Miscellany | Organisations and Societies

Arnold Bennett Society | Australian Society of Authors | Australian Writers Guild | FAW Northwest Tasmania | FAW Tasmania | Melbourne PEN | PEN International | TasWriters | The Writer's Marketplace |

The Arnold Bennett Society was founded in 1954 in Stoke-on-Trent. The majority of the society's members live in the UK, though some live in Australia, Turkey, Italy, India, Germany, America and Japan. The Society’s object is to promote the study and appreciation of the life, works and times of Arnold Bennett.

Australian Society of Authors is Australia’s peak body supporting writers and illustrators to realise big ideas – from concept to contract and beyond. ASA offers expert advice, provide professional development opportunities, nurture meaningful connections, and advocates on behalf of creators for fair contracts, robust copyright protections, and real remuneration.

PEN International was founded in London, UK, in 1921, simply as PEN. Today it operates across five continents in over 90 countries, with 130 Centres supporting unhampered transmission of thought within each nation and between all nations. PEN International is guided by the ideals of the PEN Charter, which expresses every member’s commitment to protecting the free exchange of ideas, and promoting the value of literature.

The Australian Writers Guild is the professional association representing writers for stage, screen, radio and online and has protected and promoted their creative and professional interests for more than 60 years. The Guild’s vision is to see performance writing and performance writers thrive as a dynamic and integral part of Australian storytelling, shaping, reflecting and enhancing the Australian cultural voice in all its diversity. The AWG’s purpose is to promote the role and recognition of – and rewards for – performance writing in Australian society and culture; to pursue a thriving industry environment; to protect and advance creative rights and opportunities and to promote excellence and improve professional standards, conditions and remuneration.

FAW Northwest Tasmania is a social interest group for writers in North West Tasmania, sharing industry knowledge, practical experiences and tips with published and unpublished writers of fiction, non-fiction, poetry etc.

"Our group has been around for years but at last we have broken free of the shackles of domain names and websites to produce our own blog! We would love to have contact with other writers in our area, and visitors too who'd like to pop in and say hi."

FAW Tasmania was constituted in 1947, part of an Australia-wide body founded in 1928 with branches in each State, the ACT and Northern Territory. Non-political and non-sectarian, the Fellowship of Australian Writers caters for both established writers and those interested in writing. The membership of FAW Tasmania includes many of Tasmania’s best-known writers, who are always willing to give newcomers and beginners advice and encouragement. FAW Tasmania Inc holds regular monthly meetings where members have an opportunity to share or critique work. There is often a guest speaker. Guests are welcome. An interest in writing is the only requirement. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 2.00 pm. There is no meeting held in January. Meetings are held in the Boa Vista Room, Friends’ Meeting House, 395 Argyle Street, North Hobart.

The Melbourne PEN Centre is one of 147 PEN International centres worldwide whose members are united in a common concern for the art of writing and freedom of expression. As an affiliate of PEN International, PEN Melbourne brings writers together from across cultures to share experiences, explore ideas and conduct public conversations about how literature transforms, influences and fosters cross-cultural exchange. PEN Melbourne focuses on women writers, Indigenous Australian writers, writers in prison, and has an interest in the Asia and Pacific region. It campaigns on behalf of persecuted and silenced writers and lets them know they are not alone. PEN Melbourne’s publication PEN Melbourne Magazine provides a forum for members to publish relevant works. If you are a writer, involved in the literary community or you are not a writer but share an interest in human rights, you are welcome to join PEN Melbourne as a member.

TasWriters encourages, supports and promotes Tasmanian writers at all stages of their careers; offers a hub for the dissemination of advice, information and resources, supporting a network of flourishing writers’ groups across the State; develops and strengthens links within and beyond the sector using cooperative programs with other organisations; maintains a database of writers willing to present workshops, courses and talks in schools, TAFE, UTAS, libraries and migrant services.

The Writer's Marketplace was originally published in print format in 1997, but is now online. It offers opportunities to connect with editors and other writers services; access submission and contact details for publishers and literary agents; keep up to date on all the latest writing opportunities, competitions and awards. The Writer’s Marketplace is owned and managed by the team at Queensland Writers Centre, the leading support and resource centre for writers and writing in Queensland.