The First Drafters meet the 4th Sunday of every month from February to November. 2-4pm.

Please note: Some months have 5 Sunday’s. Check dates below.

Convenor: Liam Selby

Level: Suitable for beginner and aspirational writers. Not suitable for anyone already equipped with writing knowledge or at later stages of their writing

Group overview:

This group is for the newbies, the beginner writers and aspirational authors who are starting to dip their toes into the world of writing. The First Drafters group will provide you the space to learn the ins and outs of writing and allow you to network and write alongside others at a similar stage of writing. Join in to start learning and discussing the fundamentals of writing and learn to build confidence in your own craft.

You do not need to have any prior experience in writing, only a willingness to learn and to start working on a story. This group is perfect for those new writers who are just starting a draft or have started but are yet to complete a first draft of their manuscript.

You will not be required to share your work, though it is encouraged once you feel more comfortable. As part of these sessions, participants will learn an editor’s guide to giving and receiving feedback to make their experience with writing groups more beneficial and enjoyable.

Each session will consist of:

·         Sharing personal writing updates: progress, shortcomings, struggles, breakthroughs.

·         Writing sessions: make use of writing prompts, sprints and exercises to learn and practise new skills.

·         Discussions on various topics on writing craft and the publishing industry.

·         Develop achievable writing goals, set appropriate routines, and build good writing habits.

Adult writers over the age of 18 are welcome.

Venue: Edith Cowan House, Building 20, ECU Joondalup Campus, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup.

Parking: Free on weekends. You can park in any bay on weekends. Carparks 14 (enter from Lakeside Drive) & 8 are closest to the house. Click here for a directional map.

Cost: $5.00. Members. $10. Non-members. Includes light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits).

Sessions for 2025:

February 23

March 23 - ECU open day. Parking will be busy.

April 27

May 25

June 22

July 27

August 24

September 28

October 26. Little Feet Festival day. Group meet in in ECU’s main library. Room 210.

November 23

Health/Covid-19: Please do not attend the group if you are unwell, have tested positive to Covid-19, are awaiting a test result, or are still recovering from infection. Thank you.