Port Writers Inc

25/08/2026

**📚 Thinking about self-publishing your book?**

You’ve written the words—now what?

Join **Port Writers member Wendy Haynes ** for a practical **Self-Publishing Workshop** designed to help writers understand the journey from finished manuscript to published book.

We’ll explore the self-publishing process, useful tools and platforms, preparing your book for publication, and getting your work in front of readers. It’s a great opportunity to meet other local writers and ask questions in a friendly, supportive environment.

📅 **Saturday, 14 November 2026**
⏰ **10.30 am–12.30 pm**
📍 **Port Macquarie Hastings Library**

Whether you’re working on your first book or already have a manuscript waiting in the wings, come along and discover how achievable self-publishing can be.

Member: $10 book here: https://square.link/u/AleeNVSk
Visitors: $20 book here: https://square.link/u/mHqfIPBp

05/08/2026

CALLING ALL YOUNG DETECTIVES!
Something mysterious is happening… and we need YOUR help!
Come along and celebrate the launch of the first three books in the **Ruby & Co Detective Agency** series by Wendy Haynes—mystery adventures created especially for young readers aged 7–10.

**COLOURING COMPETITION**
Get creative and enter for your chance to win!
Hand in at the Library by 11 am on Saturday 29 August.

**MYSTERY HUNT – FROM 9:00 AM**
Search for clues, put your detective skills to the test and see if you can solve the mystery!
Go to the front desk at the library to get your clues.

**OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH – 11:30 AM** Saturday 29 August in Room 2 at the Port Macquarie Hastings Library Service

Meet author Wendy Haynes, discover the world of Ruby & Co, join in some detective fun and celebrate the launch of:
*The Case of the Missing Clock*
*Drama Club Disaster*
*Hockey Game Dilemma*

The Mystery Hunt and Colouring Competition winners will be announced during the launch, so make sure you're there to see if
you've cracked the case!

There'll be books, mysteries, prizes and plenty of fun for budding detectives and their families.
Bring the kids, bring their curiosity—and get ready for an adventure!

**Can your young detective solve the mystery before Ruby does?**

Please share with families who have young readers aged 7–10. We’d love to see you there!

Book in for the launch here: https://mnclibrary.org.au/event/wendy-haynes-author-event/

Pre-order your 3 book bundle $33 here:
https://square.link/u/dyWcwxfN
Includes:
The Case of the Missing Clock
Drama Club Disaster
Hockey Game Dilemma
Spy Glass
Red Socks
Colouring in Sheet

Download Colouring Sheets here: https://wendyhaynesauthor.com/

&CoDetectiveAgency

17/07/2026

Congrats to Tom Penrose. Tom took home the purple star in June for his flash fiction.
Tom's short short story was titled, ‘The Mis-spelt Spell.’
This is the criteria he had to write to.
Theme: Magic
Words to be included are ‘wings’ and ‘spell’
Phrase to be included - ‘Abracadabra’ (Not really a phrase, but we’ll go with it!)
We do have a lot of fun with our Port 500 in house competition ☺️

10/07/2026

Thank you for all the support you give local writers Port Macquarie Hastings Library Service. And big congrats to our member, Barbara Orlowska-Westwood on the publication of her book, 'Hippocratic Oath: The Man Who Died Twice and other stories'.
Barbara worked as a GP in communist Poland. Beautifully written, these stories tell that history.
Available from https://www.booktopia.com.au/hippocratic-oath-barbara-or-owska-westwood/book/9780648970026.html

What a privilege it is to host a book launch for local Barbara Orlowska-Westwood this week. At 92 she is currently working on collating and publishing another book of poetry to share with us next year. Thanks, Barbara!

30/06/2026

Our nationwide writing competition is now open. Buff & Polish your short stories and poems to enter this popular competition.
Information, including T&C's, available at:
https://www.portwriters.com.au/competitions/2026-open-writing-competition/

15/06/2026

It's almost time for our annual writing competition.
Start polishing your stories and poems.

Please share this information with anyone else who is interested in writing.

OPEN 1 JULY 2026
CLOSE 31 AUGUST 2026
ANNOUNCED 26 SEPTEMBER 2026
SHORT STORIES UP TO 2500
POEMS UP TO 32 LINES

All submissions to [email protected]
Entry form and T&C's on our website.
https://www.portwriters.com.au/competitions/2026-open-writing-competition/

Please note - all correspondence related to the competition is to be sent to: [email protected]

Port Writers Inc is proud to announce its popular Open Writing Competition for 2025 Open date – 16th June 2025 Close date – Midnight 31st July 2025 Winners will be announced on 27th September. CATEGORIES… Short Story Poetry to 2500 words to 32 lines PRIZES for each category 1st 2nd Hastings Pr...

04/06/2026

Come and listen to 'our' amazing storyteller, Barbara.
Port Mac library on 8 July at 2.30 pm.
Diarise this, folks!
Port Macquarie Hastings Library Service

Please join us for a chat with local author Barbara Orlowska-Westwood and Leanne at our Port Macquarie Library on Wednesday 8th July at 2.30pm.

19/05/2026

RSVP to [email protected]
Saturday 23 May.

17/05/2026

Congratulations, Astrid for taking home the Purple Star for your winning story, The Glass Pane.
Our periodical inhouse flash fiction competition prompts an array of imaginitive stories. It's amazing what can be conveyed in a 500 story 🙂.

17/04/2026

Look what's happening in our region over the June long weekend!
So exciting! www.wordsandmusicfestival.com.au