Region Writing and Storytelling
Groups and Societies
Whether it’s for accountability, critique or just general support and fun, joining a writing group or society is a fantastic way to develop your skills.
Canberra Poetry Slam is a home of stories and spoken word. They welcome and encourage anyone to some and share their stories. They hold regular programmed and open mic events.
Canberra Romance Writers
Canberra Romance Writers is a social group that focuses on commercial romantic fiction—happily ever after is the only rule. There are published and unpublished writers in the group who write a wide range of romantic genres including: regency, paranormal, romantic suspense, contemporary, and inspirational fiction. They have a Facebook group and do regular virtual writing sprints, and they meet monthly to exchange craft and marketing tips. Contact
The Canberra Society of Editors is the professional association for editors in Canberra. If you need an editor this is a great place to find a connection.
The CSFG is an association for Canberra-based creators of speculative fiction. Their goal is to support and provide development opportunities for their members as they move from aspiring, to published, to professional makers of specfic. They host monthly meetings, which include news, updates, craft workshops and presentations on relevant special-interest topics.
A group of Canberra writers who meet up every fortnight to share their work and get useful feedback. If you are a Canberran who loves to write (novels, essays, grocery lists - whatever type of writing floats your boat) and are looking to meet like-minded people, they’d love to have you at their next Meetup. The group meets fortnightly at the Belconnen Library, Community Room.
Murrumburah Writers Group
Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 6-8pm at the Murrumburrah Court House. All are welcome. For more information please contact Robin Cooper: orgwithpanache@yahoo.com.au or by phone on 02 6386 2100.
A monthly event Poetry at Manning Clark House held on the fourth Thursday from 5:00-7:00 pm. Three invited poets read each session. It is a paid event ($10.00) which includes a glass of wine and a snack. Bookings are essential on trybooking.com
Sapphire Scribblers are based in the Bega Valley Shire. They seek to inspire each other to write and publish books. Find them on Facebook.
SCBWI in Australia East is a professional community, where members share news about children’s writing and illustration in Australia and internationally; support each other; and meet at events. They are also always in contact with eachother through SCBWI social media.
Poets, and poetry fans looking for a good time there’s no better stop than at Smith's Alternative at Alinga St, Civic in Canberra. Each Monday evening at Smith’s Alternative Bookstore from 7pm the place is abuzz with readings and launches. These evenings often include Open Mic where all poetry readings are welcome.
Us Mob Writing (UMW)
Us Mob Writing (UMW) is a group of First Nations Australia poets, writers and story tellers (emerging and established) who are committed to showcasing First Nations writing. The group focuses primarily on poetry and short stories, with their poetry and prose published in many books and journals. The group also presents at writing events and festivals. For more information on Us Mob, email Samantha Faulkner.