For our monthly Writing On Our Calendar feature, we bring you a round-up of literary events happening in Sydney and around NSW. Check out some of the wonderful writing events taking place this July!
Final June Events This Week:
27 June: Bankstown Poetry Slam ft. Jazz Money
29 June: Enough Said Poetry Slam ft. Joseph “Butch” Schwarzkopf
29 June: Riverstone Lit Journal Issue Launch
1 July: 24 Hour Playwright Party
Six writers, six directors, 15 actors and 24 hours to come up with six brand new 10 minute plays in the 24 Hour Playwright Party. This annual event returns to Bondi Festival for one night only.
1 + 2 July: HNSA Winter Online Program
Join the Historical Novel Society Australasia Winter Online Weekend Program for a line-up of talented authors and industry professionals in workshops and chat salons. The program consists of twelve 3-hour workshops covering the ins and outs of editing, publishing and researching together with the craft of writing historical fiction.
1 July: Recent Word Reading + Book Stall
In Canberra at 3.30pm, enjoy readings from the newest collections from poets published by Recent Work Press: Owen Bullock, Sandra Renew, Penelope Layland and Theodore Ell. You can also browse a stall of their paperback editions at The Street Theatre from 1.30pm until 7pm.
1 + 2 July: Historical Novel Society Online Program
Join the Historical Novel Society Australasia for their 2023 Winter Online Weekend Program, featuring a line-up of talented authors and industry professionals in both workshops and chat salons. The program consists of 12 three-hour workshops covering the ins and outs of editing, publishing, and researching together with the craft of writing historical fiction.
5 July: Books + Programs for Kids
If you write for children, don’t miss this online session on how to engage your readers and put together a captivating educational program. Learn from Corey Tutt OAM and his DeadlyScience model.
5 July: Trivia in The Library Bar
Test your bookish smarts on literary conundrums and general knowledge, along with the State Library of NSW’s collections and exhibitions, at Trivia in The Library Bar hosted by writer and editor Cathy Perkins. Prizes include bookshop and bar vouchers, as well as a subscription to the Library’s magazine, Openbook.
5 July: Queer Diary Readings
Absolutely anyone can come onto the stage to read from their diaries. Queer Diary will be hosted by Mark Mariano, who will also be sharing sweet stories from their very own personal diary.
6 July: Short Story Writing Workshop with Jo Henwood
Lane Cove Library is hosting a free workshop on the craft of short story writing, facilitated by Accredited Storyteller and President of the Australian Fairy Story Society: Jo Henwood.
6 July: School Holiday Japanese Writing
Learn how to write in the beautiful Japanese script, including hiragana, katakana, and kanji, from experienced instructors who will guide you through the basics and help you master this fascinating language. Join for less than $10 in Lake Illawarra.
6 July: Bread & Butter Poetry Slam
Bread & Butter Poetry Slam is Newtown’s newest, most oven-fresh poetry night. In July they are an official Wildcard Heat of the Australian Poetry Slam, which means at least one winner will progress to the next round of the national competition.
7 July: Slam Poetry workshop with Canberra Slam
Experience the art of slam poetry with Andrew Cox and Yleia Mariano of Canberra Slam. Unpack your own story and learn the tools to share it, with power and confidence. Tickets $5, open only to ages 13-18.
7 July: For Our Elders
See acclaimed authors Samantha Faulkner, Julie Janson, and Lisa Fuller in conversation as they reflect on how the theme, For Our Elders, influences their writing, and what NAIDOC Week means to them. Online and free to attend.
7 July: Pitching & Getting Published
Would you like to know how to get your writing published in literary journals/magazines? Learn from Rebecca Starford, Publishing Director of online literary journal Kill Your Darlings, in this online workshop from the ASA.
8 July: Poetic City Zine Fair and Make-a-Zine Work Space
CanberraZine Emporium will host a maker space where you can make your own zine, and will have zines for sale from local makers and across Australia. Local zine makers are also invited to book a table to sell and trade their work. Free to attend.
8 July: SlamCity Showcase
Canberra Slam and Poetic City present a a night of poetic partying, where the stars of Canberra Slam will be out in full force, alongside special feature Waffle IronGirl. Founder and host of Canberra Slam, Andrew Cox will host some of the most exciting poets to appear in Canberra Slam’s 18-month life so far: Matt Phung, Nat Amiel, Yleia Mariano, Angus Verzeilberg, and more.
8 July: Screenwriting Masterclass with Simon Hunter
Join Simon Hunter, Executive Chairman of Sydney Film School and Sydney Actors School as he teaches the art and techniques of screen storytelling and screenwriting in a three-hour masterclass for just $10 at Woollahra Library.
8-23 July: Children, Young Adult, and Adult Writers’ and Illustrators’ Conference
CYA 2023 is a conference for writers and illustrators of all ages and genres, dedicated to helping creatives improve their craft and take their writing and illustrating to the next level. The conference has a large online element across several days in addition to in-person events in Brisbane.
12 July: Poetry Workshop & Literary Event
Join the Society of Women Writers NSW at the State Library of NSW for a workshop by award-winning poet Libby Hathorn on poetry and rhythm, followed by Libby speaking about her writing life and co-written collection Coastal Poetry, and Colleen Keating speaking on her new book The Dinner Party: A poetic response.
13 July: Candice Fox Dymocks Luncheon
Join one of Australia’s leading crime writers, Candice Fox, at the Dymocks Literary Events Club Literary Luncheon, including a two-course meal with drinks at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.
13 July: (Our Program Manager!) Amy Lovat Book Launch
Join Writing NSW Program Manager, Amy Lovat, for the Sydney launch of her debut novel, Mistakes and Other Lovers, hosted by Dymocks’ Books in Bars series, at Soultrap Bar, Surry Hills.
15-17 July: Football Writers’ Festival
The unique three-day Football Writers’ Festival celebrates football, writing and ideas, and explores issues at a time of significant change in the football world, as well as simply escape into great stories.
16 July: Betwixt Spoken Word Workshop
This spoken word workshop for beginners is an incredible opportunity to explore techniques for creating poetry with QLD State Poetry Champion and Australian Poetry Slam Champion, Huda Fadlelmawla (Betwixt).
22 July: Small But Mighty
Learn how to write powerful, emotional, and compelling short form fiction where every word counts, with author and journal editor Laura E. Goodin. Online from Writers SA.
25 July: Grants Writing Workshop
The City of Ryde Grants Workshop is for anyone who would like to know more about the basics of writing a grant application. It will include practical tips and provide you with an opportunity to meet with other potential applicants. The workshop is free at West Ryde Library.
28 July: Open Book & Movie Club
Waverly Library’s discussion group ‘Books, Movies & More’, is open to anyone who’d like to engage in lively conversation about their personal choice of books and movies each month at 10am.
More from Writing NSW
Check out our full range of writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your creative writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.