Writing Groups

Writing groups are a great way to improve your writing, meet fellow writers, and get inspired to write. Many published authors credit writing groups with giving them the confidence and skills to pursue a career in writing. Writing NSW hosts a number of writing groups at Callan Park and online for different genres and levels of experience.

Join a Writing NSW Writers Group

These Writing NSW’s writers groups are self-run by convenors and are only available to current members of Writing NSW. They generally meet at Gary Owen House in Callan Park though some do meet online. More information on each group can be found in the searchable list below.

Only the groups currently open for new members are listed here. You can select at most 3 groups.

Start a new Writing Group

Can’t find that perfect group that meets at the right time, writes the right genre, or has the same interests? Start your own writing group! Setting up and running a writing group is not hard, and Writing NSW will help you administer and promote it. This leaves you free to concentrate on running meetings and writing. We have a range of rooms to use, free tea and coffee, and the option to meet online via Zoom. Check out How to Start a Writing Group for more information and contact us to get started.

Use our searchable directory to find independent writing groups near you. Contact these groups directly via the provided link. If you would like your group listed on our directory click here.

We are grateful to Inner West Council for their support of our writing groups.

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The Writers Circle
History Never Repeats
TV Writers Room
Oatley Writers Group
Moonlighters Writers
Young Writers Group
Western Sydney Women’s Writers Group
Memoir Writing
The Half-Written Book Club
Pittwater Writers
Queer Writers Group
Pennant Hills Poets Group
Hawkesbury Writers/Editors Group
The Camden Writers Inc
Spill the Beans
Orana Writers’ Hub
Sydney Non-Fiction Writing Group
Shellharbour Writers
Kiama U3A Writing Group
Stanton Library Writers’ Group
Writestuff
The Inkwell
Writing on Water
Women Writers’ Network
Storyism
Seize the Day
Scripto Libris
NEW Writers’ Group Inc
Infinitas Writers’ Group for Speculative Fiction
Wollondilly FAW
Sutherland Shire FAW
Stroud Writers FAW
Southern Highlands FAW
Mudgee Valley FAW
Lambing Flat (Young) FAW
Lake Macquarie FAW
Eurobodalla FAW
Wyong Writers
Brook & Beyond
Blue Mountains FAW
Central West Writers’ Group
Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild
Blue Mountains Writers
Bello Bards
Port Writers
Dorrigo Writers Group
Eastwood/Hills Fellowship of Australian Writers
Youngstreet Poets
Wednesday Night Poets
Round Table Poets
Picture This
Monday Night Children’s Writers
Tuesday Night Writing for Children and General Fiction
Open Genre
Thursday Night Novelists
Neenish Tarts
Discovery Writers
Creative Writing Group
Allsorts Writing Group
A Write of Passage

Writing Group Search

Pittwater Writers

We are a group of committed writers meeting monthly who are actively working towards completing a novel. We take turns in providing approx 2000 words to the group and comment with supportive feedback in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We aim to improve our writing skills, finish our work, and publish.
Open to new members
Third Wednesday of the month
6:30pm
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport NSW 2106
Contact Sylvia King for more information

Port Writers

Port Writers is a community writing group located on the Mid North Coast of NSW in Port Macquarie. We aim to provide a comfortable, supportive and cooperative environment. At Port Writers, members are encouraged to share and practice their writing. Writers are supported to improve their literary knowledge and increase their realm of literary experience.
Open to new members
Fourth Saturday of the Month
1:00-4:00pm
Port Macquarie Rotary Clubs Community Centre, 198 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie
http://www.portwriters.com.au/
Contact Port Writers for more information

Queer Writers Group

This group is about supporting emerging queer and queer-friendly writers to publish their work. The purpose of the group is to discuss writing styles and to exchange ideas and experiences of members to improve their skills in their writing journey.
Writing NSW
members only
Open to new members
Second Thursday of the month
6:00-8:00pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Round Table Poets

