creative writing group brisbane

The Brisbane Writers Workshop

Our Story The Brisbane Writers Workshop offers small-group creative and business writing courses and editing for all levels and ambitions. A collective of qualified and published professionals , we stand behind our publications list and commitment to share our knowledge. We are awarded writers and editors of numerous acclaimed titles published for the global market. We celebrate unique voices and offer qualified support. We offer online and in-person courses.

Introductory Creative Writing Courses

Intermediate to advanced creative writing courses, mentorships, assessments, & editing.

Get coached by an expert.

Direction ~ Support

Corporate Communication & Training

From minutes to social media.

Power ~ Precision

Intro Courses:

• Creative Writing
• Short Stories
• Family Stories & Memoir
• Fiction Blitz
• Writing for Children & YA
• Travel Writing
• Seasons & Symbols

Advancing Studies:

• Creative Writing II
• The Character Arc
• Narrative & Plot
• Speculative Fiction
• Editing & Proofreading
• Polish & Publish

Mentoring & Editing:

• All Genres, Fiction & Nonfiction
• Short Stories & Novels
• Articles, Blogs & Essays
• Personal Development
• Memoirs & Family History
• Academics & Young People
• Synopsis & Query Letters

All Business:

• Organisational Journalism
• Concept to Copy
• Editing to Proofreading
• Minutes to Reporting
• Client & Stakeholder Focus
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Onsite Training by Request

Find us on Facebook  or email [email protected]  

Creative Dragons

Writing workshops.

Cherie Curtis (front) with enthusiastic youngsters.

Welcome to Creative Dragons, the nesting cave for all fledgling and accomplished writers – those special young creatures determined to learn, grow and explore through the magic of reading, writing and creative thinking.

Creative Dragons was founded in 2012 by award-winning author/journalist Cherie Curtis, who also writes under the pen name Cheryse Durrant. Cherie is passionate about helping the young and the young-at-heart read and write better.

Cherie has 20 years’ experience in presenting workshops and training young people in English, journalism & communications, public speaking and creative writing. Her tailored programs are aimed at improving literacy levels, enhancing problem solving skills and helping every child and teenager discover their unique writing voice.

Find Creative Dragons at Findschoolworkshops.com www.findschoolworkshops.com is a directory of school shows, workshops incursions and assemblies . Browse their large range of Australian workshop, incursion and assembly providers for Primary and Secondary Schools.

4 thoughts on “ Home Lair ”

I have an 11yo son (Cooper) who is interested in creative writing. Do you still run workshops in Brisbane? If not are there any groups or tutors you could recommend in the Brisbane area? Thanks & regards Adrian

Dear Adrian, I hope you don’t mind but I’m posting the email I sent you in 2018 because I’ve recently had so many Brisbane parents enquire about writing classes. I do not offer tuition or children’s writing classes in Brisbane, but I highly recommend the Queensland Writers Centre and the State Library of Queensland which both, from time to time, offer workshop series and classes for children, especially on the school holidays. They also have some fabulous online workshops happening right now! Signing up to the QWC and SLQ mailing lists will keep you up to date on their latest events. You can also email the QWC to register your interest in a particular suburb, so that they may re-consider starting their weekly creative writing classes for kids. Plus, touch base with your local library. Both the Moreton Bay and Redland Region Libraries offer free and subsidised workshops for children and adults. I hope that both you and Cooper are doing well and keeping optimistic and creative. With kindest regards, Cherie

Hi I am looking for a tutor for my son who will be in year 9 next year. Definitely maths and English but also just general help with assignments and what a good assignment looks like.

