We often think of writing as a solo act – you bunker down in your room or local café and fall into whatever world you’re writing about. But who’s that writer in the other corner of the café? What are they working on? Today is all about connecting and engaging with other writers.

In Across State Lines at 6pm (AEST) tonight, we see seven young writers from around Australia meet and discuss the orgs, publications and opportunities operating in each state.

So who are these seven young writers?

Alex Griffin is our writer from WA, having written for Overland, SixThousand and all types of other publications. As a musician, web designer and all-rounder, Alex will be repping for the great state of Western Australia.

In Queensland we have Sophie Overett. Fashionista, feminist and blogger, Overett is the Digital Producer at the Queensland Writers’ Centre and is full of tips from the north.

Now for those in New South Wales, Emily Meller knows what’s up. Contributor to The Lifted Brow, Vertigo and Overland, Meller is also a law student and editor, with interests in non-fiction and music writing.

Lucy Nelson will be representing the fine city of Canberra, our nation’s capital full of roundabouts and parliamentarians, and great young writers. Lucy writes frequently for The Big Issue and The Canberra Times, and is a Co-Director of Noted Festival.

Katerina Bryant is from the great state of South Australia, where she writes about life and feminism., studies law, and edits the SA Writers’ Centre’s literary journal Dubnium.

Caitlin Richardson knows all about what’s happening in Tassie, being the Coordinator of Twitch at the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre. She’s a writer, whose work has been published and performed throughout Australia.

Events and Opportunities

Voiceworks #100 is launching in Wollongong tonight from 7pm until 10pm. Slide down to Three Chimneys (Unit 3 63/65 Crown Street) to celebrate this special event and grab yourself a copy.

If you’re in Canberra, don’t miss Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres’ Find Your Words (In The Capital), the first of a tw0-part series as part of Canberra’s very own NYWM program.

At Express Media HQ we are constantly blown away by the quality of Australia’s young writers, which is why we want to get you together to share your ideas and advice. As part of National Young Writers Month, we will find you your perfect writerly match. Become a Pen Pal and we’ll connect you with a likeminded person for feedback, conversation or collaboration.

Writers Bloc – the online writing platform and support network – is accepting pitches for their blog; check out their content to see if you’re a good fit! Alternatively, ask questions or post ideas on their forum – they cover all types of things there, from events to job opportunities to author collaborations. And on the first Saturday of every month, you can expect writers of all shapes and sizes to congregate and bow their heads to the paper they are writing on. Initiated by Writers’ Bloc #writehere meetups involve writers drinking coffee and writing productively for two hours straight in an informal social setting. Find out if there’s one near you.

The Randolph Stow Young Writers Award is a competition organized by the Geraldton Regional Library.  The award encourages the young creatives of Western Australia to submit their prose and poetry for a chance to win a cash prize. Entires close June 19, so check out all the details on the website and get your entries in.

If you are a Queenslander between 15 and 25, submit your short story to the State Library of Queensland Young Writers’ Award. Your story can be about whatever you like – the judges simply encourage you to be confident in your style. Head to their website for more details and get your wining writing in by July 17.

Ever wanted to be part of a bookclub? Why don’t you find one or create your own? Maybe you’d like to find a small society of productive writers? You can use meetup.com to create whatever type of group you like, and meet up with fellow writers, readers and word-enthusiasts.

Looking for a likeminded individual to share ideas and adventures with? Tweet us your classified ad! E.g YA author seeks penpal for feedback, fondue and fantasy writing #NYWM15 #penpals