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 this July!
1 July: Kris Kneen in conversation with Benjamin Law (Glebe)
Join Kris Kneen in conversation with Benjamin Law discussing Rite of Spring.
3 July: First Friday with Chiara Priorelli (Online)
Join us in conversation with Chiara Priorelli, Head of Publishing and Acquisitions at Wavesound. Get to grips with the basics of audiobook production, the changes taking place in the industry, and the ways in which audiobooks open new markets, new readers, and new opportunities.
4 July: July Write-In (Lilyfield)
Are you setting time aside to write, but you’re finding that your inspiration is running out? Or your creativity is running dry? Join enthusiastic writers at our monthly Write-In and experience the gentle accountability that comes with working alongside like-minded writers.
6 July: Anita Heiss Author Talk (Goulburn)
Anita Heiss is coming to Goulburn! She has written over twenty books across several genres. Her latest novel, The Paradise Pact, is a laugh-out-loud contemporary women’s novel that packs a punch.
6 July: Online Feedback: Non-Fiction with Fiona Murphy (Online)
In this creative non-fiction writing program, award-winning writer, editor and arts critic Fiona Murphy will provide feedback on your essays and other creative non-fiction, enabling you to hone your skills over five months.
6 July: Online Feedback: Poetry with Alicia Sometimes (Online)
In this program, poet, artist and broadcaster Alicia Sometimes will provide feedback on your poetry in an online classroom environment, enabling you to hone your skills over five months.
6 July: Online Feedback: Fiction with Pamela Cook (Online)
Do you have a draft manuscript of adult or young adult fiction underway? Are you looking for detailed feedback to help strengthen your work? Join this online feedback course to give and receive feedback on your writing.
7 July: Twisted Fiction Readings at the Shakey (Surry Hills)
Join acclaimed authors Ashley Kalagian Blunt and Zena Shapter, comedian and actor, Adam Richard, and Aurealis-Award nominated author N King. There will be books to buy, booze to imbibe, and as always, delicious Shakespeare fare.
7 July: Local Children’s Author: Ben Maidment (Frenchs Forest)
Join local children’s author Ben Maidment as he discusses his latest children’s book, Rock/O.
7 July: Amantha Imber in conversation with Holly Wainwright (Sydney)
Join Dr Amantha Imber, organisational psychologist, CEO, and host of How I Work, in conversation with Mamamia’s Holly Wainwright, for the launch of The Energy Game.
8 July: Author Event – Petronella McGovern (Thirroul)
Join Petronella McGovern, joined by crime fiction aficionado Sue Turnbull on her thrillers Six Minutes and The Last Trace.
9 July: Author Talk: John Keane on Demagogues and Despots – Democracies on the Brink (Bondi Junction)
Hear John Keane on Demagogues and Despots – Democracies on the Brink.
9 July: Book Launch: I’ll Walk Beside You by Peter Mitchell (Mosman)
Join Peter Mitchell launching his book, I’ll Walk Beside You.
9 July: When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston (Goonellabah)
Join Anna Johnston launching her new novel, When Lemons Give You Life.
9 July: Women’s Voices: Lost, Silenced, Buried with Dr Kate Forsyth (Sutton Forest)
Join acclaimed author, poet, and storyteller Dr Kate Forsyth for a captivating literary luncheon exploring the forgotten voices of women throughout history. Be inspired by her storytelling, research, and creative insights in this thought-provoking and enriching afternoon.
9 July: Rachel E Menzies and Ross G Menzies in conversation with Ian Johnston (Glebe)
Join Rachel E Menzies and Ross G Menzies in conversation with Associate Professor Ian Johnston.
9 July: The Vape Lord of Queanbeyan Sydney Launch (Haymarket)
Join the Sydney launch of The Vape Lord of Queanbeyan, Miles Franklin longlisted and multi-award winning author, poet and artist Omar Musa’s electrifying new collection of surreal, tender and darkly funny stories.
11 July: Riverina Readers Festival 2026 (Wagga Wagga)
Riverina Readers will spend the day meeting 13 Australian and internationally bestselling authors from your favourite genres of crime fiction, mystery and family drama, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, romantasy and more!
11 July: Preparing for Publication: Tools for the Debut Author with Amy Hutton (Lilyfield)
Having a career as an author isn’t just about writing a good book. A modern author needs to be their own publicist, marketer and social media manager. They must be able to plan events and create social media campaigns, build an author profile and connect with their readers while also understanding the publishing landscape.