Dear Cayce, I can certainly tutor your son in English and general assignment assistance in 2022. However, I no longer tutor mathematics. Teaching English gives me so much joy, whereas the mathematics curriculum is becoming more and more difficult to teach, and I already have a full English student load. My apologies for this decision, but this is about being true to myself and fully embracing my love of Language & Literature. Best wishes for a fabulous Christmas and I hope to meet your son in 2022. Kindest regards, Cherie

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Carindale Writers Group

Carindale Writers Group was founded in 2000. Writers of all genres participate in our twice-monthly meetings, many have become published authors. We welcome new members not only in general terms, but we provide a friendly, supportive environment to develop and grow one’s skills regardless of experience or standing.

Each of our meetings features writing submitted by two members in advance, for critique. For each meeting, we also write and read a very short piece to a pre-advised theme. Everyone has a chance to be involved, either by preparing a critique for the circulated writings, or by reading aloud their very short piece. Participation in each is voluntary; there’s no requirement for either.

The feature writers benefit from the considered review of their fellow members; valuable advice and suggestions to think about. There is always something to learn from these discussions, across the whole gamut of writing elements – style, plot, voice, story arc, point of view, editing, clarity, dialogue and so much more.

The group supports and encourages peer-based critique, improvement in writing skills and social engagement. ​The writing process is not a lonely one when you have the support and encouragement of a long-established writers group, where you can share in the knowledge and experience of fellow-members.

Carindale Writers Group also functions as a link to the broader writing community, with updates on writing competitions, seminars and workshops.

So far we have completed eight collections of work. In 2022, we published Coffee, Cake & WORDS; in 2020, our 20th birthday year, we published 20/20 Vision Stories; our sixth, Nailbiters – Not for the Nervous was unveiled in June 2019; and Encounters was published in 2016. All are available to buy from Amazon.

Come and experience how we work together, see how we go about our business of being a premier writers group. If you are interested in attending one of our meetings or would simply like more information, please get in touch .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

10 Top Writing Groups in Australia

By Kevin Chan

Are you an Australian writer looking for a supportive writing group to join? We’ve featured 10 top writing groups in Australia for you below.

1. Sydney Write

Sydney Write is a writing group in Sydney, Australia. The group welcomes anyone working on poetry, novels, screenplays or other writing and is fully accepting of people from different backgrounds, including individuals who identify as LGBT+.

Sydney Write meetings happen once every two weeks on Wednesdays at their usual venue No Moss, close to Central. Writing meetings consist of introductions and an opportunity to socialize, followed by a focused time of writing. Sydney Write welcomes artists and creators interested in checking out this group.

Contact Sydney Write!

2. Inner West Writers Group

Based in Sydney, Inner West Writers Group is a writing group led by Gazala Anver, Oula Ghannoum, Maree Walk, and Maria Issaris. Established in 2020, Inner West Writers Group welcomes writers at any level of writing skill to bring their work-in-progress to work on alongside other Inner West Writers Group members.

Whether writers are focused on fiction, memoirs, biographies, graphic novels or blogs, Inner West Writers Group welcomes all writers to their meetings. Meetings take place once a week on Saturday in person at Marrickville Library. Writers can read their work out loud to the rest of the group and receive constructive criticism and feedback from members.

Reach out to Inner West Writers Group today.

3. Central Coast Creative Writers Group

Central Coast Creative Writers Group is a writing group based in Central Coast. Led by co-organizers Philippe Messer and Gareth Beal, Central Coast Creative Writers Group meets monthly on the last Saturday at noon. All writers will find a place to call their own in this friendly, open writing group regardless of background and skill level.

Meetings usually last for about two hours and include a time for socialization, writing workshop activities, as well as time for group feedback and focusing on each writer’s own individual projects. Meetings usually take place at their usual venue, Bamboo Buddha Cafe in Holgate.

Speak to Central Coast Creative Writers Group for more details.

4. Sydney Romance Writing Meetup Group

Situated in Sydney, Sydney Romance Writing Meetup Group is a writing group focused on supporting romance writers in the area. Today, 70 romance writers call Sydney Romance Writing Meetup Group home and regularly meet up for meetings to support each other in their goals of writing increasingly better romance writing.

