Living Stories Workshop: Adults (18+)

Get your Living Stories 2026 entry ready at these creative writing workshop hosted by WestWords and WestLit Libraries.

Do you love writing? This workshop is for you. Join our free creative writing workshops hosted by WestWords and WestLit Libraries. Learn the skills you need to craft a short story and poem in these workshops hosted by professional writers.

 
The Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize returns for its 6th year in 2026. 
 
As you prepare to enter the competition, join us for a free creative writing workshop, hosted by participating libraries across Western Sydney, presented by local professional authors.

The writing workshops will help you prepare your entry: either a short story/narrative non-fiction (up to 500 words) or a poem (up to 25 lines). These workshops cater to the four competition age groups: 
10 - 12 years; 
13 - 15 years; 
16 - 18 years; 
and adults (18+). 
 
This year, participants are asked to write in response to the theme: Is It True ...?

Living Stories is a creative writing competition open to residents of Western Sydney and Wingecarribee Shire, offering an opportunity at publication and cash prizes from a pool of over $12,000. 
 
You may enter the competition, even if you are unable to attend a free workshop. You may attend a free workshop, even if you are unable to enter the competition.

 
To enter, and for more information, please visit: http://www.westwords.com.au/living-stories/

Living Stories is presented by WestWords, WestLit Libraries, Create NSW, Arab Bank Australia, and Australian Catholic University.

WHO: Adults (18+) 
WHEN: Tuesday 31 March 6 - 7:30pm 
WHERE: Peter Goodfellow Theatrette, Penrith Library

HOW: Free – Bookings essential

The Adults workshop will be facilitated by Adam Byatt

Tea, coffee, and light refreshment will be provided.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all. If you require any accommodations to attend this event, please contact 02 47327891.

PRESENTER BIO

Adam Byatt is a high school English teacher cataloguing the minutiae and detritus of life on Post It Notes as potential story ideas and sticking them on the fridge door. He was the winner of Living Stories 2022 and winner of the Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize 2022-2024. Adam has had stories published in ZineWest, MountedARI Luft Anthology, Flash Fiction Magazine and The School Magazine.