A guide to popular writing groups, locations, events, bookshops, and popular authors in Tasmania
Authors and writers living in Tasmania have a unique and beautiful location to practice their skills as they navigate the self-publishing and publishing worlds. In the following self-publishing services and writing guide for Tasmanian authors and writers, we’ll cover popular Tasmanian writing groups, locations, popular bookshops, local authors, and much more.
Tasmania (Lutruwita) is the southernmost state in Australia. It’s located approximately 240km from the mainland and can be accessed by plane or, if you’re travelling by car, the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry. Tasmania is well known for its pristine forests, mountains, and beaches. Almost 50% of Tasmania is protected by National Parks and World Heritage areas.
With a vibrant arts and cultural scene, Tasmania is a paradise for writers and authors. Featuring a mild and temperate climate, with a wide variety of landscapes, Tasmania, and its capital city of Hobart, is well worth a visit.
In the following article on Tasmania, we’ll cover:
Writing Groups In Tasmania for Authors and Writers
Spread across the north, south, east, and west, Tasmania is home to some fantastic writing groups perfect for both new and experienced authors, regardless of whether they’re pursuing a traditional publishing or self-publishing pathway.
As a Tasmanian author, navigating the self-publishing journey, you’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to professional self-publishing services located in Tasmania, including print and ebook formatting, book cover design, editing, and beta reading from a variety of self-publishing service providers, including Author Services Australia, located in Brighton, Tasmania.
If you’re part of a writing group in Tasmania, and we haven’t mentioned your group and you would like it added to the article, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your group’s information, and we’ll update the article.
Popular Tasmanian Writing and Author Groups
TasWriters
TasWriters was incorporated in 1997, and re-branded from the Tasmanian Writers Centre to TasWriters in 2018. It has continued to grow in the Tasmanian literary community, assisting many local Tasmanian authors as they navigate publishing and promoting their books.
Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hobart, TasWriters is now located on Davey Street, Hobart. They maintain regular office hours on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but it’s best to arrange your appointment in advance.
TasWriters offer programs for new and established writers and authors, along with support, events, and a sense of community.
Fellowship of Australian Writers | Tasmanian Branch and Northwest Branch
The Fellowship of Australian Writers was founded in 1928 and is a national body with multiple branches throughout Australia, including two in Tasmania: the FAW Tasmanian Branch and the FAW Northwest Tasmania Branch.
The FAW caters to both experienced writers, novice writers, and Tasmanian authors and writers just considering entering the wonderful world of writing. Some of Tasmania’s best-known authors are long-standing members of the FAW.
Both groups, FAW Tasmania and FAW Northwest, provide guidance, support, and mentorship opportunities to Tasmanian authors and writers. They hold regular monthly meetings, often featuring guest speakers. If you would like to learn more about joining the FAW, you can visit their membership page here.
Write Here Hobart and Write Here Launceston
Write Here Hobart (#writehere) is part of a collection of writing groups located throughout Australia. Members of Write Here Hobart typically meet together on the first Saturday of the month and sit down with other writers from their local area to support each other as they navigate their writing journey.
If you’re struggling to commit yourself to writing or are easily distracted, sitting down in an environment for a dedicated two-hour writing session with other writers is a great way to do it.
For authors and writers located in the North of Tasmania, there is also a Write Here Launceston group.
Longford Writers Tasmania
For any authors located in Longford or close to Longford, the Longford Writers Tasmania group could be a fantastic choice. It’s a dedicated and active group made up of members who share a common interest in writing, meets regularly, and welcomes new and experienced members alike. Regardless of your chosen genre, poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, all literature enthusiasts are welcome.
Society of Women Writers Tasmania (SWWT)
The Society of Women Writers Tasmania (SWWT) is dedicated to bringing together authors and writers with a shared interest in all forms of writing. They are committed to promoting and encouraging writers’ knowledge of literature and the art of writing through regular meetings, competitions, and support. All new writers and authors are welcome.
Shut Up & Write! Hobart
Shut Up & Write! Hobart is a global organization dedicated to empowering writers to overcome procrastination, make consistent progress on their WIP, and meet fellow authors in a relaxed social setting.
