We're a Sydney-based group of science fiction and fantasy writers, who
review each other's work so we can improve our craft. We include
authors who are self-published, traditionally published, and those
still on their publishing journey.
We are looking for writers who are serious about
getting published: if you've done courses; read a lot of
materials on how to write; shared and critiqued work with writing communities; have
submitted work to editors, publishers, or agents, then come along to one
of our
meetings so you can see how we work.
If you're a beginner, or just writing as a hobby and
sharing work with family and friends, you might find a community writers
group more
suited to your needs.
Check out the links below:
Search for writing groups in your area on
MeetUpHave a question? Looking for a commission, ghostwriting, or wanting to find out more about our group? Please fill out the google form below.
Contact usWe are open and actively seeking new members to join our group.
Whilst online meetings are taking place, we will be taking members Australia-wide.
Our meetings are once a month, typically the 3rd Sunday. Check our calendar for more details.
CalEndArYou MUST be competent with spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This is a basic expectation for anyone serious about writing.
If you struggle in these areas, there are courses available online, at community colleges, and organisations like Writing NSW. (Using Grammarly is not enough.) We will not review stories that are riddled with errors.
Don't be lazy! This means, don't post a rough draft without
bothering to review it, rewrite it, or polish it. Write the best work you
can so the writers group can pick up on the things you missed. If you
already know there are things wrong with your story, fix those things
before posting.
While members may not always agree with the feedback they receive
from others, it pays to take it on board — especially if a number of
members
have highlighted the same problems in your work. If you don't find
the group's feedback helpful, don't just ignore it and keep posting — that
is not
a good investment of our time and energy. Find another group.
Make sure you know how to walk before you run. Some people read
widely and are able to pick up novel writing very quickly, but many
others need
to hone their craft on shorter works first: you learn much faster
from twelve short stories in a year than one novel.
If you
are eager to embark on your massive series of epic novels set in an
expansive universe with a multitude of characters but you haven't
figured out how
it all fits together, and you don't understand what a story arc is,
then you should absolutely start with short stories to improve your storytelling skills.
Each meeting, we post stories to our online forum for
review. Members upload their comments on the stories. Pre-Covid19 we hosted meetings at the
Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills.
Currently all meetings are online via Skype.
Meetings are held at noon, typically the third Sunday of each month (check this calendar or the forum for details).
Meetings can be as short as an hour or longer than three hours. Everyone gets a turn having their work critiqued. You do not have to submit every month to attend.
Eventually we would like to return to face-to-face meetings, as lunch together, prior to the discussion of posted
stories, was a highlight. This may come with some hurdles, as the hotel is no longer open in our old time slot.