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 writing events and programs in 2025 this January!
3 January: The Burning Hell & Tanya Davis at the Little Lost Bookshop (Blue Mountains)
Join Fairfield Social Club for an evening of song, stories, and poetry with Canadian artists The Burning Hell & Tanya Davis! The Burning Hell is the ongoing musical project of songwriter Mathias Kom and multi-instrumentalist Ariel Sharratt, often including additional comrades and collaborators. Tanya Davis is a writer and performer based in rural Epekwitk / Prince Edward Island. As PEI’s current Poet Laureate, she speaks to local issues and events and advocates for literacy, literature, and the power of words.
6 January: Aubrey Marcus Immersive Experience Through Love & Live Poetry (Sydney)
Step into an afternoon of poetry, passion, and profound connection as we celebrate the launch of Love to the Seventh Power, an anthology of poems by renowned author, podcaster, and visionary Aubrey Marcus. Not only will you learn how to find greater access to the seven different types of love, you will be guided on a path to birth your own poetic gifts as a pathway to personal transformation.
7 January: Costa’s Garden Book Launch at The Botanic Gardens (Sydney)
Come celebrate with Costa, illustrator Brenna Quinlan, permaculture dance band Formidable Vegetable and GRAMMY winning kid-hop MC, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as they launch Costa’s Garden: Flowers at The Royal Botanic Gardens ‘Calyx’ venue in Sydney on their travelling musical garden-party extravaganza!
12 January: In Conversation with Kate McClymont (Sydney)
The Sydney Morning Herald chief investigative reporter and 10-time Walkley Award winner Kate McClymont joins Sydney Festival Director Olivia Ansell in conversation. Dive into Sydney’s most unusual crime stories, cases connected to the underworld and the many trials that took place in Darlinghurst Courthouse.
16 January: Author Talk: Dr. Emma Beckett (Sydney)
Join Five Dock Library for an author talk with Dr. Emma Beckett, as she discusses her new book, You Are More Than What You Eat.
20 January: Sandhya Parappakkaran workshop (Sydney)
Sandhya will share her award-winning picture book, Stay for Dinner, a powerful story that celebrates culture and connection through food. Enjoy a fun onomatopoeia workshop and make your own dinner craft. What will you have for dinner?
20 January: Spoken Bird Poetry, Creative Writing & Poetry Performance for Teens (Sydney)
Students will spend the first 90-minutes producing written pieces based on the Twitcher Exhibition, followed by a 30 minute spoken-bird performance in front of their peers. This workshop explores different forms of poetry and allows students to polish their public speaking and performance skills as well.
21 January: Book Launch: The Governor, His Wife and his Mistress – Sue Williams (Sydney)
Join author Sue Williams as she talks about her new book The Governor, His Wife and his Mistress, in conversation with fellow author Meg Keneally.
21 January: SCWC School Holiday Project (South Coast)
Join SCWC on Tuesday 21 January or Wednesday 22 January for their 2025 School Holiday Program! Both sessions are running both days. Two sessions, PLUS free zine making activities between session and a kids’ book sale! Hear author Pat Simmons reads The Cat Thief and Ziggy’s Zoo (plus activities) and learn fantasy map illustration with author Liv Lorkin.
23 January: Book Launch with Karina May (Sydney)
Join Harry Hartog Mosman as they celebrate the release of That Island Feeling by Karina May, a book that is set to be one of the hottest reads of the Summer. Karina will be in conversation as she discusses her book, writing process and all things romance. This is the perfect event for readers who have enjoyed books by Emily Henry or Abby Jibenez, or romantic comedy fans.
25 January: Venessa Possum In Conversation (Blue Mountains)
Come along to hear exhibiting artist Venessa Possum in conversation with curator, artist, writer and activist Djon Mundine OAM.
29 January: Book Launch: Arnold Box – The Promise (Sydney)
Arnold Dix will be joining the SMSA to launch his powerful new book, The Promise. As part of his press tour, he’s making high-profile appearances on The Today Show, The Morning Show, and ABC Radio—and SMSA will welcome him in person! Meet Arnold Box and get your copy of The Promise signed.
30 January: Penrith Library: The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns (Sydney)
Join Australian romance writer Rachael Johns in conversation with Lauren McKellar to discuss Rachael’s new book, The Bad Bridesmaid.
30 January: Bread & Butter Poetry Slam (Sydney)
Bread & Butter Poetry Slam is the Inner West’s newest, most oven-fresh poetry night! Join us every last Thursday of the month for poems, feelings and laughs in a safe and inclusive space.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information.
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