Round Table Poets is an association of published professional poets who workshop their poetry for future publication. The group have met continuously since 1976, with many changes of writers along the way. Our group purpose is to improve our professional development and promote and maintain contacts, share knowledge and opportunities open to poets re competitions, fellowships etc.
Closed to new members
Third Saturday of the month
2:00-4:20pm
Online via Zoom
Contact Jacqueline Buswell for more information

Scripto Libris

Scripto Libris is a spin off writers’ group from Alan Mill’s year-long novel writing course. We are highly motivated and goal focused to produce the best quality writing we can and to enjoy the journey.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Second Saturday of the month
9:30-11:30am
Hybrid: In-person at Writing NSW and Online
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Seize the Day

We are a friendly group whose members conscientiously and constructively critique each other’s writing. Founding member, Rowena Harding-Smith, has won the Sisters In Crime Scarlet Stiletto Award (2018). Ian McArthur was shortlisted for the Varuna Publisher Introduction Program Fellowship (2019), and Gillian Rubinstein is author of more than 30 books, including the Tales of the Otori series under the pseudonym of Lian Hearn. Our purpose is to assist all members to achieve their writing goals through constructive criticism and social support.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Third Saturday of the month
2:00-4:00pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Shellharbour Writers

Shellharbour Writers is a small but fun group of like minded people, working towards the same goal—to write. We have poets, memoir, fiction and fantasy writers who come together once a month to work on a theme. The group is supportive and we have have simple workshop activities with time to just discuss what we are all doing and ask for help from the group. We meet monthly at Shellharbour City Library.
Open to new members
Monthly
Shellharbour City Library
https://www.facebook.com/shelllharbourwriters/
Contact Cathy for more information

Southern Highlands FAW

The Southern Highlands Branch of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAWSH) is a non-profit organisation committed to supporting local writers. Our parent organisation is the Fellowship of Australian Writers.
Second Saturday of the month
10:00am-1:00pm
Welby Hall, 14 Currockbilly Street, Welby 2575
https://fawsh.wordpress.com/
Contact Southern Highlands FAW for more information

Spill the Beans

We are an online writing group.   We support a community of budding and established writers through short challenges, online publication of our members’ stories, zoom meetings where we read our stories, Q & A panels and author interviews.

This is an open group and we welcome a range of genres for adults and children. We don’t have a regular meeting time.  Upcoming challenges and info regarding Zoom sessions are posted on spillthebeans.net.au.  (Facebook SPILL THE BEANS)
Open to new members
Online
http://spillthebeans.net.au/
Contact Spill the Beans for more information

Stanton Library Writers’ Group

We are a dynamic group of novice writers who meet once a month to read their works and provide feedback. We launched our first anthology in 2017, Pieces of North Shore, and have released our second, Standing Out or Fitting In: Collection of Short Stories.
Visit their website for more information and to join.
Open to new members
First Sunday of the month
Stanton Library
https://www.facebook.com/groups/stantonlibrarywritersgroup/

Storyism

A friendly group of men and women of different ages and life experiences and a group involved in a variety of writing forms. We hope to provide a forum which stimulates an exchange of ideas to extend the experience, knowledge and enjoyment of the creative writing process. Our purpose is to provide an environment in which fellow writers may present their work for critiquing within both a supportive and helpful environment. Our aim is to motivate and inspire each of us to improve our own writing practice.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Third Thursday of the month
6:30-8.30pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Stroud Writers FAW

Stroud writers is a group of creative writers, our aim is to promote emerging writers. Members are encouraged to contribute anecdotes, poetry, short stories and memoirs. All works presented by members at the meetings are assessed in an informal and generous manner. Various workshops are organised throughout the year to assist in understanding different genres and construction of form.
Open to new members
Thursdays fortnightly
9:00am-12:00pm
Stroud Library
Contact Stroud Writers for more information

