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 August!
1 August: First Friday with Susan Murray (Online)
Join Susan Murray to learn how academic publishing really works behind the scenes, explore the digital transformation reshaping scholarly communication, learn about multi-platform publishing opportunities, and how this often-misunderstood sector is rapidly evolving.
1 August: In Conversation with Peter Mitchell (Mosman)
Join Harry Hartog Mosman to welcome author Peter Mitchell to discuss his book Under the Same Moon.
1 August:
Author Rod Halsted,
Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It! (Armidale)
Hear from author Rod Halsted about his new book, Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It!
1 August: Sofie Laguna Author Talk (Tura Beach)
Tura Marrang Library proudly presents an evening in discussion with Sofie Laguna. Sofie is an award-winning Australian writer for children and adults.
2 August: Orange Readers and Writers Festival (Orange)
Snuggling up beside the fire with a good book is one of winter’s pleasures. Inspire your reading with incredible guest authors at this year’s Orange Readers and Writers Festival.
2 August: August Write-In (Lilyfield)
Gather with your fellow writers and share in the joy of creativity and community. Start an epic poem, script out your first stand-up routine, finish your memoir – whatever it is, Writing NSW’s Write-ins give you the time and space to make it happen.
3 August: Learned Behaviours: Zeynab Gamieldien in conversation with Amani Haydar (Newtown)
Join Zeynab Gamieldien to celebrate the release of Learned Behaviours! Zeynab will be in-conversation with Amani Haydar.
3 August: Rajmati [Reimagined]: Sydney Book Launch Event (Lilyfield)
Project Baakha Productions is thrilled to invite you to an intimate afternoon in Sydney for the official launch of Rajmati Reimagined by Jenisha Manandhar — a contemporary romance inspired by the iconic ballad Raajamati, one of the most beloved traditional love songs in Nepal Bhasa (Newar language).
4 August – 12 September: Online: Writing Memoir with Kate Holden (Online)
It’s one thing to live it; another to write it. In this six-week online memoir writing course, Kate Holden takes you through discussion, exercises and the sharing of stories to help you shake off the cobwebs and tumbleweeds and find the story inside you – and how best to make it sing.
Join Chloe Adams as she launches her Penguin Literary Award winning novel The Occupation, with readings and an interview.
5 August: Jennie Orchard in conversation with Tristan Bancks, Ursula Dubosarsky, and Paul Macdonald (Balmain)
Remember the books that shaped your childhood, sparked your imagination, and ignited a lifelong love of reading? Join Jennie Orchard in conversation with authors Tristan Bancks, Ursula Dubosarsky, and event moderator Paul Macdonald.
5 August: Isn’t It Nice We Both Hate the Same Things – Sydney Book Launch (Sydney)
Celebrate the book launch of Isn’t It Nice We Both Hate the Same Things by Jessica Seaborn, in conversation with journalist Keryn Donnelly.
6 August: Berkelouw Mona Vale: Joanna Miller in conversation with Ali Lowe (Mona Vale)
Join an exclusive event with Joanna Miller as she discusses her debut release, The Eights. Joanna will be Joined by her sister/fellow author, Ali Lowe.
7 August:
The Set-Up Girl:
Sasha Vey in conversation with Erin Gough (Newtown)
Join Sasha Vey to celebrate the release of The Set-Up Girl! Sasha will be in-conversation with Erin Gough.
8 – 10 August: Byron Writers Festival (Bangalow)
Byron Writers Festival is Australia’s favourite regional meeting place of storytelling and ideas. This year’s program invites contemplation of a life well lived, with literature and art at its centre. It celebrates the act of creation, of writing and art making, community building, and the good, hard work of progress.
9 August: 2025 Kids and YA Festival (Lilyfield)
Join an audience of aspiring writers and over 30 of Australia’s most beloved and exciting children’s and young adult authors for a jam-packed celebration of storytelling. From panels, pitching sessions, book signings and more, don’t miss out on securing your ticket to the world of kids and young adult literature today!