Sydney Romance Writing Meetup Group meetings happpen once a month on the second Saturday, at local venues like Piccolo Me Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG). Writer meetings are opportunities for writers to meet other romance writers, create connections and get new ideas for their work-in-progress.

Connect with Sydney Romance Writing Meetup Group.

5. Gold Coast Creative Writing Meetup Group

Gold Coast Creative Writing Meetup Group is a writing group in Gold Coast. Group organizer Sally Machray welcomes all writers to join the Gold Coast Creative Writing Meetup Group at one of their meetings, make friends and get ideas to help advance their writing.

Gold Coast Creative Writing Meetup Group meetings occur weekly at local venues like Broadwater Shores. Writers are welcome to bring their writing, fiction or non-fiction, on paper or their laptops. Every meeting includes time for writing, speaking to other members, and also learning about an aspect of writing, including POV, voice and different genres.

Learn more about Gold Coast Creative Writing Meetup Group.

6. Totally Lit!

Located in Brisbane, Totally Lit! is a writing group with over 130 members actively participating in regular writing meetings. This writing group is organized by author Ky Garvey, who is ready and able to support other writers, no matter their career stage.

Totally Lit!’s members can benefit from participating in their regular writing meetings and unique events like their Write and Sip writing workshops, writing masterclasses with authors like Michelle Worthington and Vino & Vignette, and writing workshops with a glass of wine. Times and prices for each type of event may vary, and detailed information for each event is available on Totally Lit!’s Meetup.com webpage.

Take a look at Totally Lit!’s website!

7. Brisbane Write Club

Brisbane Write Club is a writing group supporting professional, amateur and aspiring writers in and around Brisbane. Writers working on novels, short stories, poetry, songs, or even screenplays can find support and reason to join Brisbane Write Club for their writing meetings.

Each writing meeting includes an hour of dedicated writing, followed by a time of discussions, socialization, and networking with other writing group members. On special occasions, Brisbane Write Club also offers its members the opportunity to enjoy dinners and reading events.

Find out what else Brisbane Write Club can offer you!

8. Perth Writing Meetup Group

Supporting writers in Perth, Perth Writing Meetup Group is a writing group that aims to be a place where writers can find support and accountability by working alongside the rest of Perth Writing Meetup Group’s active members. In addition to writers, Perth Writing Meetup Group welcomes individuals looking for a place to study or read quietly.

Writing meetings happen weekly on Sundays, in person at local venues, including Dome Cafe Maylands. Writers will benefit from participating in Perth Writing Meetup Group from having the positive peer pressure of those working around them. Perth Writing Meetup Group meetings usually last for about an hour of concentrated writing, followed by time for socializing and discussing progress with other writers.

Discover more about Perth Writing Meetup Group!

9. Write Together

Write Together is a writing group that aims to be a supportive community that writers can rely on. Originally founded in London, the UK, the writing group has chapters all over the world today, including one in Perth, Australia. Meetings take place online and happen every week on Friday evenings at 9 PM.

Write Together Perth’s rules of group meetings are quite simple. Writers are welcome to come join Write Together Perth for a time of focus and writing. Writing time is to be respected and kept as quiet as possible so that writers who want time to focus on their writing can do so. Following that, there is always time provided for writers to share ideas, ask questions and socialize with other writers.

Plan to join Write Together!

10. Shut Up & Write! Adelaide

Adelaide is home to one of the chapters of Shut Up & Write!, a writing group represented in cities worldwide. Shut Up & Write! Adelaide meetings take place in person every other week on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Unley Civic Library and City of Tea Tree Gully Library.

Shut Up & Write! writing meetings align with the international standard that other Shut Up & Write! chapters follow. After a quick introduction, writers work for about an hour on their own manuscripts. Writers are free to stick around after the writing period has ended to speak with other members, socialize, get feedback or simply continue writing.

For more information about Shut Up & Write! Adelaide, check out their Meetup.com webpage.

