Online Courses
Looking for some Varuna magic from the comfort of home? You’ve come to the right place! Varuna offers a range of online courses throughout the year designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build writerly connections across Australia and New Zealand.
Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna runs an Expression of Interest application process so that each of our online courses is carefully curated. We aim to create connections between writers as well as with our expert facilitators. We know better than anyone how important it is that writers be surrounded by other writers who will support and extend them.
First Nations Masterclass with Ellen van Neerven
Led by award-winning writer, teacher and Mununjali author Ellen van Neerven, this small online class for First Nations writers of all genres uses reading as a tool to sharpen artistic vision and ambition
Applications are now closed
Weaving memoir with Kris Kneen: Writing and structuring personal stories
This ten-part masterclass will generate everything you need to create a short personal essay or a part of a book-length memoir.
Applications are now closed
Expand Your Poetic Practice with Felicity Plunkett
This 10 week online masterclass is devoted to fuelling and boosting your practice as a poet.
Applications are now closed
Masterclass on Reading and Writing the Queer Self
This ten week online course with George Haddad is for LGBTQIA+ writers seeking professional development and mentoring.
Applications are now closed
LGBTQIA+ memoir & storytelling online program for writers 65+ years
Join Varuna and Queerstories for a two-week online writing program focused on memoir, the personal essay, and storytelling. Connect with other LGBTQIA+ writers while developing your writing skills in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Masterclass on Light and Shade: using heart and humour to explore the darker matters of life
Have you wondered how to bring nuance and a light touch to the story you most want to tell? Apply now for this unique and intimate online masterclass with award-winning writer and journalist, Rick Morton.
Applications are now closed
Exploring Creative Non-Fiction with Patti Miller
This new ten-week online course from Patti Miller will explore the rich territory of creative non-fiction, focusing on true stories written from a personal perspective.
Applications are now closed
Masterclass on Momentum, Form and Creativity in Poetry
Led by Felicity Plunkett, this intimate online course is designed to boost and fuel experienced poets to extend and develop their practice.
Applications are now closed
New Zealand Lamplight Residency (Poetry)
A six-day poetry-focused online residency with writers from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, featuring guests Toby Fitch, Selina Tusitala Marsh and Felicity Plunkett.
Held in collaboration with Michael King Writers’ Centre, Auckland, and supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.