interactions. Watch for people passing between sun and shade or appearing briefly between parked cars, trees and building entrances. **Yellow House** Around Yellow House, consider the relationship between the neighbourhood’s artistic history and its present-day appearance. Instead of making only a straightforward record of the building, look for fragments, details, reflections and human activity nearby.↳ A person walking past an unusual façade can give the image scale and turn an architectural photograph into a street photograph. **Elizabeth Bay House and nearby streets** This section introduces more formal heritage architecture and landscaped surroundings. Columns, gates, windows, paths and symmetrical elements can be used as compositional frameworks. Try waiting for a person to enter a carefully arranged architectural composition. The human subject does not need to dominate the frame; a small figure can provide scale, contrast and narrative. **Kingsclere, Tusculum and Wayside Chapel** These locations bring together different layers of the area’s architectural and social character. Look for contrasts between grand buildings and ordinary street activity. At Wayside Chapel and the surrounding streets, approach photography with particular sensitivity and respect. Do not photograph people who may be vulnerable or experiencing distress merely for visual effect.↳ Strong street photography is not only visually interesting—it should also recognise the dignity of the people being photographed. **Orwell Street and Llankelly Place** This area offers narrow streets, pedestrian movement, café activity and changing light between buildings. It may be one of the best locations for using shop windows and reflections. Experiment with: * photographing through glass \*combining reflections with people inside or outside * waiting for several figures to occupy different parts of the frame \*underexposing slightly to preserve bright highlights * using narrow passages to create depth **Fitzroy Gardens and Darlinghurst Road** Near the end of the walk, Fitzroy Gardens provides opportunities for candid moments involving people sitting, walking, talking or moving between the trees and surrounding streets.↳ As we return to Darlinghurst Road, the busier environment gives us another chance to work with pedestrians, signs, traffic and strong graphic contrasts. Consider how your photographs from the end of the route differ from those taken at the beginning.

LITERARY LUNCH WITH JENNI AND AUTHOR TIM AYLIFFE AT THE EPPING CLUB