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 October!
23 September – 11 October: How to Plot a Hit in Two Days (Kirribilli)
A Country Practice addict and self-professed fanatic, Melanie Tait, imagines what it was like for the writers to pen the episode that became a defining cultural moment in Australia’s TV history – when Molly Jones took her final breath.
1 October: Prime Time: An Evening with Bec Wilson (Sydney)
Join an evening with hit podcast host and bestselling author Bec Wilson, as she talks about her new book, Prime Time — the ultimate guide to modern midlife.
2 – 5 October: National Young Writers’ Festival (Newcastle)
NYWF has something for writers of all disciplines. From poetry to comics, playwriting to sci-fi, NYWF 2025 shares space with the art of storytelling. Plus, they’re bringing back their Younger Young Writers Program where participants will work with three mentors to launch their very own publication.
2 October: Siang Lu: Ghost Cities (Sydney)
An instant landmark in experimental Australian literature, Ghost Cities, much like its author’s nebulous internet presence, is at once a tongue-in-cheek satire and a bold exploration of failed expatriation and erasure. Discover Siang’s rich literary worlds in this conversation with James McKenzie Watson.
3 October: Author Talk with Chris Hammer (Corrimal)
Join Chris Hammer for an exclusive talk about his latest thriller, Legacy, where Martin uncovers a deadly conspiracy linked to a disgraced footballer’s ex-wife, a fugitive from the past, and two legendary explorers.
3 October: Sally Hepworth Dymocks Luncheon (The Rocks)
Join one of Australia’s brightest fiction stars, Sally Hepworth, as she discusses her newest novel, Mad Mabel.
3 October: First Friday with Anna Burkey (Online)
First Friday, Writing NSW’s monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This October, we invite you to our online event with Anna Burkey.
3 October: Arsenic Flower: Dakota Feirer in-conversation with Coby Edgar (Newtown)
Join Dakota Feirer to celebrate the release of Arsenic Flower! Dakota will be in-conversation with Cody Edgar.
3 – 19 October: The SXSW Sydney Conference 2025 (Sydney)
SXSW Sydney brings together professionals from business, tech, government, health, marketing, creative industries and more for seven days of ideas, innovation and inspiration.
4 October: In Conversation – Megan White (Bathurst)
Central West fantasy author Megan White will be in conversation for the Bathurst launch of her new book The Anatomy of Gods.
6, 12, 20, 27 October: Open Mic Poetry Mondays (Newtown)
Come along every week for a welcoming and inspiring Poetry Open Mic night! Entry is just $10 and includes a free drink (wine, beer, tea, juice or soft drink), snacks for sharing, a raffle ticket, and access to a free sales table where you can display and sell your work.
7 October: Trent Dalton Book Launch – in conversation with Holly Wainwright (Newtown)
Dark, gritty, hilarious and unexpected, Gravity Let Me Go is Trent Dalton’s deeply personal exploration of marriage and ambition, truth-telling and truth-omitting, self-deception and self-preservation.
9 October: Eric Puchner: Dream State (Sydney)
Join Eric Puchner to explore his reinvention of the great American novel, Dream State, a tender ode to the enduring beauty of friendship. In conversation with Cassie McCullagh.
11 October: Story Time and Book Launch with Inga Simpson & Tannya Harrick (Newtown)
Celebrate Love Your Bookshop Day with a special storytime and book launch featuring Inga Simpson, one of Australia’s foremost nature writers, and acclaimed illustrator Tannya Harricks.
11 October: Smart Self-Publishing with Anna Featherstone (Lilyfield)
Whether you’re working on your first book, or thinking of buying back the rights to one of your previously trad-published series, this workshop with Anna Featherstone will be packed with information to help you move forward.
11 October: Book Launch – Toupie (Thirroul)
Join Kathleen Bleakley as she launches her seventh collection, Toupie, in Thirroul on 11 October.
11 October: October Write-In (Lilyfield)
Join Writing NSW’s monthly Write-In for mixture of quiet writing sprints and optional informal ‘coffee and chat’ breaks.
12 October: Craig Silvey in conversation with Sarah Armstrong (Bangalow)
Join award-winning author Craig Silvey in conversation with Sarah Armstrong about Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, the sequel to the phenomenal bestseller and family favourite, Runt.
13 October: In Conversation with Plestia Alaqad (Bankstown)
Join a powerful and intimate evening with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad — award-winning author of The Eyes of Gaza. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Plestia as she shares her experiences and insights.
13 October – 21 November: Online: Novel Writing: Structuring your Narrative with Anthony Macris (Online)
In this six-week online course with Anthony Macris, designed both for those who are just starting a novel project or at a more advanced stage, you will learn a holistic approach to narrative that demystifies the story-telling process.
13 October: Bob Brown in conversation with David Heilpern (Bangalow)
Byron Writers Festival invites you to a special evening event with Bob Brown in conversation about his new memoir, Defiance, with David Heilpern.
14 October: Books at the Bowlo: An Onslaught of Light by Natasha Rai (Lambton)
Hear from Natasha Rai in conversation with Nina Cullen and Katherine McLean on her debut novel, An Onslaught of Light.
15 October: Book Launch Author Julia Dunstan – Seraphim Host & The Last Regatta (Forster)
Join local author Julia Dunstan for the launch of her second book Seraphim Host and The Last Regatta.