9 August: Author Signing with Tania Gold (Mosman)
Join Harry Hartog Mosman to welcome author Tania Gold to sign her books The Author Makeover and The Book Signing.
10 August: The Midnight Estate: Afternoon Tea with Kelly Rimmer and Kate Forsyth (Newtown)
Join Kelly Rimmer for tea, cakes and champagne to celebrate the release of The Midnight Estate! Kelly will be in-conversation with Dr Kate Forsyth.
14 August: Seminar: Pitching to Literary Journals with James Jiang (Online)
This seminar with editor James Jiang will help participants refine their pitches to literary journals as well as fine tune their approach to writing longer non-fiction pieces.
14 August: Speaking of Books: Alyssa J Montgomery – Return to Hope Creek (Cessnock)
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Alyssa, a Central Queensland native and former Cessnock local and speech-language pathologist who now balances a busy private practice with her passion for writing romance!
14 August: Books in Bars with Ali Parker (Surry Hills)
Join Ali Parker for this in conversation event, where Alli will talk about her book Until the Red Leaves Fall, answer questions and sign copies of her book.
14 August: Matthew Spencer in conversation (Bathurst)
Hear Matthew speak about his new book Broke Road, described as a thrilling, fast-paced and detailed police procedural fiction.
15 August: Starry Eyed: Katharine Pollock in conversation with Jane Badler (Newtown)
Join Katharine Pollock to celebrate the release of Starry Eyed! Katharine will be in-conversation with Jane Badler.
15 – 17 August: Mudgee Readers’ Festival (Mudgee)
Join Mudgee Readers’ Festival for three days of storytelling, poetry, and conversation. Writers from across Australia will gather to share ideas, spark imagination, and celebrate the power of language.
16 August: Writing Speculative Fiction with JS Breukelaar (Lilyfield)
Join author JS Breukelaar for a workshop that will leave you with the skills and confidence to make your speculative fiction work stand out.
19 August: Michelle Huntington in conversation with Sally Patten (Balmain)
Join Michelle Huntington in conversation with Sally Patten. Copies of Lady MacGyver will be available for purchase at the venue through Roaring Stories, with Huntington signing copies after the discussion.
21 August: Australia Poetry Slam – Blacktown Heat (Mt Druitt)
Step up to the mic for a chance to represent Blacktown/Mount Druitt at the Sydney Opera House National Final! Ages 17 and over.
22 – 24 August: Currency Press Festival of Playwrights (Dawes Point)
The Currency Press Festival of Playwrights is a multi-day writer’s festival open to all who love theatre and drama. This year, the Festival is being held from Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August at the Australian Theatre for Young People, down at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
22 August: Poetry After Dark (Sydney)
As part of their partnership with Red Room Poetry for Poetry Month 2025, Dymocks will be co-presenting a live event at the Dymocks Sydney store as part of the official Poetry Month program.
23 August: The 2025 Francis Webb Poetry Reading (Chatswood)
Join MC Toby Davidson, poets, academics, enthusiasts and students for the Francis Webb reading, celebrating his life and work.
28 August: Top Poems of the 21st Century: ABC Radio National (Sydney)
Hear a panel of acclaimed authors discuss the poems that have shone brightest for each of them since the turn of the millennium.
28 August: Michael Brissenden in conversation with Paul Daley (Balmain)
Join Michael Brissenden in conversation with Paul Daley. Copies of Dust will be available for purchase at the venue through Roaring Stories, with Brissenden signing copies after the discussion.
28 August: National Poetry Month Gala (Sydney)
Presented by Red Room Poetry, the National Poetry Month Gala returns to the State Library of New South Wales featuring some of our finest contemporary poets and spoken word artists.
30 August: Writing Thrillers: How to Hook your Reader (Lilyfield)
In this one-day course with best-selling thriller author, Petronella McGovern, you’ll learn how to link your characters and plot, and keep your story moving.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information.
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