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.
Queer Backyards with George Haddad
Led by award-winning writer, teacher and academic George Haddad, this online course focuses on the importance of place in writing.
Each week, participants will read, analyse and discuss extracts from work composed by exceptional queer Australian writers across a variety of genres and forms.
Copyright Agency First Nations Masterclass with Ellen van Neerven
Led by award-winning writer, teacher and Indigenous poet Ellen van Neerven, this small online class for First Nations writers uses reading as a tool to sharpen artistic vision. Each week, the group will look at and discuss exemplary extracts from contemporary Australian and international First Nations authors across genres and intersections.
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.
Shaping Your Narrative with Roanna Gonsalves
This craft-based class will focus on shaping your narrative by building tension in your fiction. Each week, the group will examine stories from Australia and around the world in order to understand how writers use point of view, characterisation, setting, language and the handling of time to create engaging fiction.
Reading to Write with Tegan Bennett Daylight
This intimate online class will teach you how to use deep reading to improve your writing. Each week, you’ll read and discuss extracts from great fiction and non-fiction by Australian and international authors, paying attention to the details.
The Craft of Poetry with Felicity Plunkett
Led by award-winning poet, teacher, critic and editor Felicity Plunkett, this intimate online course focuses on reading, writing and editing poetry. You will be in a group with Felicity and five other poets, and together you’ll be encouraged to draft and share new work in response to weekly readings and writing exercises, focusing on aspects including line movement, metaphor and form.
Free online writing sessions
These online writing sessions now by Zoom for alumni every Friday from 11am - 12:30pm AEST. These sessions are free to join, and no registration is necessary. All Varuna alumni are encouraged to join, wherever you may be!
Varuna Lamplight Residencies
Enjoy the warmth and support of the Varuna experience – the camaraderie of fellow writers, unique professional development opportunities, and the chance to use this unexpected time at home to build connection with other writers and sustain your creative project in 2021.