Authors

International bestselling novelists share the experience of seeing their local stories turn into TV series and films.

Literary icon reflects on debut that became a classic

Hilarious Festival favourite that gets provocative, pithy and personal    

In this 6-week course with author Amy Lovat, you’ll explore the fundamentals of dialogue and character.

Melanie Saward, we will discuss the rules of writing romance: the structure, tropes, and different subgenres.

Beloved Sydney institution returns to the Sydney Writer’s Festival with international guest Plestia Alaqad

Observing our big blue planet spinning silently beneath us 

High school students hear from Australia’s most exciting literary talents.

SWF favourite State of the Nation returns bigger and better than ever for an Australian post-election wrap-up. 

This course with Eleanor Limprecht looks at writing scene and summary in your narrative.

Sydney Writers’ Festival Primary School Days program is designed to inspire the next generation of readers.

The legendary Martha Stewart takes the stage at ICC Sydney for an Australian exclusive for Vivid Sydney.

Join Pamela Cook to learn critical skills involved in the entire novel writing process.

If you love books, this is a great opportunity to connect with other readers online and find literary inspiration.

Access your authentic voice in words, make great connections

Join Lisa Shanahan learn the art of writing for children, from picture books to junior novels to middle-grade fiction.

Come along and join this reading group twice a month

Learn from Susan McKerihan how a knowledge of grammar can improve your writing.

The poet reflects on fleeing civil war in Somalia to surviving life in Australian detention.

Unlock your most energised, engaged and happy self at work

A monthly series with authors about their latest work, their body of work, writing process and ideas that inspire them.

Join Michelle Law to learn how to develop your own unique voice as a playwright.

If you love books, this is a great opportunity to connect with other readers online and find literary inspiration.

Join Christof Bogacs to learn how to communicate complex visuals ideas through comic script.

Join Amy Hutton to learn how to be your own publicist, marketer and social media manager as an author.

Zoya Patel will provide feedback on your creative non-fiction work, enabling you to hone your skills over five months.

Fiona Wright will provide feedback on your poetry, enabling you to hone your skills over five months.

Showcasing Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming writers and dearly loved authors.

James Jiang will help participants refine their pitches to literary journals.

Join JS Breukelaar to develop the skills and confidence you need to make your speculative fiction stand out.

A monthly series with authors about their latest work, their body of work, writing process and ideas that inspire them.

Petronella McGovern will teach you how to link your characters and plot, and keep your story moving.