In 2025, WestWords is proud to launch WestWords Speculative Writing
WestWords is dedicated to excellence in writing across all genres. Through our work with the emerging writers of Western Sydney and beyond, it is clear there is a need and demand for a program tailored towards Speculative Fiction writing.
This program aims to nurture and expand the skillset of emerging writers working in speculative fiction (defined as Fantasy, Sci-fi, Horror, and all the sub genres in between).
This program aims to raise the profile of the participating writers through two opportunities:
Firstly, quarterly in-person open mic afternoons hosted at WestWords Western Sydney Centre for Writing held in partnership with Sydney Speculative Scribes.
And secondly, a resulting ebook anthology publication at the end of the year-long program, featuring excerpts of writing from participating writers.
FAQ: All writers and their works featured in WestWords anthologies retain their copyright.
Why a year-long course?
Speculative fiction is a difficult genre to conquer. A ‘hard-mode’ genre with its own demands and intricacies.
Likewise, emerging writers on the speculative fiction path find themselves facing a different set of obstacles on the journey to publication – general advice offered for other genres may not be applicable here.
Writing is already an isolating practise. One that is only compounded by the demands of speculative fiction. WSW is dedicated to helping foster a community of spec-fic writers, where entire worlds can be shared, and the quirks of the genre unpacked, all within a writing group that is dedicated to understanding, appreciating and elevating the genre.
On top of all that – it’s not uncommon for speculative fiction writers to be writing not just one book, but a series! To give the feedback to an emerging spec-fic writer takes time, immersion into entire worlds, and a deep understanding of the genre.
The program:
20 online sessions held across Feb-Dec 2025. The course commences February 28th 2025.
Each session is held online, Friday fortnightly, 6pm-8pm. (Sydney Time Zone).
Quarterly across 2025, 4 in-person open-mic afternoons will be hosted at WestWords Western Sydney Centre for Writing, held in partnership with Sydney Speculative Scribes. Participation in the open-mics is encouraged, but not strictly required. There will be a dial-in option for participants out of state.
In late 2025, the ebook publication will be celebrated with a launch at WestWords, Western Sydney Centre for Writing, in Parramatta.
The program is suitable for emerging writers who have a 1st draft complete of a speculative fiction novel (or will have the draft complete by Feb 2025).
As the sessions are hosted online, this program is open to everyone – anywhere, but participants from Western Sydney will be prioritised.
Topics in focus:
Across the 20 online sessions, writers will be working with a rotating roster of speculative fiction authors. Each session will have a different craft focus, tailored to the needs of editing a speculative fiction novel, as well as career building as a speculative fiction author.
There is an expectation that participants will focus on editing their speculative fiction novel across the year, using the tools and homework generated from the online session.
Subjects of the sessions include: history of the genres, central conflict and theme, structure (foundational & advanced), editing hierarchy, understanding traditional and self-publishing, synopses writing and pitching, crowd-funding and building your public profile, long-form and short-form writing techniques, action and choreography, line editing, world-building, sensitivity writing & editing, tropes, archetypes and developing an interesting cast of characters.
Program fee:
For the year-long program, there is a course fee of $600. There are two payment options:
- 2 payments of $300. First instalment payable in February, second instalment payable in August.
- DISCOUNT: 1 off payment of $500 in February, upon acceptance. ($100 discount).
Fee is only payable upon acceptance into the program. There is no application fee.
Intake for 2025 WestWords Speculative Writing is now open.
Call out ends Feb 3rd 2025, 5pm.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit your applications (word or PDF), as a single document to: ally@westwords.com.au
before Feb 3rd, 5pm. (Sydney Time). Your applications must include:
- 1 page synopsis of the creative project you will be working on across the year
- 5 page sample of your writing from your creative project (pt 12, double spaced)
- 1 page writer’s biography/CV detailing your writing experience. (Written in 3rd person. Please include name, contact phone, email and residential address)
- 1 page cover letter – tell us why you want to join WestWords Speculative Writing and what you hope to get out of the program. What are your passions and interests, and why is this opportunity right for you, and your project, at this time? (written in 1st person)
If you have any questions about the program at all, please contact ally@westwords.com.au
Please be aware the WestWords offices close over the holiday break, and will return late January.