Sutherland Shire FAW

The Sutherland Shire Fellowship of Australian Writers is here to help, support and encourage you in your writing. Our group contains new writers and experienced writers – you’re one of those aren’t you? The Shire FAW is a place to meet locals who share your passion for writing. We hope to see you at our next meeting.
Last Saturday of the month
12:30-3:30pm
123 Flora Street Sutherland Multipurpose Centre
https://sutherlandshirefaw.weebly.com/
Contact Sutherland Shire FAW for more information

Sydney Non-Fiction Writing Group

Sydney Non-Fiction Writing Group’s aim is to help professional writers along their journey to be published or self- published. Ideally, members have already had their work published. Members must have a book concept that they are committed to working on and meeting regularly for the sake of continuity. Members must respect everyone’s work and come together in an enjoyable atmosphere. The meetings will provide a safe space for constructive critique, sharing tips and strategies, information and resources regarding writing and publishing. Also, to offer support and motivation for writers to develop their work towards the goal of publication. The aim is to get the book published.
Writing NSW
members only
Open to new members
First Monday of the month.
10:30am-12:30pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

The Camden Writers Inc

The Camden Writers Inc (CWI) is a Camden NSW community writer’s group going on its 27th year. We have a colourful, diverse, and vibrant group of writers of all ages (21+) who support each other to improve their writing confidence and self-publish.
Open to new members
First and third Tuesday of the month
9:30am–12:00pm
Narellan Library in the Red Gum Room
https://camdenwritersinc.com.au/
Contact Evan for more information
(02) 4647 5111

The Half-Written Book Club

Prose writing group for all genres. We are based on the Central Coast, but since we meet by Zoom it doesn’t really matter where you live except for occasional catch ups. Friendly and encouraging group hosted by a professional editor. Most surprisingly, it’s free! Maximum of eight participants.
Open to new members
First Sunday of the month, 3:30-5:00pm
Online via Zoom
Contact Tina Baker for more information

The Inkwell

The Inkwell is a group of women writers who meet fortnightly to provide feedback, share experiences and discuss the ups and downs of the writing life. Our purpose is to provide support and share writing experience.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Wednesdays fortnightly
10:00am-1:00pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

The Writers Circle

Join other writers to write alone in a circle of friends and fellow writers.

In the writers circle there’s only writing – no need to share your work unless you want to. Wanting to spend time writing is all that’s needed to come along – just bring your laptop, writing pad, your journal and whatever it is you need. There’s time for chats for the first and last 30 minutes. In between, there’s a (quiet) alarm to set the time for writing sprints. $5 per session.
Open to new members
Every second Sunday. Contact for more details.
2pm - 5pm
Good Earth Bookshop, 24 Station Street, Wentworth Falls
https://www.goodearthbookshop.com/events
Contact Catherine for more information

Thursday Night Novelists

We write novel-length work in various genres, meeting weekly to constructively critique each other’s work. Open to dedicated members who are committed to regular attendance and advanced contribution.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Thursdays weekly
6:30-9:50pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Tuesday Night Writing for Children and General Fiction

We are a critiquing group for writers of fiction. We deal in children’s fiction and general fiction. We aim to improve our skills in writing fiction. We bring work ranging across chapter books, middle school, YA, and general fiction for critiquing.
Writing NSW
members only
Open to new members
Tuesdays fortnightly
7:30-9:30pm
Online via Zoom
Contact Writing NSW for more information

TV Writers Room

TV Writers Room (Sydney) is a weekly group designed specifically for TV writers who are keen to collaborate on developing pilot scripts, show bibles, and pitches. Unlike traditional writers groups that primarily focus on feedback, we operate similarly to a TV writers’ room, where a small group of writers—limited to 5 to 8 members—work collectively on each other’s projects. This approach allows us to dedicate ample time to each member’s pilot, show bible, and pitch over a 10-month period. We can be contacted at via email at tvwritersroomaust@gmail.com or clicking on the link.
Open to new members
Sundays
1:00-5:00pm
Online via Google Meet
Contact Daniel Ogilvie for more information
0491 642 077

