The Cabonne Women Writers will present the winners of their annual writing competitions at a free awards ceremony in Molong. The event will be held from 10.30am on Saturday 7 November at Cobb & Co. Organisers say last year's gathering drew a strong turnout and lively interaction. Treasurer Penelope Hewett praised the high standard of entries and the encouraging feedback from the judge. Java Café will provide catering, and guests can network and share their passion for regional writing.
Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild president Americo Alvarenga has explained why the guild is staging Chimera Con 2026, a convention celebrating prose, comics, games and art. The event grew from the guild's aim to bring writers and artists together to celebrate their craft. Organisers say it will explore speculative fiction, including horror, science fiction and fantasy. Panels, workshops and kaffeeklatsches with professionals are planned to help writers and artists strengthen their voices. Chimera Con takes place on Sunday 15 November at the Gungahlin Community Centre, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Scottish author Ian Rankin has published The Heights, his first standalone thriller in two decades. Set in a luxury London apartment block, it follows detective Gillian Gish as she investigates the murder of a night concierge. Rankin says writing gave him a way to deal with difficult experiences, including his son Kit's disability. He and his wife Miranda channel about 20 to 30 per cent of his net income to good causes. He also plans a new Rebus novel, marking 40 years since the detective first appeared.
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Writers can learn how to present and protect their work online at a workshop at Logan Central Library on Friday 30 October. Felix Long will lead a session on building an author's digital identity from 10am to 11am. Topics include author profiles, pen names, digital security and algorithms. The workshop is aimed at adults and bookings are required. The library's Writing Friday session follows from 11am, and residents can book online or through Logan Libraries.
Primary school teacher Peter Convy has begun writing children's stories. The idea took shape during a walk with his daughter, who was searching for a four-leaf clover.
Michael Robotham's 20th novel, Tell Me Something True, is a rewritten version of a manuscript he wrote in the 1980s. The story, set in a small NSW town, was initially rejected by publishers. Robotham, now a bestselling author, has updated the novel to reflect contemporary sensibilities. The book explores themes of brotherhood, family, and small-town secrets, drawing from Robotham's own childhood experiences in Gundagai. He will discuss the novel at the State Library of NSW on October 10.
Ten Canberra cafés have been recommended as ideal spots for reading and writing. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, with some suited to mysteries, others to romance, and some to serious coffee and short reading sessions. The cafés include Cafe Alibi, Fav Cup, Bloom Room, Li’l Brew Espresso Bar, East Row Cafe, Pressed Coffee Co, Močan & Green Grout, The Cupping Room, Roy Jr. and Two Before Ten.