• Success Stories
• Creative Writing Course Reviews
• About Writing
• Manuscript Assessment

Online creative writing courses in Brisbane, Queensland

Our 4-Week Unlocking Creativity introductory creative writing program is an inspiring process that will unlock your creativity and dramatically improve the quality of your writing from the very first class.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional writer, a complete beginner or somewhere in between, this course will kick start your creative potential and give you tools and techniques that will bring your writing to life on the page.

You will also gain a practical understanding of how to use character development and classic story structure to create profound and dramatic stories. You will learn to write in a way that makes other people want to read what you have written.

Questions regarding our online creative writing courses

You may have had the experience of doing a course where you received minimal feedback or found the course processes are simply an online textbook.

At the Writers’ Studio, which was founded in 1992, we have developed our own unique in-house systems that deliver inspiring and powerful online content whilst you work through your course with a group of like-minded writers and your personal online tutor.

You can access the site and course materials and participate in your online group as it suits you 24/7. Read some recent course testimonials below to get a sense of how the course has worked for our online participants.

The 4-Week Unlocking Creativity writing course is a stand-alone course, and also a prerequisite for our other online courses including our Six-Week Short Story Online courses and our 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft Online course, for those wanting to write a novel or screenplay.

They say you can’t be taught how to write, but you can learn. We believe the art is in the doing.

Join today with like-minded writers from around Australia and begin your writing journey!

For all course details, costs and the dates of our next upcoming 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online course please click link below:

4-Week Unlocking Creativity Online

For an overview of our Online Course Program please click the link below:

Overview of Online Courses

Course reviews.

“I have loved every minute of this course, I didn’t want it to end. I loved reading other’s writing, writing feedback and receiving feedback. I feel I have got to know people and their stories, such a treasure chest of stories. I sincerely recommend this course to anyone.” Margaret, August

“One of the greatest characteristics of the course is the amount of support you receive, not just from your instructor but from every other writer taking the course.” Robert, February

“You saw time and time again, the Writers’ Studio lived up to their mission – ” … a team of passionate, experienced and dedicated tutors will guide you through the writing journey every step of the way.” Marie, May

“This course was so well thought out and very carefully planned. It was a really tight module. I was surprised at how quickly our little online community bonded.” Louise, February

“I work as a TV drama scriptwriter and editor for a living … and in the past, I have also run creative writing courses for high school students, so I was curious to see how this course would be structured, and I have to say I was mightily impressed. The way the course built from week to week was excellent. And the design of the “Writers’ Board” where everyone could share and give feedback (with additional insight from the tutor) was brilliant.” Elizabeth, February

“… My fellow writers and I leave feedback on each other’s pieces. I can’t place a value on the experience of receiving feedback on my writing. Giving feedback has changed my writing for the better. I feel like writing is within my reach – I’ve picked up tools that will help me and serve me in my journey.” Lisa, May

“… I have thoroughly enjoyed the process, the freedom, the encouragement and pleasure that comes from “publishing” your work and having supportive, constructive feedback. It has been a great, validating experience …” Nella, August

“This course has been the single best investment in myself I have yet made … For me, this course has delivered 100% on the website’s claim, “If your dream is to write, our courses will get you doing it.” Matt, May

“Amazed at how much I learnt from the constructive reviews that I received with every piece of writing.” Nicole, May

“Who would have thought, it completely changed my life. Now all my previous attempts of writing seem to me childish as   my skills have improved so much.” Anastasia, May

“I learned so many incredibly useful techniques.” Shannon, May

If you have any questions about our courses and programs, you can email using the link below to our contact form:

Contact Us By Email

Or you can phone the Studio between 11.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday on (02) 9386 4994.

We’d love to hear from you!

• Unlocking Creativity Online
• Unlocking Creativity Live
• First Draft Online
• First Draft Live
• Writers’ Gym
• Character Development
• Short Story – Genre
• Beyond First Draft Online
• Beyond First Draft Live
• Writer’s Hub
• Terms & Conditions

Subscribe to our newsletter

To stay up to date with our latest news and offers, register now for our email newsletter.