Wednesday Night Poets

We meet every Wednesday evening to read and critique each other’s poems. We welcome experienced and emerging poets, but have little expertise in spoken word poetry, bush verse or seriously experimental work. Our purpose is to help and encourage members to develop their skills by critiquing each other’s poems constructively and politely
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Wednesdays weekly
6:00-8:30pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Western Sydney Women’s Writers Group

Women’s  group to support and encourage their writing, run by convenors of the Writing NSW group Women Writers Network. We hope to encourage the written voices of women out west and particularly from a variety of culturally-diverse and First Nation backgrounds.
Open to new members
First Sunday of the month
10:00am-12:00pm
Parramatta Female Factory Institutional Precinct
Contact Cate Whittaker for more information
0423099180

Wollondilly FAW

The Wollondilly Fellowship of Australian Writers meet on the second Sunday of the month from 1:00pm at the Tahmoor Community Centre.
Second Sunday of the month
1:00pm
Tahmoor Community Centre
Contact Wollondilly FAW for more information

Women Writers’ Network

We have been meeting – and supporting and encouraging women writers – for nearly thirty years. We are open to all genres of writing: prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, plays and screen writing. Some members are striving to be published, many just enjoy writing and providing feedback on others’ work. Our aim is to provide constructive feedback in a supportive environment, fostering all levels of writing. We meet weekly but attendance is flexible – there are usually eight to twelve women at any session. We focus on workshopping each others’ work in a friendly and respectful but rigorous way.
Writing NSW
members only
Open to new members
Wednesdays weekly
1:00-4:00pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Writestuff

A group that spends time writing, after giving each other word prompts. We then share our work. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a writer, so long as you are interested in getting started with writing and willing to encourage other members of the group. Our purpose is to encourage writing, in whatever genre and style members choose, and to encourage publication of members’ writing.
Writing NSW
members only
Open to new members
Wednesdays weekly
3:00-4:30pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Writing on Water

A new writers’ group for novelists is seeking members. Open to both novices and experienced writers, the group will meet at Concord & Ryde Sailing Club on the Parramatta River. In good weather, group will meet on the deck over the river; in inclement weather, group will meet inside. Tea and coffee will be available, but participants should bring their own lunch.
Open to new members
One Friday a month.
11.30am-2:30pm
Concord Ryde Sailing Club
https://writeonwater.weebly.com/
0418 457 020

Wyong Writers

People of all ages who are interested in writing poems, short stories, novels or their own life story are welcome. You can expect encouragement and support. You’ll pick up practical writing tips and have fun along the way.
Open to new members
Fourth Saturday of the month
1:30-4:30pm
The Woodbury Park Community Centre
http://www.wyongwriters.org/
Contact Mei-Ling Venning for more information
(02) 4333 7489

Young Writers Group

We are a group of writers in our twenties working towards publication and developing writing careers. Members can bring writing of any genre and form. We meet once a month in person and via Zoom. We offer a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for young writers to workshop their pieces and hone their craft.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Third Wednesday of the month
6:30-8:30pm
Hybrid: In-person at Writing NSW and Online
Contact Writing NSW for more information

Youngstreet Poets

A group of experienced poets meeting to workshop and discuss members’ new poems for the month in a careful, friendly and free exchange. A guest poet is often invited to the group. Our purpose is to “keep poetry alive as a central fundamental human art, vocal but not necessarily performative. To re-enforce the value in an ancient art that emphasizes each individuals voice executed in the communal material of speech.” (Robert Pinsky extract Threepenny Review Issue 109 Spring 2007)

Closed to new members but open to visitors.
Writing NSW
members only
Closed to new members
Fourth Friday of the month
10:30am-3:00pm
Writing NSW
Contact Writing NSW for more information
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"I may never have achieved my lifelong dream of being a published writer without Writing NSW."
— Kate Forsyth, Writer
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