How to tap into Canberra’s writing community

Posted on 19 June, 2020

Are you an aspiring writer? Or have you spent your COVID lockdown writing a poem, short story, novel or work of non-fiction?

Whichever it is, you might be surprised to learn the ways in which the Canberra writing community can support, educate and nurture you and your work.

Whether you’re flirting with the idea of putting pen to paper, have a bottom-drawer manuscript you’re dying to polish or simply want to connect with other lovers of fiction, here’s where to start. 

ACT WRITERS CENTRE

It really shouldn’t surprise us that in a city of hidden gems, tucked away in a leafy part of Braddon, there is one of the most well-regarded writer’s centres in the country.

When I started writing, I would never have guessed the extent of the ACT Writers Centre’s resources and programs. Writing is a solitary pursuit, but the Centre makes sure you’re never alone, with a wide network of creatives, year-round development programs, regular workshops and a tight-knit community.

Membership to the centre gives you discounts on programs and workshops, personalised advice and referrals (solid gold in an industry where there is a lot of assumed knowledge) and most importantly, connection with other writers.

Find out more about what’s happening at the ACT Writers Centre here.

LIBRARIES ACT

‘Oh, a library, how obvious’ I hear you sniff. No. The ACT does not have ‘ordinary’ libraries or librarians but instead a strategic, focused, book-obsessed community who deliver free and low-cost events all year round, all across Canberra.

A Local Author Showcase is hosted at the Civic branch, where locally published material is on display for two years (so you can check out your local author superstars!). Every title is, of course, available for loan.

Are you a published Canberra author? The ACT Heritage Library collects all works of fiction produced in Canberra and region, as well as works of non-fiction relevant to the area, for preservation purposes. Local authors are encouraged to contact: act.heritage.library@act.gov.au.

From panel discussions, author appearances and talks, to book launches, book clubs and even workshops, Libraries ACT is a huge champion of local and international authors.

CANBERRA SPECULATIVE FICTION GUILD (CSFG)

Yes, it’s a guild and yes, it’s awesome. The ‘CSFG’ is one of Australia’s most dedicated and inclusive collectives of writers and fans of speculative fiction (that’s a genre term that encompasses science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, horror and any other creative narrative that ‘speculates’ on ‘what could happen’).

The CSFG offers its members access to an engaged online community, publishing opportunities, members’ meetings and its novel writing group, as well as multiple critiquing circles.

Find out more about the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild here.

BOOKSTORES

Okay, you probably frequent these already, but if you scratch the surface of some of Canberra’s favourite bookstores, you’ll find a plethora of fascinating in-conversation and meet the author events, book launches and more at very accessible prices.

Some websites to keep an eye on are Paperchain (Manuka), Muse (Kingston), and Harry Hartog (ANU and Woden).

CANBERRA WRITERS FESTIVAL

Bringing huge names and international publishing sensations to Canberra, the Canberra Writers Festival (CWF) is a festival for both readers and writers.

With in-depth panel discussions, frank and fearless in-conversation events and intimate author talks, the CWF encompasses fiction, non-fiction, theatre and poetry.

The dates for CWF 2020 are 12-16 August, with the annual title of Power, Politics, Passion.

Events that have been postponed due to COVID, but will return in the future

CONFLUX  

A slightly more niche event, CONFLUX is the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild’s annual convention. Encompassing three days of panels, workshops, masterclasses, social events and more (think a smaller version of ComicCon), people come from all around Australia to hang out and get nerdy.

Usually held over the October long weekend, it’s the ultimate indulgence for lovers of science fiction and fantasy but also a great opportunity to learn from some of Canberra and Australia’s most successful authors.

Keep an eye on the website for 2019 dates.