Their meetings start with a few minutes to cover introductions, a set writing period, and end with a final check-in to share progress. At the end of the event, there’s an optional period where participants can chat and get to know one another.
Exploring Writing Locations In Tasmania and Balancing Mental Health and Well-being
From sandy white coastal beaches, rolling plains, deep and dark forests, and high mountain ranges, Tasmania truly is a writer’s paradise with a landscape or location to suit everyone, regardless of where you enjoy writing.
Writing, for most authors, is a solitary occupation. It typically involves finding a peaceful place with limited interruptions and spending long hours in front of a computer or laptop.
While the majority of your writing time is typically spent at home, getting out and about, especially when the unpredictable Tasmanian weather allows it, can be not only productive but also great for your mental health and well-being.
If you have a favourite writing spot, and you don’t mind sharing it, please drop a comment below and share it. We’re sure fellow Tasmanian authors and writers would love to know about it.
Writing Locations In Hobart
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – With a gold coin donation as the entry fee, multiple locations across almost 35 acres, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offers authors and writers hundreds of fantastic writing locations throughout the grounds.
The Hobart Waterfront Area – Salamanca and the surrounding waterfront areas are a fantastic spot for classic brainstorming and people-watching. Stuck for ideas for characters? Perfect. Is your book based around the ocean? Perfect. You can always stop at one of the many fish and chip shops and punts or call into Mures for a delicious ice cream cone as a reward for your hard work.
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery – If you’re trying to find somewhere a little outside the box, then the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, with modern and historical displays and artwork, is a writer’s dream.
Hobart Cafés, Bakeries, and Restaurants – For writers like me, who love somewhere with a little atmosphere, and more importantly, coffee and snacks, there are dozens of cafés, bakeries, and bars spread out around the Hobart CBD, Salamanca, and the waterfront areas, including Sandy Bay.
Writing Locations In Launceston
The Cataract Gorge – If you’re looking for somewhere scenic close to Launceston to relax, write, or just unwind after a long day of writing, the Cataract Gorge is a great place to start. It’s only a couple of kilometres from the CBD, and features an outdoor pool, chairlift, suspension bridge and a 5km walking track. Not a bad place to spend a few hours, considering the Cataract Gorge has been around for approximately 65 million years.
City Park Launceston – Rated as one of the top 10 parks in Australia, City Park Launceston features large open spaces to explore, walk, or just relax together with a monkey enclosure, duck ponds, BBQ facilities, and the John Hart Conservatory.
The Launceston Library – What could be better to find inspiration as an author or writer than a location filled with thousands of books? The Launceston Library is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and has reduced hours. It is the perfect place to find a little quiet time to write.
Cafés, Bakeries, and Restaurants – If all else fails, Launceston is home to some fantastic small eateries, bakeries, and cafés. For authors and writers who love to write in a public space, with a cappuccino or cup of tea close to hand, we’re sure you’ll find a great spot.
Just Some of the Many Fantastic Tasmanian Bookshops
While we’d love to list every bookshop in Tasmania, there just aren’t enough hours in the day, but we’re going to do our best to give as many bookshops as possible an honourable mention.
In the age of ordering books online, it’s easy to forget about bookshops, but new or second-hand, there’s just something cool about wandering through a bookshop, the scent of books in the air, and choosing your next adventure.
If you haven’t been to your local bookstore for a while, why not? Take an hour and visit your local bookshop! I’m sure they’d love to see you.
Hobart Bookshops
Fullers Bookshop – Fullers Bookshop was originally established in 1920 by W.E. Fuller, and has passed through a variety of different owners and locations in Hobart, throughout its rich history. Currently, you’ll find them at 131 Collins Street, Hobart, and they’re open 7 days a week.
The Hobart Bookshop – The Hobart Bookshop is located at 22 Salamanca Square, in the heart of Hobart’s scenic waterfront district. They cater to both new and used books and are a proud member of the Leading Edge Books independent booksellers’ group.
Déjà Vu Books – Déjà Vu Books is located at 77 Salamanca Place, right in the bustling and historic waterfront area of Hobart. They’re open 7 days a week, and have an amazing selection of second-hand books, including vintage books and rare editions.