12 July: Author Event – Bec George (Bathurst)
Celebrate the release of Painted Hearts, the debut novel by Forbes-based author Bec George!
14 July: Local Children’s Author: Rebecca Fung (Mona Vale)
Join local children’s author Rebecca Fung as she discusses new children’s book, Septopus.
14 July: Stacey McEwan Book Launch (Moore Park)
Join Stacey McEwan as she introduces the next thrilling chapter of her epic fantasy storytelling. Be among the very first readers to celebrate the official release day of The Forsaken Prophecy.
15 July: Kate Forsyth and Lauren Jackson in conversation with Lily Crozier (Glebe)
Join a spicy fantasy panel event with Kate Forsyth and Lauren Jackson in conversation with Lily Crozier.
16 July: A Short History of Longans Launch: Mirandi Riwoe In Conversation with Emily Maguire (Newtown)
Join a wonderful evening with two award-winning authors celebrating the release of A Short History of Longans.
17 July: Junior Fiction Author Talk: Funny Fairytales with Tim Harris (Brookvale)
Meet children’s author Tim Harris as the talks about his new fiction book, Funny Fairytales.
18 July: Write Winning Flash Fiction with Amanda Scotland (Lilyfield)
Join prize-winning flash fiction author Amanda Scotland for a behind-the-scenes tour of the addictive world of flash and micro-fiction competitions. This practical, inspiring session will empower writers to confidently craft and submit competitive short-form stories.
21 July: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher (Sydney)
In his highly anticipated debut tour, trial lawyer turned viral communication expert Jefferson Fisher comes to the stage to teach you the art of the difficult conversation.
21 July: Seminar: Everything You Wanted to Know About Gen AI (but were too afraid to ask) with Olivia Lanchester (Online)
This seminar with cultural policy consultant and intellectual property lawyer Olivia Lanchester explains what you need to know about using generative AI in your own work and what to expect from your publisher about their use of generative AI.
22 July: Author Talk: Angelina Mastrippolito (Five Dock)
Join us for an author talk with Angelina Mastrippolito, who will discuss her first book, Le Seconde: Inheriting the Unspoken.
22 July: In Conversation with Cynthia Banhan and Jane Messer (Mosman)
Join Cynthia Banham and Jane Messer as they chat about their new novels Mother Shadow & Raven Mother
22 July: Books in Bars with Shannon Kelly White (Surry Hills)
Join Shannon Kelly White as she discussed her debut novel Billie King.
23 July: Books and Conversation with Joy McCann (Petersham)
Join Readers’ monthly conversation series celebrating books and readers through in-depth yet relaxed discussions with authors about their work, creative process, and the ideas that inspire them. Hear from Joy McCann on Heart of Ice.
23 July: I Made This Just For You Launch: Chris Ames In Conversation With Briohny Doyle (Newtown)
Join an evening conversation between Chris Ames and Briohny Doyle to discuss and celebrate the release of I Made This Just For You.
23 – 26 July: Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival (Berrima and Bowral)
From 23–26 July, celebrate 15 years of stories, ideas and conversation with some of Australia’s leading writers, thinkers and storytellers. This year’s program features thought-provoking discussions, inspiring ideas and unforgettable experiences, including their black-tie Literary Dinner at Bendooley Estate.
25 July: Author Talk – Ayesha Inoon (Queanbeyan)
Join author Ayesha Inoon for an engaging talk about her writing, which delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience of women. Ayesha will be speaking about her new book, The Sisters of Serendib.
26 July: Book Signing and Meet-Up with Local Author Lorena Otes (Avalon Beach)
In this special Bookoccino event, award winning local author Lorena Otes talks with fellow memoirist Lindsay Bartels about their unique perspectives on motherhood, IVF and fertility, and the imminent birth of their respective book babies.
28 July: Author Event: Dianne Yarwood (Penrith)
To celebrate the Library & Information Week, join bestseller Australian author, Dianne Yarwood discussing her new novel Margaret, Are You Leaving? at Penrith City Library.
29 July: Author Event: Mike Carlton on The Burning Blue (Avalon Beach)
Hear from Mike Carlton on The Burning Blue at this author event.
30 July: Jaclyn Moriarty – Time Travel for Beginners (Glebe)
Jaclyn Moriarty is the award-winning author of books for readers of all ages. She has been the recipient of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award, the Queensland Literary Award, and the Aurealis Award for Fantasy. Join her discussing her new book, Time Travel for Beginners.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information.
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