Courses
Varuna’s curated program of small-group courses are designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections with other writers. As Australia’s National Writers’ House, we know how important it is that writers be surrounded by others who will support and extend them. For this reason, these writing courses are by application and limited to just eight participants.
Our expert facilitators are working writers who offer thoughtfully designed professional development programs for other committed writers at all stages of their careers. Varuna’s masterclasses are here to help you finish your memoir, write your novel, develop your poetry, explore approaches to fiction and non-fiction writing, or get all-important feedback on your manuscript. If you are looking for a creative writing workshop series to support and transform your writing, what better place to do that than Australia’s National Writers’ House.
Mastering Structure through
Character Arcs
Designed for writers of all levels, genres and narrative art forms, BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author, Anthony Mullins, will show you how to craft an authentic and powerful narrative structure using the most important part of your story - its characters.
Course Dates: April - July 2026
Presenter: Anthony Mullins
Course Length: 16-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 10 March
Manuscript Development Masterclass
Expert feedback is a crucial step in the development of any book, but it can be hard to find. Designed for writers with a manuscript substantially underway, or with a draft completed, this 5 month masterclass with Jane Messer provides a unique opportunity to receive in-depth feedback on your manuscript and the guidance and support to take it to the next level.
Course Dates: June - October 2026
Presenter: Jane Messer
Course Length: 5-Month Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 9 April
Crafting Knockout Scenes
Scenes are the building blocks of fiction writing: plays, screenplays, novels, short stories, and even works of creative non-fiction, are the sum of these small units of drama, the way individual links come together to form a necklace. A 90,000 word novel doesn’t need to be daunting, because if you can write a strong scene, then you can write absolutely anything.
Course Dates: May - July 2026
Presenter: Brooke Robinson
Course Length: 8-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 14 April
Write Your Novel
Work alongside Miles Franklin award winning novelist Sofie Laguna to breathe life into your novel, taking it out of the ‘too hard basket’ and shaping it into the story it deserves to be. This Varuna course will take you through all the elements of novel writing, as well as providing an opportunity to receive feedback from your peers.
Dates: June - August 2026
Presenter: Sofie Laguna
Course Length: 10-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 7 May
The Art of Dialogue
Multi award-winning playwright Mary Anne Butler is known for her sharp writing, resonating characters and powerful, honest dialogue. The Art of Dialogue drills down into how to craft dialogue on the page, ensuring that each of your character’s voices is unique.
Dates: June - August 2026
Presenter: Mary Anne Butler
Course Length: 8-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 13 May
Writing with Heart and Humour
This eight-session masterclass for writers in any genre will develop your skills in positioning yourself as an observer, and bringing nuance and humour to the story you would most like to tell.
Dates: August - September 2026
Presenter: Rick Morton
Course Length: 8-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 25 June
Kickstart Your Writing Project
This six-session intensive course is for writers at all career stages. Delivered by one of our most experienced facilitators across two months, this masterclass will help you get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.
Dates: August - October 2026
Presenter: Ashley Hay
Course Length: 6-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 13 July
Weaving Memoir: Writing and Structuring Personal Stories
Are you ready to accept the challenge and prioritise your own work for a change? Or are you a writer with experience in another form who is looking to tell their own story? Commit to your memoir and make 2026 your year to get it done.
Dates: August - October 2026
Presenter: Kris Kneen
Course Length: 10-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 15 July
The Power of a Good Outline
This workshop series with BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author will introduce you to the power of story outlines, be it for planning, problem solving, analysis or pitching. Whether you're writing a novel, a screenplay, or a play, an outline can give you the ability to see the big picture and remember why you wanted to write this story in the first place.
Dates: September - October 2026
Presenter: Anthony Mullins
Course Length: 6-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 11 August
Recharge Your Poetry Practice
Recharge your poetry practice! 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.
Dates: October 2026
Presenter: Felicity Plunkett
Course Length: 5-Week Online Course
Max Course Size: 8
Applications close: 26 August