Please send me the next & other upcoming courses dates. (If you have other questions – please use the form on the Contact Us page.)

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Page Title *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

WRITERS' GROUPS QUEENSLAND

Join a writers’ group.

Upbeat Arts delivers tailored creative arts programs, where our professional leaders work with marginalised communities, promoting social inclusion, positive mental health and overall wellbeing.

Everyone has a voice! The arts can be used to enhance self-awareness, self-expression and communication skills and improve mood and self-esteem.

Our programs offer an opportunity to learn new things and make positive changes in your life, by providing a positive distraction from issues in life that may be causing anxiety or depression.

A NEW CHOIR ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

Upbeat Arts is excited to announce a brand-new choir – heading to the Sunshine Coast. Launching on Thursday 13 June 2024, this choir will inspire its members and help them enjoy time out from life’s challenges.

The new choir will be the latest addition to our suite of group-oriented recovery programs, which help those experiencing mental illness, or anyone marginalised or disadvantaged.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

We’re always happy to welcome new MEMBERS to our weekly group programs. We’re especially keen to hear from members for our new Sunshine Coast Choir. Click on the ‘find out more’ button to learn more. 

VOLUNTEERS - RECRUITING NOW

We’re currently recruiting a brand new volunteer team for our Sunshine Coast Choir. This is an exciting time to start with the choir from the beginning.

We also have some positions available with our two Brisbane Choirs.

OUR JOURNEY

Upbeat Arts launched in Queensland on World Mental Health Day in 2014. Our programs are created by a team of highly qualified creative leaders with valuable experience, working with marginalised communities. 

Activities include creative writing, and choirs, with research funded by independent organisations including Opera Australia and Wesley Medical Research Institute in Queensland.

Our program leaders build upon the capabilities of participants, encouraging learners to take their own personal journey of growth and development, by growing, developing and nurturing a combination of artistic capabilities and life skills in a caring and safe environment.

OUR MISSION

Community, Inclusion and Empowerment

Find out More:

• Business Model
• Privacy Policy
• Program Info

hOW TO HELP:

• Corporate Support
• Fundraise for Us
• Head Office & Brisbane:
• P: +61 7 3073 2919
• Sunshine Coast:
• P: +61 7 5294 1092
• OR Click here to contact us

MEMBER LOGIN:

• Resources - Choir
• Resources – Staff and Volunteers

UPBEAT ARTS ENEWS

Sign Up for our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news and events.

(Note: if you’re already a member or volunteer, you’re already signed up)

Brisbane Children's Writers Festival 2024

Event description, do you have a budding young writer at home   .

Mark your calendar for 12 October 2024  when Queensland Writers Centre presents Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival ( #BCWF2024 ). It’s a one-day festival of writing, illustrating, zines, poetry, interactive storytelling, screenwriting, competitions and more for writers aged 10-16. Our 2024 theme is Play -  Paper, Scissor, Rock .

Young creatives will come together for a day of hands-on activities, peer support and feedback from industry professionals. 

8:30am - Check-in

9:00am - festival welcome.

Including Acknowledgement of Country. 

9:30am-3:15pm - Workshops

Join in exciting workshops with other writers your age! Everyone will get the chance to immerse in each of our featured workshops, rotating across the day of the Festival. 

  3:15pm - 3:45pm - Awards

Celebrate your writing work: includes presentation of Festival awards for our on-the-day competitions and more.  

3:45pm - 4:00pm - Pickup

#BCWF2024  is free for Queensland Writers Centre youth members.  Get your membership today  to secure your place at this year’s festival.  

For more information about our Youth Writing programs and initiatives, visit queenslandwriters.org.au/youthwriting .

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix donates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Refund policy

Refunds are available up to 7 days prior to the event