FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: HELPFUL ANSWERS TO YOUR QUERIES
Click on the underlined links for details of the programs offered by Varuna, The Writers' House.
I need a mentor. Can Varuna help me?
Varuna offers two forms of mentorship: The Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Program of residencies and mentorships for regional writers, and the Varuna Professional Development Writing Residency - a full fee-paying, one-week residential program.
Other programs with a manuscript development component include the HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development, the LitLink Varuna Writing Program for NSW writers and the Blue Mountains Community Consultation Days.
What kind of retreat fellowships can I apply for?
The Varuna Fellowships for Writing Retreats have been Varuna’s core program for more than 15 years. In 2008 Varuna will offer up to 20 Retreat Writing Fellowships. Fellowships are available to writers of age 18 and over in all literary genres of prose, poetry and drama, at all levels of experience and professional practice, and from throughout Australia.
Does Varuna run workshops?
There are two types of writing workshops available at Varuna.
The fee-paying Varuna Blue Mountains Community Writing Program offers three workshop courses to Blue Mountains residents in 2008.
Varuna Longlines Writing Workshops are a selective residential program designed for regional writers who need help to develop projects in the specific genres of prose, poetry or drama. See Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines program information for more details.
Can Varuna help me publish my manuscript?
Varuna's focus is on long-term development of the writer's craft, skill and voice, and on helping the writer to discover the beating heart of their manuscript. Varuna does not directly publish work and while we have strong relationships with a number of publishers, we cannot guarantee any path to publication.
The HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development is a highly selective program offering editing support from HarperCollins publishers, but there is no guarantee of publication as a result of selection for this program.
I need a manuscript assessment. Does Varuna offer this service?
Varuna currently does not offer manuscript assessments outside the HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development, but we have various programs that may be useful, including the Blue Mountains Community Consultation Days for local writers and the Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines program – Varuna LongLines Writing Workshops and LongLines Non-residential Readings and Consultations.
I live in the Blue Mountains. Does Varuna have writing activities for local residents?
The Varuna Blue Mountains Community Writing Program offers support and guidance to Blue Mountains writers through writing activities such as the first Tuesday Community Writers’ and Readers’ Day and Community Consultations. You can put yourself on a Community Mailing List for notification about other activities.
What writing genres does Varuna specialise in?
Varuna offers a range of writing programs to writers of poetry, prose and drama, as well as non-fiction - social, historical or political writing, and illustrators. Please read each program for genres specific to each program.
Do I have to be an Australian resident to apply for Varuna programs or fellowships?
Varuna selective programs are available to Australian citizens or writers permanently resident in Australia and to people 18 years and over.
The Varuna Professional Development Residencies
are non-selective, apart from checking that an applicant’s project outline is in line with the objectives.
International writers over the age of 18 may also apply.
Does Varuna have membership facilities for local writers?
From 2008, local residents will no longer be required to join an associates program. Instead, an improved range of programs and events will be held throughout the year - the Varuna Blue Mountains Community Writing Program - and promoted through Varuna's community mailing list. Each course or program must be booked and paid for separately.
I need someone to edit my manuscript. Does Varuna offer this service?
No, Varuna does not offer editing or proofreading services. You may be able to find this service through a state writers’ centre, the Society of Editors in your state or the Australian Society of Authors. For more information see Links for writers.
I am not able to take part in a live-in retreat. Do you have any other writing programs that could help me?
If you live in NSW, Varuna offers the Litlink Writing Consultations and Litlink Community Residencies, providing an exciting range of professional development opportunities exclusively for the writers of regional NSW.
The Macquarie Group Foundation LongLines Program is designed for regional writers from throughout Australia and includes opportunities for those who cannot participate in a residential writing program.
If I have already received a fellowship, how long do I have to wait before I can apply again?
Writers must wait three years before applying for a fellowship after taking one at Varuna.
Are there any writing programs for young writers?
The Young & Emerging residential program is aimed at young writers but, as with all applicants for Varuna programs, you must be 18 years and over.
I just need time to write – can I come and stay at Varuna?
When there are vacancies, Varuna can take paying guests. Residencies are for one-week blocks, and run from Monday (1pm onwards) to Monday (10am departure). See Staying at Varuna for more details and date availability.
