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 April!
30 March: Readers – Books and Conversations with Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Celebrating books and readers, this is a new monthly series of in-depth and relaxed conversations with authors about their latest work, their body of work, their writing process and the ideas that inspire them. Hosted by Michaela Kalowski at Petersham Bowling Club.
31 March-2 April: Newcastle Writers Festival
Going strong, NWF has a great line-up this year. While it starts technically in March, what’s a day? With a great line-up of speakers including Lee Kofman, Grace Tame, Jackie Huggins, and a great range of events, there’s sure to be something to inspire and entertain you.
1 April: Afternoon Tea with Jessica Dettmann
Join Jessica Dettmann for an afternoon with tea, champagne and cakes to celebrate the release of Without Further Ado. Jessica will be in conversation with Sacha Horler.
1 April: Halfway Print Fest
Halfway Print Fest (HPF) is an annual festival that celebrates zine culture and the self-publishing/DIY spirit held in Wagga Wagga since 2018.
1-2 April: BODY OF WORK
Shopfront’s flagship Emerging Artist Residency once again culminates in a two-week long festival with works from eight emerging artists. Featuring an array of new works across theatre, interdisciplinary work, soundscapes, film, sculpture and music, artists will explore themes of friendship, adulthood, the female body, aloneness, the capitalisation of wellness, and social constructs.
1-2 April: Macbeth
Last chance to catch the Scottish play (for a while) in Sydney. Directed by Peter Evans, with Logie award-winning Hazem Shammas as Macbeth and Jessica Tovey as Lady Macbeth, this play will take you on an intense and compelling journey into the dark heart of humanity at the Sydney Opera House.
April 5: Future Science Talks Sydney
Have a meal or drink while you hear from a range of new and emerging scientists about how their research and projects could impact our lives in the future. You’ll hear from six scientists who will speak about a wide range of topics. They’ve had talks on health, psychology, environment, energy, drugs, emojis, and photography just to name a few!
April 6: Dying to Know launch with Rae Cairns
Join us with Rae Cairns to celebrate the release of Dying to Know. Rae will be in conversation with Ali Rowe.
April 6: Author Talk – Candice Fox
Candice will discuss her latest heart-pounding thriller Fire With Fire – proudly presented by BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival.
14 April: Girl in a Pink Dress: Kylie Needham In-Conversation
Join Kylie Needham to celebrate the release of Girl in a Pink Dress. Kylie will be in conversation with Robbie Buck.
18 April: The Running Club, with Ali Rowe
Brought to you from an up-and-coming arts district, The Listening Station shakes up the standard book club formula through robust discussion and by unearthing never-before-heard insights in the lively author conversations. They are joined by Ali Rowe.
20 April: Talking Writing: Exploring the nature of place
Join us at Writing NSW on Thursday 20 April and hear our guests discuss how they respond to the climate emergency through their writing, how they navigate hope and despair, and how narrative can help shape or draw attention to the future we see before us.
22 April: Afternoon Tea with Amanda Hampson
Join Amanda Hampson for an afternoon with tea, champagne and cakes to celebrate the release of The Tea Ladies. Amanda will be in conversation with Michelle Barraclough.
27 April: Writing NSW Writing Groups Open Night
Representatives from our writing groups will offer information about how they run, what makes their groups unique, and will be available throughout the night to answer any questions you might have. The night will include a keynote presentation from Lisa Nicol, award-winning children’s book author and member of Monday Night Children’s Writers writing group.
27 April: Duck A L’Orange for Breakfast in Conversation with Karina May
Brought to you from an up-and-coming arts district, The Listening Station shakes up the standard book club formula through robust discussion and by unearthing never-before-heard insights in the lively author conversations. They are joined by Karina May.
30 April: Toby Roberts and Naomi Hart on Memoir Writing
Join Toby Roberts and Naomi Hart for a talk on writing their memoirs Two Mums and a Dad and Life at the Bottom of the Blender.
27-30 April: Diving Deep creative writing retreat with Emily Bitto
A three-day intensive workshop by Stella Prize-winning author Emily Bitto, held at the beautiful Springfield retreat down in the NSW Southern Highlands.
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.