Creative Writing Sydney

Short Story Club: 'Missing Helen' by Tia Tashiro

Short Story Club is a reading club for time-poor people who love speculative fiction. Just like other clubs we read the story and discuss it... though expect to go deeper into craft as writers. This session we're reading Tia Tashiro's 'Missing Helen', a 2026 Hugo and Locus Award-nominated story. This is available free to read through [Clarkesworld #226](https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/tashiro_07_25/) and its [audio version](https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/audio_07_25). June's Short Story Club is co-hosted with 2026 Parramatta Laureate **Eda Gunaydin** at Western Sydney University. Meet at noon for a light lunch (provided) and we'll start the main event at 12.30pm. No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story. Please indicate any dietary requirements when you RSVP. *Image credit: 'Alone' by Matt Dixon*

SelfPubAus lunch MeetUp - Strawberry Hills Hotel, Sydney

It's time for our June 2026 MeetUp at the Strawberry Hills Hotel next to Central Station, Sydney. Come and meet some fellow writers and have a drink or lunch if you like. Everyone is welcome, whatever stage of the writing and publishing journey they're at. https://www.strawberryhillshotel.com.au - in the Devonshire Room. Look forward to seeing you there! Feel free to bring any books or marketing material from your writing and publishing journey - it's always great to see successful results.

Speculative Writing Night @ Chatswood Library

**If you're coming, [please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817) as well as here so they can set out enough places for us on the night.** Our aim is to provide a supportive community for speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror etc) writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library. **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** *In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.* **Schedule:** **5:30 - 6:00 pm:** Introductions and casual chat **6:00 - 7:30 pm:** 'Focus & Write' session **7:30 - 8:30 pm:** Continue writing, or socialise and share your progress **What to bring:** Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper. Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups. Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, **[please RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** so they can set out enough places for us on the night. \*\*\* **Our meeting room** We are in the **Creator Space**, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us. **[How to get there](https://libraries.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Locations-and-Hours/Chatswood-Library)** **Public transport**: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange. **Parking**: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found [here](https://www.theconcourse.com.au/visit/parking/). The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free. **Cycle**: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance. **Accessibility** For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist. Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area. Did I mention you should **[RSVP through the library](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wednesday-speculative-writing-night-tickets-813545274817)** to make sure they know our numbers?

Ashfield Writing Group #7

Bring along 750-1500, share your work and prepare to get some feedback! Sessions are fairly free flowing but will follow a basic format of 6-8 minutes of reading and 6-8 minutes of feedback for each participant. If you are having trouble finding the entrance to Ashfield library, use this document. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16_Ptzwxce6ORvO4oa-xJNfZTtJMRbwfmTvR85ZDShkc/edit?usp=sharing) This link is to the google drive folder. If you'd like to put your writing here, send a request for permissions. The folder is for any longer pieces you'd like to share, whether that's for feedback or just because you want someone to read it. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s9opV-9ML9jzwTIUaKJHg8Z6ksB8yfXA?usp=drive_link)

Advanced Writers' Group

Our in person session at Marrickville Library, following the IWWG session.

Words on Tap

Are you working on a manuscript, short story, memoir, or idea that’s been simmering in your notebook or laptop? This group is for emerging writers and storytellers who want a supportive place to share their work and connect with like-minded creatives. Each MeetUp we offer the opportunity (optional, never pressured) for you to read a short excerpt of your work of up to 800 words in a safe, encouraging environment. This is not a critique group and not a workshop—it's about being heard, building confidence, and finding motivation through community. We will be meeting in the upstairs bar at The Flat Rock Brew Café, 290 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn NSW 2065, the first Wednesday of each month—a relaxed, welcoming space to talk writing, listen to stories, and nurture the creative process. (Many thanks to the Flat Rock Brew Café management - who have generously provided this space). Come along to: * Share your writing in a supportive space * Listen to others, sip a cool ale and get inspired * Connect with fellow writers and storytellers * Nuture your creativity and develop your author’s profile You’re welcome whether you want to read, listen, or simply be around people who “get it.” All writing styles and experience levels are welcome. And this is a free event.

ARTHUR PHILLIP MONUMENT

The Art of Projective Geometry

With Sophia Montefiore. Rhythm through metamorphosis, and form through rhythm. **"Just as a person’s inner life was formed from outside inwards, they must now create rhythm from inside outwards. That is the essential thing. Their inner life must become rhythmic. Just as rhythm created the cosmos, people need to permeate themselves with a new rhythm if they want to share in the creating of a new cosmos."** **R. Steiner, The Being of an Individual and Their Future Evolution. GA 107, Lecture V Rhythms in the Being of an Individual. 12 January 1909, Berlin.** If you're unable to attend in person, you can watch the lecture by zoom: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sophia-montefiore-the-art-of-projective-geometry-tickets-1987366326180?aff=oddtdtcreator

VIVID Walk 2026 : 🏃🏃‍♀️Together, Visit places where the light shines💡🌃🌉🏙️

**VIVID Walk 2026 \| ビビッド ウォーク 2026 \| 缤纷悉尼灯光节 2026 漫步💡🌃🌉🏙️** **Another year went by\~ Another year of lights** \*\*\*(Message me...those who walked with me 3 times a day last year\~\~) \*\*\* From Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, It’s gonna turn to the Ocean of lights and people\~ Walk thru the rocks, observatory hill, barangaroo, we will slowly make our way back to cockle bay and the walk shall terminate near Chinatown. As always, we will wrap up the event with a quick dinner. So sign yourself up for a different experience :) **Cost:** * **Fee: $10 for first** attendees (Unlimited Events). * **Returning members: Free.** Past attendees who have already paid can join again free of charge!! PS: This event we will be limited to our guests in between 20 and 35. We appreciate your understanding. **Remark\*** * Our community is well-regarded to be a safe & inclusive group. Attendees are expected to treat ALL guests/peers with courtesy, respect and understand of their own cultural background. Sales pitch & pick-up activities are STRICTLY prohibited. ANY attendees with misconduct/anti-social behaviour (& made other guests feel uncomfortable) will be removed from the group without warning & report to the event platform for further action. * To help us to build & preserve a peace & comfortable environment, please reach out to the leadership team if you have any issues or concerns. Your report will be 100% confidential. (***Sydney Social Explorers reserve all rights***) * Please be considerate to your peers as you RSVP & respect the effort of organisers (not just our group, but all events - we are speaking common sense/curiosity here). We understand some last minute withdrawals due to unexpected life circumstances, however please try your very best to avoid such exceptional situations occur.

VIVID lights cruise with fantastic drone show, train down and back

Stoics Picnic on the King's birthday - Little Manly Point

*Stoics of the Northern Beaches I hope to see you for a BYO picnic lunch at Little Manly Point. Open topic Stoic Philosophy discussion with like-minded people, bring your own lunch, water, hat and something to sit on.* Little Manly Point is a park located near Little Manly Beach in Manly, Sydney, Australia, that offers picnic areas with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. I will have a picnic blanket set up somewhere shady, under a tree. Bring your favourite Stoic book to talk about.

Unhurried Conversations at the Pub

In an unhurried conversation, there is time to think differently and connect with people in a refreshing way. Unhurried isn't always slow. It offers a pace where people find it easy to join in and not feel crowded out. And listening can be as satisfying as talking. We use a simple meeting format to make this happen. https://www.unhurried.org/ This newly created event is at a new venue, the Keg & Bew Hotel at Surry Hills. We meet on the 2nd floor around 6:15pm. Food and drinks are available, before and after, on the ground floor and roof top.