Cracked and Spineless – If you’re looking for used and new books, especially rare and collectible editions, then Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books in Hobart is well-worth a closer look! They’re located at 138 Collins St, Shop 9, but follow them on either Facebook or Instagram if you don’t want to miss out on any of the rare and interesting books they post.
Launceston Bookshops
Petrarch’s Bookshop – Petrarch’s Bookshop in Launceston has proudly supported authors and customers for over 40 years, opening its doors in 1985. Originally owned and operated by Peter and Rhonda Durkin, Marcus and Andy Durkin now continue the proud legacy of Petrarch’s. You can find them at 89 Brisbane Street, and they’re open 7 days a week.
Quixotic Books – Quixotic Books is the perfect balance between new and old books. Classic pre-loved books and rare editions, along with some of the latest and most popular new releases. It’s been in operation since 2021, and you can visit it yourself at 109 Brisbane Street, Launceston, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Statewide Bookshops
The Book Cellar – located in the Historic Tasmanian town of Campbell Town, midway between Hobart and Launceston – is housed in Foxhunter’s Return, a 180-year-old building and landmark. During the early stages of the Van Diemen’s colony, it’s believed that the basement cellars in the Foxhunter’s Return were used to hold convicts while they worked on building local buildings and roads. Their aim at The Book Cellar is to stock a diverse range of quality new and used books. They’re located at 132 High Street, Campbell Town, and open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
St Helens Books – If you’re looking for a quaint little bookshop in the seaside town of St Helens, Tasmania, drop into St Helens Books at 15 Pendrigh Place.
Black Swan Bookshop – If you find yourself touring through the Derwent Valley, you can’t not stop in and visit the team at the Black Swan Bookshop. Located at 11 Stephen Street, New Norfolk, and open Thursday to Monday, we’re sure you’ll find your next favourite book.
Devenport Bookshop – If you’re touring around the north of Tasmania, the Devenport Bookshop is well-worth a visit. Located at the Rooke Street Mall, 83 Rooke Street, Devonport, and open Monday to Saturday, co-owners Tim and Anne Gott recently celebrated 30 years of ownership.
If you have a favourite bookshop in Tasmania, and we didn’t cover it, please drop a comment below with the bookshop name and give them a shoutout.
Popular Tasmanian Authors
Tasmania is home to some fantastic writers and authors, including both fiction and non-fiction writers. There must be something in the water or the air that helps get your creative juices flowing. Below is just a sample of some of Tasmania’s popular authors.
Contemporary Tasmanian Authors and Writers
Richard Flanagan – Richard Flanagan, a novelist, historian, and film director, was born in Tasmania in 1961. He left school at the age of sixteen, before winning a Rhodes Scholarship to Worcester College, Oxford University. Some of his popular books include Death of a River Guide, The Unknown Terrorist, and The Sound of One Hand Clapping, which was later adapted into a film and directed by Richard himself.
Robbie Arnott – Robbie Arnott is a Tasmanian author born in Launceston in 1989. He’s a two-time winner of The Age Book of the Year Award and has also won the Voss Literary Prize. Named as one of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Best Young Novelists, his most popular books include The Rain Heron, Flames, and Limberlost.
Heather Rose – Heather Rose was born in Hobart in 1964 and has noted that this beautiful island is a major inspiration for her creative work. Some of her most popular works include The Museum of Modern Love, which won the 2017 Stella Prize, along with Bruny, which won the 2020 ABIA Fiction Book of the Year. Heather also publishes children’s books under the pen name Angelica Banks.
Authors and Writers Guide to Tasmania Publishing and Self-Publishing | Conclusion
If you’re a Tasmanian author or writer, you already know how fantastic Tasmania is and what a great place it can be for writing and inspiration.
If you have been searching for self-publishing services in Hobart, Tasmania, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, Amazon KDP Keyword and Category Research, animated book cover reveal videos, and beta reading, Author Services Australia is here to help.
If you have any questions about the self-publishing process or the self-publishing services we offer Tasmanian authors and writers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
