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 this November!
Image source: Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival
30 October – 1 November: Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival
The Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival is back for its sixth year, with a jam-packed program, featuring more than 80 writers across over 50 events, all celebrating the power of the written word. One of the most beloved literary events in the country, the 2026 line-up features literary greats, political icons and journalistic heavy-weights, including Pip Williams, Bruce Pascoe, Melissa Lucashenko, Waleed Aly, Chris Hammer, Benjamin Law, Bob Brown, Jane Caro, Toni Jordan and Bob Carr, as well as Gardening Australia’s Hannah Moloney, British author Josh Silver and actor and writer Zoe Terakes.
1 November: The Ethics Centre 2026 Young Writers’ Competition
The Ethics Centre is committed to amplifying young people’s perspectives on what an ethical society looks like to them. Their annual writing competition is an exciting chance for young writers to share their ideas with a wide, engaged audience. The winner of each age category will receive a prize pack valued at $500, comprising a $250 cash prize and a $250 Rhodia voucher. They will also have their essay published digitally by The Ethics Centre. Two runners-up in each age category will also have their essays published digitally by The Ethics Centre.
14 November: F(r)iction Fall Contest
A US competition open to writers over 13, with categories for short story (1,001 to 7,500 words), flash fiction (1,000 words) and poetry (three pages per poem). First prizes are USD $1,000 for short story and USD $300 for flash and poetry, each with publication, and five finalists in each category receive a professional edit.
15 November: Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellowship in Children’s Literature
The Lesley Derksen Visiting Fellowship in Children’s Literature provides an opportunity for an established author or scholar from outside Western Australia to spend time at Edith Cowan University, sharing their expertise through activities such as lectures, workshops, seminars and community engagement.
24 November: Ninth Heaven Issue III: Creation & Festivity
Ninth Heaven Issue III: Creation & Festivity is open for poetry, fiction, essays, art and sound. They welcome work from both new and established writers and artists. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a target response time of 4-6 weeks.
30 November: The Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition
An Irish competition open to all, for poems up to 40 lines. Entry is €7 or five for €30. First prize is €2,000 plus a featured reading at the Cork International Poetry Festival with four nights’ accommodation and full board, with €500 for second and €250 for third.
30 November: The Bath Children’s Novel Award
A UK award open to international writers yet to be traditionally published, across YA novels, novels for teens, children’s novels, early readers, chapter books and picture book texts. Entrants submit the first 5,000 words plus a one-page synopsis. Entry is £33, with some sponsored places available for writers on low incomes, and a first prize of £5,000.
30 November: Anthology Travel Writing Competition
An Irish competition open to all, for articles up to 1,000 words on the theme of an authentic travel experience. The standard entry fee is €15, with a prize of €300.
30 November: The 2027 Perentie Prize
The Perentie Prize is for graphic novel manuscripts (text only) is now open. The winner will receive an offer of publication with Perentie Press, as well as a $2000 advance towards royalties.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information. 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 prizes & opportunities, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.
