Writing Groups
Join a Writing Group at Hunter Writers’ Centre
Hunter Writers’ Centre offers writing groups for all stages of your creative journey. Whether you’re into poetry, memoir, fiction, or other forms, our groups provide a supportive space to share work, get feedback, and grow your craft.
Writing Groups are open to members only. Become a member today.
Some groups are new and welcoming members; others have limited spots. All require an Expression of Interest to join to ensure a good fit and productive sessions.
Ready to connect, grow, and write? Submit your Expression of Interest to join a group.
Interested in starting your own writing group? Contact us at info@hunterwriterscentre.org to discuss.
Kids Lit – Maitland
1st Monday of each month
10 am — 12:30 pm
Maitland
Waitlist available
Kids Lit – Maitland is a group for picture book writers and illustrators of all levels. This group focuses on creating stories that connect with the reader, through collective experience as well as using creative prompts to get the most out of each meeting. Join this group to meet liked-minded passionate writers and illustrators that offer support, push and inspire you while on your creative journey.
Meetings are facilitated by Linda Hutchinson.
Writing for Publication
1st Tuesday of each month
7 pm — 9 pm
Newcastle
Waitlist available
Writing for Publication is a group for anyone who loves to write with the dream of being published. As a collective, we create the agenda together — we can use our time to write short impromptu stories, review work, discuss tips for submissions and whatever else comes along. If you’re just starting out or have already worked out the publishing world, come join us!
Meetings are facilitated by Louella Dent.
Memoir and Creative Non-Fiction
2nd Thursday of each month
9:30 am — 12:30 pm
In Person: Maitland
Open to new members
Memoir is a group for intermediate writers developing memoirs or life stories toward a publishable standard. We focus on key writing elements, monthly skill-based prompts, and constructive feedback. Members take turns leading exercises to expand creative abilities. Work is submitted via email two weeks in advance and shared on Google Drive for review and critique before our in-depth discussions.
Meetings are facilitated by Bronwyn MacRitchie.
East Maitland Poetry
2nd Saturday of each month
10 am — 1 pm
In Person: Maitland
Not accepting new members at this time
East Maitland Poetry is for experienced poets, with a focus on critiquing poems, with all pieces considered as ‘drafts’ regardless of stage of completion. The diversity of poems, their content and use of poetic features all form part of the discussions.
Meetings are facilitated by Diana Pearce.
Wickham Writers
2nd Saturday of each month
10:30 am — 12:30 pm
In Person: Wickham
Waitlist available
Wickham Writers is a group that aims to provide a trusted, safe and supportive democratic environment for writers of all genres. We connect like-minded writers, from emerging to established and offer support and encouragement, constructively critique and review writing projects and provide assistance where requested. Monthly meetings are held in-person on the second Saturday of the month in Wickham, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm.
This group is facilitated by Margaret MacKay, with each meeting hosted by a different member of the group.
General Fiction Online
3rd Wednesday of each month
6 pm — 8 pm
Online: Via Zoom
Open to new members
General Fiction Online is a welcoming space for writers and artists to share their work in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the group offers a nurturing community where creativity is celebrated and feedback is constructive. While the focus is on fiction, the group is also open to writers working in other genres such as memoir and creative nonfiction. Members are encouraged to explore their voice, experiment with new ideas, and build confidence in their creative practice.
Meetings are facilitated by Julia Brougham.
Newcastle Short Stories
3rd Saturday of each month
10 am — 1 pm
In Person: Newcastle
Waitlist available
Newcastle Short Stories is a vibrant short story writing group, where writers of all levels gather to share, critique, and inspire. Whether you’re penning your first tale or polishing your latest masterpiece, you’ll find encouragement, creativity, and community. Sharpen your craft and discover new voices in the heart of Newcastle.
The group is facilitated by poet and short story writer, Glenn Stuart Beatty.
Newcastle Poetry
4th Saturday of each month
10 am — 1 pm
In Person: Newcastle
Waitlist available
Newcastle Poetry is for poets at any stage of their development. Our purpose is to critique a piece the poet is working on in a safe environment, without changing the voice of the poet/speaker. Each member is given an allotted amount of time on the day to share their poem in hard copy, as well as read their poem aloud. The primary function of the group is to both improve the writing style of the poet and also to elevate it to a publishable stage.
Meetings are facilitated by Ellen Shelley.
Spec Fix
4th Saturday of each month
1 pm — 4 pm
In Person: Charlestown
Open to new members
Spec Fix is a friendly and diverse group that welcomes both new and experienced writers. Our focus is on speculative fiction, including genres such as fantasy, horror, sci-fi, urban fantasy, dystopian, alt-history, and beyond. We aim to hone your writing skills, help you gain confidence as a writer, and encourage you make new connections. We begin our meetings with a focus on general writing and book-related chats before we read and share our writing, providing our members with valuable feedback and tips.
Meetings are facilitated by Madi Crouch
Children’s Writing
3rd Thursday of each month
Evenings
In Person: Newcastle
Not accepting new members at this time
Children’s Writing is for children’s authors and illustrators wanting to write for the picture book market. We focus on critiquing by giving positive feedback as well as suggestions for improvement. We also share industry knowledge including publishing houses, submission windows, local literary events, conferences, and other writing improvement opportunities. Monthly meetings are held in-person on the third Thursday of the month in the evenings in Newcastle.
Meetings are facilitated by local children’s author, Katrina McKelvey.