For Writers
Varuna offer writers time and space to write in the ‘big yellow house’ in the Blue Mountains, with six writers-in-residence staying each week, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship, and the support of their peers. Writers can apply to stay at Varuna via one of our residency programs.
We also offer an extensive program of online masterclasses and intensives, designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections. Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna masterclasses are by application, so that each of our online course groups is carefully curated with our expert facilitators.
Finally, we offer in-person workshops in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, throughout the year as well as during the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
Writing Sex with Kris Kneen
Applications close 2 July
In this 8-week online workshop series Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers with the aim of learning to write about sensuality and sexuality with ease.
Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2025
Applications close Tuesday 4 February 2025
In partnership with Red Room Poetry, this fellowship for six poets includes a residency at Varuna, one-on-one mentorship, and a poetic commission as part of the national Poetry Month in August 2025.
Roderick Centre Online Fellowship for Regional and Remote Writers
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing (RCALC) and is open to emerging or established writers, living in regional and remote parts of Australia.
The Writer's Space Online for Writers with Disability
Applications re now closed
Six online fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf, providing mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity for peer feedback.
Arts NT Online Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
Finish Your Memoir in 2025: An extended program with Kris Kneen
Applications close 28 January
In this nine-month online workshop series Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers to work together with the aim of each writer finishing a draft of their memoir. Commit to your memoir and make 2025 your year to get it done!
Recharge Your Poetry Practice with Felicity Plunkett
Applications are now closed
In this five-week masterclass you’ll have the opportunity to read a lot, write a lot, receive written and verbal feedback, explore a trove of original prompts and diverse forms, explore and enhance aspects of your creative practice and have a one-to-one consultation about your work.
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Applications are now closed
This six-session intensive masterclass – held across three months for writers at all stages of their careers – offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.
Write the Perfect Crime with Jack Heath
Applications close 15 August
Dive deep into the world of thrillers and crime fiction with Jack Heath in this 6-week online program.
The Art of Dialogue with Mary Anne Butler
Applications close 6 August
This 8-week online program drills down deeply into how to craft dialogue on the page, ensuring that each of your character’s voices is unique, shaping their distinct speech patterns, and working on questions about who speaks, and when.
Self-Paced Online Courses
Do you sometimes struggle to prioritise your writing practice? Perhaps you’ve hit a block and you’re unsure how to progress your work with the tools you have, or maybe you’d simply like to learn some new techniques to take your writing to the next level.