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 2024 this November (and the last few days of October)!
30 October – 17 November: The Kingdom of Eucalypts (Bondi Beach)
This new Australian play by Alice Spigelman explores the life of Miles Franklin following her success of writing “My Brilliant Career”. As Australia recovers slowly from the depression and the ravages of war, how does the writer, Miles Franklin, author of “My Brilliant Career” reestablish herself back into Australia?
6-9 November: Voices of Women: Women of the Riverina (Sydney)
Voices of Women at KXT Broadway Theatre presents powerful and heartfelt monologues written by Women of the Riverina. After two years of workshops and mentoring we are presenting an evening of short stories written by diverse women, including Wiradjuri women from the Riverina.
6 – 12 November: Writing Poetry (Online)
The much-esteemed Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, wrote that the moment he put his ‘feeling into words’ marked the discovery of his poetic voice. In this week-long online poetry workshop with Vanessa Kirkpatrick, you will explore ways of tapping into and strengthening your authentic voice. You will also reflect on poetic metaphor’s talent for communicating intense emotion and experience.
7 November: Talking Writing: Rom Coms (Sydney)
Join us at Writing NSW this November for Talking Writing: Rom Coms! Clare Fletcher (Five Bush Weddings), Saman Shad (The Matchmaker), and Penelope Janu (In at the Deep End), will be chatting with Writing NSW Program Manager and writer Katharine Pollock (Her Fidelity) about rom coms. From novels to screen, romantic comedy is one of the biggest genres worldwide. Our three panellists will be swooning over this beloved genre, and a few giggles are expected, too!
9 November: Rick Morton’s Mean Streak (Kyogle)
Kyogle Readers and Writers is inviting one of Australia’s best long-form journalists, Rick Morton to discuss his new book Mean Streak at the KMI Hall in Kyogle on November 9th at 2pm. Rick will be joined on stage by Walkley and Miles Franklin winning writer and academic, Melissa Lucashenko for a very special one on one conversation.
10 November: An Evening with Michelle de Kretser (Dulwich Hill)
Join us for an exciting collaboration at Goldies (492/494 Marrickville Road) for an evening with award-winning author Michelle de Kretser, discussing her new novel, Theory & Practice.
11 November: Author Events: Gina Chick (Sydney)
Adventurer and writer, Gina was one of ten participants of the SBS series, Alone Australia. After 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness in winter, Gina was the last person standing and won. Her determination, passion, and love of the natural world endeared her to more than 5.5 million people around Australia.
12 November: Pip Drysdale’s The Close Up (Newcastle)
Pip Drysdale will be talking about her latest book The Close Up in conversation with Amy Lovat as part of the Our Summer Stories series.
14 November: National Youth Poetry Slam ft. DOBBY (Sydney)
Bankstown Poetry Slam is proud to present the second annual National Youth Poetry Slam. You will be mesmerised by the realest rhymes and mic-drop worthy metaphors as the 20 passionate young poets battle it out for the coveted NYPS crown and a sweet $1500 cash prize. Join us for this evening of inimitable poetic storytelling with some of the most passionate storytellers hailing from all over Australia!
14 November: Author Events: Pat Cummins (Sydney)
Join the Australian cricket captain for an exclusive book event as he discusses his new book, Tested, with ABC’s Richard Glover and shares insights from interviews with extraordinary individuals who have overcome adversity, featured in his new book Tested.
15 – 17 November: True Story Festival (Coledale)
Returning to Coledale for its third year, True Story Festival is a showcase of some of the best creative non-fiction writing in Australia today.
16 November: Crafting Short Stories (Sydney)
The short story is the most elegant and penetrating of fictional forms. It is also, notoriously, one of the most difficult forms to write. Join novelist and short story writer Dr Gretchen Shirm for a workshop that provides guidance on this form and gives participants an excellent understanding of key aspects of narrative and story structure. This short story writing course with Gretchen Shirm takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.
21 November: Author Events: Glenn Maxwell (Sydney)
Discover the exhilarating story of Glenn Maxwell, the daring batsman and all-round Australian cricket maestro. The Showman offers a captivating exploration of an enigmatic talent, whose name is synonymous with the thrill of the game. This is not your stock standard sports memoir, as Glenn opens up both about his on-field achievements and his private mental health battles.
21 November: Heartlands (Sydney)
Celebrate Ukrainian literary culture through film, music, song, and poetry, offering a unique way for non-Ukrainian audiences to understand the importance of poetry and song in Ukrainian identity and resilience.
23 November: A Play in Two Days (Sydney)
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a refresher, in this practical course multi award-winning playwright Hilary Bell will take you through the fundamentals of playwriting. This playwriting course with Hilary Bell takes place at Callan Park in Sydney.
23 November: Addi Road Writers’ Festival (Marrickville)
A family-friendly and social day for everyone involved: authors, performers and audiences alike. It includes book sales and author signings.
26 November: Sydney Ideas: Is storytelling essential to innovation? (Sydney)
In this Sydney Ideas event, hear insights about how narratives can inspire innovation, shape new ideas, and foster collaboration across various industries. Join a conversation with Sophie Gee, Charlotte Wood, Stephen Simpson and Kate Harrison Brennan.
27 November: Author Events: Hugh Mackay (Bathurst)
Join social psychologist Hugh Mackay for a conversation on his new book The Way We Are. With more than 60 years’ experience in social research, Hugh has been awarded five honorary doctorates by Australian universities and is the author of 24 books. Hugh will be speaking at Bathurst Library.
27 November – 5 December: Write Out West Festival: A River of Stories (Penrith)
Join the festival, including at the Write Out West opening event: four local authors, Felicity Castagna, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Sarah Ayoub and Vivian Pham reflect on the theme ‘A River of Stories’ and their experiences as Western Sydney writers.
29 November: Local Authors Book Festival (Sydenham)
Come and join us for a book-themed cocktail evening. Food and drinks are free. Meet local authors, and buy signed copies of their books. They make the perfect gift for your loved ones at Christmas!
30 November: Bread & Butter Poetry Slampionship 2024 (Marrickville)
Bread & Butter Poetry Slam is the Inner West’s newest, most oven-fresh poetry night! Join us every last Thursday of the month* for poems, feelings and laughs in a safe and inclusive space.
30 November: A Strong Opening: Crafting Memorable First Chapters (Sydney)
Beginnings are crucial. If the beginning of a story is weak, chances are no one will ever get to the middle, let alone the end. In most cases, a publisher, editor or agent will be making an initial decision about whether to support your writing project based on your opening chapters. This creative writing course with Laurel Cohn about creating memorable first chapters takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information.
More from Writing NSW
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