Fiction Writing Sydney

Inner West Writers Group - Write Club

Saturday 26 September is an in-person event at Marrickville Library. RSVP to secure a place! This group started in January 2020 in a beautiful private room granted by Marrickville Library. We have continued to meet in person fortnightly at the Library, with alternate weeks via Zoom. To keep up to date - sign up and receive our notifications. The group is flourishing! You will need to RSVP each week for the following Saturday so we can organise the right number of Zoom rooms and Library space to ensure good quality feedback. RSVP's will receive the link. The intention is to give a supportive environment to get traction on your writing project, gain useful feedback, and exchange writing and publishing information with each other. Please note that if you are attending for the first time - you are welcome to observe and listen to how we work. Your turn to read and be critiqued will be invited in the second session. So come along, bring up to 1500 words of your latest writing - fiction writers of all types, memoirists, biographers, graphic novelists, bloggists, poets - all writers welcome. You will have up to eight minutes to read out your work, an equal time of constructive critique and feedback from the rest of the group. If you want a tribe of fellow writers to be with you as you finish your writing project, build your author profile, want to get inspired by other writers, or want to just listen and give constructive feedback (we all need beta readers), you are very welcome. This is a free event, but membership is essential in wider to attend. Many thanks to Marrickville Library! For more information, contact Maria, mariaissaris@icloud.com, or Jamie Ramjan (jamie.ramjan@gmail.com) or Sunnie Mosphilis via DM.

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.

Advanced Writers' Group

Our in-person sessions, following the IWWG session.

Words on Tap

Are you working on a manuscript, short story, memoir, or idea that’s been simmering in your notebook or laptop? This group is for emerging writers and storytellers who want a supportive place to share their work and connect with like-minded creatives. Each MeetUp we offer the opportunity (optional, never pressured) for you to read a short excerpt of your work of up to 800 words in a safe, encouraging environment. This is not a critique group and not a workshop—it's about being heard, building confidence, and finding motivation through community. We will be meeting in the upstairs bar at The Flat Rock Brew Café, 290 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn NSW 2065, the first Wednesday of each month—a relaxed, welcoming space to talk writing, listen to stories, and nurture the creative process. (Many thanks to the Flat Rock Brew Café management - who have generously provided this space). Come along to: * Share your writing in a supportive space * Listen to others, sip a cool ale and get inspired * Connect with fellow writers and storytellers * Nuture your creativity and develop your author’s profile You’re welcome whether you want to read, listen, or simply be around people who “get it.” All writing styles and experience levels are welcome. And this is a free event.

Prima

Marrickville Library Cafe lawn, second week of Spring. Get to know each other, talk about what you're currently working on, and bring a draft if you have one.

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.

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

Dracula by Bram Stoker | Sun 4 Oct 2026

First Sunday Bookclub- Author Arundhati Roy

The Odyssey by Homer

Join us upstairs at **The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills,** on **Thursday 1 October 2026**, at 7.00pm (sharp) as we discuss ***The Odyssey***, one of the foundational works of Western literature. We will have special guests and will be warmly welcoming two members of the Greek diplomatic mission to Australia: Mr. Georgios Skemperis, the Consul General, as well as Mrs. Paraskevi Tsintzou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy. Originating in an oral tradition about 3,000 years ago, *The Odyssey* tells the story of the 10-year journey of King Odysseus after the Trojan War. King Odysseus is a soldier, at a time when Kings had to prove their authority by their bravery and skill in fighting the enemy. Along the way back to his homeland, he outwits the **Cyclops -** the one-eyed giants who were so uncivilised that they ate their meals alone. He resists the goddess **Calypso**: despite her skill at sexual pleasure (hey, she is a goddess), Odysseus enjoys her sexual delights, but really just wants to re-unite with his (ageing, but real) wife back in Ithaca. And he passes by the **Sirens**, whose irresistible song lures sailors to their deaths. He wants to listen to their songs, but gets his men to tie him to a mast, and to get his own sailors to fill their ears with wax, so that only he can hear them sing. That way, the sailors will not hear his orders that they should sail ever closer to their seductive voices (and to certain death). Meanwhile, his wife Penelope cleverly delays the suitors trying to seize his kingdom in his absence. There are multiple translations. For newcomers, I (Dale) recommend the 2017 translation by **Emily Wilson**, available in print, audiobook (about 13 hours), and as a free PDF from me on request ([dalemills@cantab.net](mailto:dalemills@cantab.net)). There are lots of criticisms of the recent Nolan film and the Wilson translation, but one has to start somewhere. If you're short on time, I recommend reading: * Books 1–5 (Telemachus and Calypso) * Book 9 (Cyclops) * Book 12 (The Underworld and the Sirens) * Books 13–16 (Return to Ithaca) * Books 21–24 (The Bow Contest and Reunion) Also, perhaps, see several podcasts on this at [https://www.secretlifeofbooks.org/podcast-1/episode/975654db/the-odyssey-1-mary-beard-on-homers-masterpiece](https://www.secretlifeofbooks.org/podcast-1/episode/975654db/the-odyssey-1-mary-beard-on-homers-masterpiece) Fortunately, the most famous painting of Odysseus and the Sirens is by John William Waterhouse, at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. There will be about 30 of us speaking in a big group for about 30 mins. After that, people break up into groups of 4 or 5 to speak more about the book or anything else. We are a friendly lot, and newcomers are welcome. Contact Dale on dalemills@cantab.net for more info.

Sans Souci - Bay, Boats and a Bridge

Life Drawing on Saturday MORNINGS in Marrickville with fantastic models

WELCOME IN 2026 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're back up and running our weekly Saturday life drawing sessions Join us each Saturday for Drawn Together - Sydney life drawing group for a dynamic and inspiring life drawing session in Marrickville. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event offers the perfect opportunity to have fun practicing figure drawing a in a supportive and creative environment. Go to our [booking page](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835) to see who we have booked to model. Immerse yourself in a morning of creativity and artistry as you sketch, draw, and bring your ideas to life. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange techniques, and explore the world of life drawing. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your skills, unleash your creativity, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to creating and perfecting our art. Book online [here](https://www.scratchartspace.com/book/#!/Saturday-MORNING-Life-Drawing-Untutored/p/221095835).