- Workshop: Speculative Fiction with JS BreukelaarWriting NSW, Lilyfield
Is your science fiction/fantasy/ghost story just begging to be written—or finished—if only you knew how? Do you have amazing ideas but are not quite sure how to get them onto the page? Join author JS Breukelaar for a workshop that will leave you with the skills and confidence to make your speculative fiction work stand out.
In this course you will use exercises designed specifically for writing speculative fiction, e.g. how to extrapolate science into futuristic technology, conjure new forms of magic, imagine beauty amid the ruins of fantastic urban terrains, and bring nightmares to life. You will look at techniques focusing on world-building, character creation, plotting, dialogue, viewpoints, and avoiding cliché. There will be discussion around genre conventions, current publishing trends, podcasts, comic books, trilogies and more.
JS Breukelaar is the award-winning author of three novels and two collections, most recently, The Bridge and Collision: Stories, which was a Shirley Jackson and Aurealis Award finalist, and Ditmar Award winner, as well as numerous stories in acclaimed anthologies and several Years Bests. Her fourth novel, Remedy is due out this year.
More information and booking details
Cost is $210 (or $155 for Writing NSW members)
Please note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not reserve your place. You must book and pay for the course through Writing NSW.
- Wednesday Speculative Writing NightChatswood Library, Chatswood
Sydney lacks a dedicated space for writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror), and we're here to fill that gap!
Our aim is to provide a supportive community for writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library.
Schedule:
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Introductions and casual chat
6:00 - 7:30 pm: 'Focus & Write' session
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Continue writing, or socialise and share your progressWhat to bring: Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper.
Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups.
How to get there
Public transport: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange.Parking: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found here.
The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free.
Cycle: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance.
Accessibility
For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist.Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area.
Our meeting room
We are in the Creator Space, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books.If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us.
Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, please RSVP through the library so they can set out enough places for us on the night.
Photo credit: Cedrik Wesche
- Canberra excursion: ConfluxMercure Canberra, Braddon
Conflux 18: Missions & Quests
A convention about going places far and fantastical.GUESTS OF HONOUR
TR Napper is a multi-award-winning science fiction author. His short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Interzone, the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and numerous others, and been translated into six different languages.
Aaron Dries is a Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated, and Ditmar, Australian Shadows and Aurealis Award-winning author based in Canberra, Australia. He has written four novels, two novellas and a short story collection, and has contributed to several anthologies. Dries is one host of the podcast Let the Cat In, and co-founded Elsewhere Here Productions. His fiction, art, and films have been celebrated domestically and abroad.
Maddy March tripped and fell into tattooing in late 2017, and now specialises in fantasy-inspired illustrative tattoos. She especially enjoys creating queer-centric and body positive art for her clients, expressive art that they can wear with pride on their skin.
What is a speculative fiction convention?
An SF convention is an event that brings together SF creators and fans and often features a program of sessions that range from panel discussions and readings to Guest of Honour talks, workshops, games and special events.What is membership?
Membership is a way to support the event. Full attending membership includes access to all days of the convention. Individual days can also be purchased if you cannot attend the whole event.Full adult membership is $275 and can be purchased through conflux.org.au
All travel costs, meals and accommodation are separate and covered by each individual.
Please note a 'yes' RSVP does not confirm your place at the event. You must book and pay through Conflux.
Program to be announced
There will be a small Sydney contingent attending this year. Please let us know if you'll be there and I will confirm dates, times and places so we can meet up during the convention. Check the comments for updates.
- Wednesday Speculative Writing NightChatswood Library, Chatswood
Sydney lacks a dedicated space for writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror), and we're here to fill that gap!
Our aim is to provide a supportive community for writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library.
Schedule:
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Introductions and casual chat
6:00 - 7:30 pm: 'Focus & Write' session
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Continue writing, or socialise and share your progressWhat to bring: Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper.
Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups.
How to get there
Public transport: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange.Parking: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found here.
The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free.
Cycle: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance.
Accessibility
For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist.Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area.
Our meeting room
We are in the Creator Space, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books.If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us.
Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, please RSVP through the library so they can set out enough places for us on the night.
Photo credit: Cedrik Wesche
- Wednesday Speculative Writing NightChatswood Library, Chatswood
Sydney lacks a dedicated space for writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror), and we're here to fill that gap!
Our aim is to provide a supportive community for writers at all levels, offering a platform for networking, dedicated writing time, craft discussions, and publication tips. Whether you're just starting or an established wordsmith, join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Chatswood Library.
Schedule:
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Introductions and casual chat
6:00 - 7:30 pm: 'Focus & Write' session
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Continue writing, or socialise and share your progressWhat to bring: Your work-in-progress, whether on screen or paper.
Connect with fellow writers, explore the speculative fiction realm, and let your imagination soar at our regular writing meetups.
How to get there
Public transport: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange.Parking: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found here.
The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free.
Cycle: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance.
Accessibility
For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist.Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area.
Our meeting room
We are in the Creator Space, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books.If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us.
Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, please RSVP through the library so they can set out enough places for us on the night.
Photo credit: Cedrik Wesche