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.
Finish Your Memoir in 2026: an extended program with Kris Kneen
Applications close 28 Jan 2026
Commit to your writing and make 2026 the year you finish your memoir. In this in-depth online masterclass, award-winning author Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers over 9-months, with structured exercises, readings and feedback designed to help you finish a draft of your memoir.
From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett
Applications close 19 Feb 2026
Expand and nurture your practice as a poet in this 4-month program. We’ll create an encouraging and inspiring community, and support the development of original work, from single poems to sequences, and explore how to build a collection for publication.
Writing with Heart and Humour with Rick Morton
Applications close 25 June 2026
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.
Weaving Memoir with Kris Kneen: Writing and Structuring Personal Stories
Applications close 15 July 2026
People often think a memoir must go from A to B in a timeline that marches with a calendar. In this innovative memoir workshop, Kris Kneen will take you through a different process of structuring your memoir. The work will be a weaving of several different stories across different timelines that are organised by a unifying theme.
Crafting Point of View: On-Demand Masterclass
Self-paced online course
Bring the Varuna magic to you with this nine-part online, self-paced course on point of view with Jane Messer. Explore this important element of writing craft, analysing sample readings from well-known authors and being prompted with a series of exercises.
Writing for Wellbeing: On-Demand Masterclass
Self-paced online course
Bring the Varuna magic to you with this eight-part online, self-paced course on writing for wellbeing. This revitalising program enables you to explore writing as a practice for your own wellbeing, including techniques for getting started (or re-started!).
Arts NT Residential Fellowships
Applications now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
The Writer’s Space Writing Group - Penrith
Registrations now closed
The Writer’s Space Writing Group is returning to Katoomba Library in 2025 with a free, six-week program open to writers with disability. Writers at all levels of experience and working in any genre are welcome. Spaces limited to 12.
The Writer’s Space Writing Group - Katoomba
Registration now closed
The Writer’s Space Writing Group is returning to Katoomba Library in 2025 with a free, six-week program open to writers with disability. Writers at all levels of experience and working in any genre are welcome. Spaces limited to 12.