Welcome to the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group, a serious critique group consisting of local writers meeting once a month to exchange writing experience, knowledge and detailed critiques. We were founded in 2009 by the award-winning author, editor and writing mentor Zena Shapter.
Today ‘NBWG’ is an inclusive and talented writing and critique group. Committed to developing and extending literary craft, we write and collaborate to publish short story anthologies (you can buy one over here), we go on writing retreats (because for a writer there’s nothing better than getting away from it all and writing for an entire weekend!), we socialise together, and we are always looking for new ways to use our writing expertise for the benefit of each other and our local arts community. There is a spreadsheet detailing our members’ most notable publications over here.
With our writing we have raised thousands of dollars for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and have published several award-winning emotionally-charged adventure books for readers aged 8-14years to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity leading research into childhood cancer. You can purchase those books by following the links here, or by sending us a message.
We have also written under the pen name Z.F. Kingbolt to create the high-action middle grade science fantasy novel Into Tordon, which was published by MidnightSun Publishing. Z.F. Kingbolt is on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as @ZFKingbolt.
Our members have also assisted Zena in judging the Northern Beaches Writers’ Competition, which she founded to give creative opportunities and recognition to writers across Australia, as well as locally on the Northern Beaches.
Services
Given all this experience, we have a wealth of writing, editing and publishing experience among our members. You are welcome to access this experience, without having to join as a member, through the ‘Services‘ menu link.
Appearances & Community
Our members are available to appear at libraries, schools, youth groups, festivals, conferences and writing communities to talk about writing, working collaboratively, the publishing industry and creating books. If you’d like to arrange a talk, please get in touch. We are a very interesting and inspiring bunch, with heaps of knowledge, experience and literary passion to share!
We are also keen to work with local networks to assist in the telling of their members’ stories. Sharing life experiences and writing them down is a cathartic exercise beneficial to both writer and reader. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help your network further.
Membership
To join us as a member, please first read about our meetings and membership requirements.
If you’d like to simply to discover writing tips, publishing news and developments, then please like us on Facebook.
For specific questions not answered elsewhere, please contact us with more details.