15 October: RAHS Special Lecture – Inconvenient Women: Australian Radical Writers (Sydney)
Jacqueline Kent traces the influence of women whose lives and work were shaped by the seismic events of the twentieth century, illuminating their immense courage and principled determination to change the world.
15 – 21 October: Online: Writing Riveting Romantasy with Madeline Te Whiu (Online)
In this course with author Madeline Te Whiu, we will discuss what makes a book a romantasy, as well as learning the basics to get you started, including how to build tension and that ever-important ‘slow burn’.
16 October: Jane Harper: Last One Out (Sydney)
Be the first to hear master of outback-noir Jane Harper unpack the twists and turns of her latest novel, Last One Out. In conversation with Michaela Kalowski.
16 October: Sophie Gilbert: Girl on Girl (Sydney)
Exploring pop culture from the early 90s to now, Pulitzer Prize–nominated journalist Sophie Gilbert takes a microscope to it all. Are we doomed to never progress? Or can we fight back? Reckon with how pop culture has defined us in this essential discussion. In conversation with Yumi Stynes.
16 October: The Solider’s Daughter with Fiona McIntosh (Manly)
Join international bestseller Fiona McIntosh as she shares her latest historical novel, The Soldier’s Daughter.
17 October: In Conversation: Jessica Mansour-Nahra (Bathurst)
Join Central West based author Jessica Mansour – Nahra for a conversation on her debut novel, The Farm, a gripping psychological thriller with a familiar rural feel!
17 – 19 October: Headland Writers Festival (Tathra)
Headland Writers Festival is a celebration of storytelling, literature, and ideas, held on the breathtaking headland at Tathra. The festival brings together writers, poets, and thinkers to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and inspire audiences.
17 October – 15 November: Stella Day Out (Byron Bay, Chatswood, Ballarat)
Stella is continuing their road trip around Australia. They’re bringing our best and brightest writers to cities near you for free mini lit festivals. They still have have many stops to go so mark your calendars!
18 October: Walking Sydney with Belinda Castles and Vanessa Berry (Newtown)
Join Belinda Castles and Vanessa Berry for a walking event in Newtown, followed by an in-conversation about Belinda’s new book Walking Sydney!
18 October: Disquietude: How to Create Meaningful Terror and Suspense in Fiction with Zahid Gamieldien (Lilyfield)
In this one-day course with Zahid Gamieldien, author of literary mystery-horror novel All the Missing Children, you’ll learn how to craft scenes of terror and suspense.
21 October: Omar El Akkad: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (Sydney)
In this powerful reckoning Omar asks, as both an Egyptian-born US citizen and a father, how do we carve out a sense of possibility in these devastating times? With host Sisonke Msimang.
21 October: Empire of the Dawn: An Evening with Jay Kristoff (Sydney)
Join an exclusive event with Jay Kristoff as he chats about the epic conclusion in his Empire of the Vampire Trilogy, Empire of the Dawn. Jay will answer questions from the audience, followed by a book signing.
21 October: Seminar: From Idea to Air: A Beginner’s Guide to Podcasting (Online)
In this 2-hour session with podcasting pro Michelle Barraclough, we’ll start with the big picture—why podcasting is such a powerful medium, how to find your niche, and what makes a podcast worth listening to.
21 October: Fresh Takes: Spring ’25 (Sydney)
Fresh Takes is a seasonal showcase of some of the best new pieces of publishing, featuring established and emerging writers reading from their new works and reflecting on the writers and creators who have shaped them.
22 October: Beyond Baking: An Evening with Philip Khoury (Sydney)
Join an evening with award-winning, classically trained pastry chef, Philip Khoury, as he chats about his revolutionary new baking book, Beyond Baking: Plant-based Baking for a New Era.
22 October: Book Launch – Judi Morison (Thirroul)
Join Judi Morison in conversation with Chrissy Howe, for the launch of her debut novel Secrets, a gripping family saga about three generations fractured by secrets, and the three strong women who must bring them into the light.
25 & 26 October: A Play in Two Days with Hilary Bell (Lilyfield)
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.
26 October: Samhain: Seang Book Launch (Glebe)
To commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Great Irish Famine, this collection of award-winning poetry poignantly reclaims the human story behind the lost history of a group of rebel girls who were daughters of Irish famine refugees to Australia.
27 October – 5 December: Online: Finding your Poetic Voice with Fiona Wright (Online)
Whether you’re a seasoned poet seeking fresh inspiration or a curious newcomer, this course with Fiona Wright aims to play and experiment, and let unexpected beauty emerge.
28 October: Eternal Ruin: An Evening with Tigest Girma (Sydney)
Join an exciting evening as we launch Tigest Girma’s second instalment in her deliciously dark and dangerously romantic black vampire Immortal Dark trilogy, Eternal Ruin.
30 October: Austen’s Powers (Sydney)
Join a panel of self-professed Janeites as they gather to observe the occasion and trace the peerless wit, scathing social commentary and iconic love stories that have inspired countless adaptations on pages, stages and screens.
30 October: Night of Letters (Lilyfield)
Join Writing NSW’s inaugural Night of Letters fundraising event, and gather under the jacarandas with a glass of wine in hand before moving inside for an intimate evening of readings.
31 October – 2 November: Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival (Katoomba)
From Christos Tsiolkas to Hannah Kent, join Australia’s sharpest minds and most expansive thinkers over three action-packed days, offering challenging, playful and exhilarating opportunities for connection.
Writing NSW publishes these free listings in good faith but does not endorse or warrant the accuracy of any information.
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