The South Coast Writers Centre has a fantastic calendar of events lined up for the start of 2025.
On 21 and 22 January, join authors Pat Simmons and Liv Lorkin at Coledale Hall for the SCWC School Holiday Program. Pat will be reading from her books The Cat Thief and Ziggy’s Zoo in a free session suitable for under-8s, and Liv will be leading a session on fantasy map illustration perfect for 8- to 12-year-olds. Both sessions will be running on both days. Plus, free zine making activities and a kids’ book sale. Book now.
Young Writers Groups are back for Term 1, 2025! Beginning on Monday 10 February and running for nine weeks after school, both the Young Writers Group (ages 10-13) and the Senior Young Writers Group (ages 14-18) aim to be both a class and community, where young writers can develop their craft and create work they are proud of in a relaxed, inclusive, and supportive space. Enrol now for classes on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at Wollongong Library or Coledale Hall. Single free trial sessions also available, book here.
The first Film Club of the year will be happening in Coledale Hall on the evening of Saturday 1 February, screening Wes Anderson’s delightful caper The Grand Budapest Hotel. Film Club runs the first Saturday of each month and is bookended by a discussion of the film with local film expert and convenor of the SCWC Screenwriting Program, Graham Thorburn. Book your tickets now.
The SCWC’s first two writing workshops of the year are now open for bookings. Learn all about writing true crime from Campbell McConachie in a two-hour seminar on 23 February, or discover pathways to publishing with award-winning author Ashley Kalagian Blunt on 15 March. To book for all upcoming workshops and events visit the SCWC website.
The SCWC also has three upcoming writing opportunities still open for submissions: the SCWC & Merrigong Playwrights Program, closing 17 January, the SCWC Poetry Award, closing 2 March, and the brand-new Crime Fiction Manuscript Appraisal and Mentorship Session with award-winning author Dinuka McKenzie. There are six mentorship spots available, last submission accepted 14 February.
Visit the submissions and entries page on the SCWC website for all open and upcoming writing opportunities.