August is upon us! As you venture out of winter hibernation, check out some of the literary events and opportunities around NSW this month.
1-31 August: Australian Poetry Slam
Looking for opportunities to speak your mind? Keen to hear what others are passionate about? Word Travels has heats and workshops for the Australian Poetry Slam running throughout August, giving the perfect opportunity for the outspoken to speak and be heard.
1 August: Sally Piper in conversation with Emily Maguire
Join Sally Piper and award-winning writer Emily Maguire as they discuss The Geography of Friendship. This novel is an empowering examination of female friendships based in vivid Australian bushland.
1 August: Parliament on King, African Moonlight stories
Join Yarrie as she shares her storytelling, which is a central to her Sierra Leonean culture. Enjoy a glass of red wine and tuck up for an evening discussing culture and storytelling.
2 August: Sam Twyford-Moore in conversation with Peter Polites
Author of Down the Hume, Peter Polites now discusses his new memoir The Rapids. In this discussion, Polites will explore the diverse topics of mental illness, film, literary criticism and family history.
6-27 August: Poetry in First Languages (PIFL)
PIFL supports First Nations students in creating poetry in First Languages. Workshops connect students with First Nations poets and elders. This workshop will be held in Yuin, NSW.
7 August: The Mysterious Book Society Primary School Book Club
The August book for the Mysterious Book Society is The Mulberry Tree by Allison Rushby. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month for children in years 3-6.
8-10 August: Poetry in First Languages (PIFL)
PIFL supports First Nations students in creating poetry in First Languages. Workshops connect students with First Nations poets and elders. This workshop will be held in Bundjalung, NSW.
14 August: Young Adult Book Club
The August book for YA readers in Mercy Point by Anna Snoekstra. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month.
14 August: Jane Austen Book Club
Each month, The Jane Austen Book Club discusses a different classic novel. Head down to Better Read Than Dead, Newtown to discuss the August book, Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford.
23 August: No Country Woman: Zoya Patel
Join Farz Edraki in discussion with Zoya Patel to discuss her new memoir. No Country Woman is a fresh and exciting feminist work about what it is to never feel at home, no matter where you live. Patel is the Founding Editor of independent feminist journal Feminartsy.
24 August: Workshop for Diverse Women
Sweatshop’s next meeting for Indigenous and CaLD women will feature special guest award-winning author Michelle Cahill. The workshop will be held at Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus.
28 August: Bankstown Poetry Slam
The Bankstown Poetry Slam is back again! Spend an evening preaching your poetic message, or enjoy listening to others; either way, this event is one to get around for any poetry buff.
31 August: Family: Hetty McKinnon
Bestselling author Hetty McKinnon will present an author talk at Camperdown Commons to discuss her latest work. In Family, McKinnon shares her approach to modern, healthy eating.
Throughout August: Red Room Poetry Object
Submissions are open for Red Room Company’s poetry writing competition through August until 28 September. Young authors are invited to create, publish and submit poems inspired by special objects, with over $10,000 of prizes on offer.
Throughout August: 2019 Varuna Mascara Western Sydney Writers Fellowship
Are you an author who needs time and help to publish your work? The Mascara Review’s fellowship offers the winner a one week residency with publishing consultancy and a manuscript appraisal with Giramondo Press. Applications open 1 August-30 September.