Writing with Heart and Humour with Rick Morton
This eight-session intensive is for writers at all career stages. Delivered by one of Australia’s leading journalists and non-fiction writers, this masterclass will help you develop new skills in bringing carefully observed levity to balance the darker matters in your writing projects.
Dates: 6:00-8:00pm (AEST), Tuesdays* 4 August - 22 September 2026. See Program Outline below for the dates of all sessions in this program.
Delivery: Online.
Fees: $1495 or $1395 for Varuna Alumni. Payment terms are negotiable if you cannot pay the whole fee upfront.
Applications close: 5:00pm (AEST) Thursday 25 June 2025.
Places: 8 participants will be selected.
*Please note that we may be able to offer two cohorts, and if so, the second program will run on Wednesday evenings in the same weeks as the classes below. You will be asked your availability in the application form.
“The Writing with Heart and Humour masterclass with Rick Morton has been a fantastic experience. It has changed the way I think about writing, and given me the tools to branch out into new writing styles, and new story telling techniques. A transformative course!”
2026 MASTERCLASS EQUITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Varuna’s Masterclass Equity Scholarships are for writers for whom the cost of a course or masterclass would be prohibitive. This may include those who are unemployed or under-employed, or those who are on the Disability Support Pension, Aged Pension, or have a Healthcare card. Find more information about the eligibility and application process here.
Applications close 10 February 2026.
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When award-winning writer and journalist Rick Morton was four years old, his mother told him he was an alien sent here from ‘that big night sky by beings unknown to report back on what he sees.’
Rick took this mission to heart with the creation of his debut memoir, One Hundred Years of Dirt, which scooped up awards and short-listings, and was compared to George Orwell for its gritty portrayal of working-class deprivation and inequality. Rick’s voice is that enviable mix of abrasive yet compassionate, ironic yet tender, flinty yet humourous.
In this intimate online masterclass with Rick Morton, you will learn how to position yourself as an alien observer, and to bring nuance and humour to the story you would most like to tell. Each class will consist of discussion of the set texts (to be posted on our WetInk platform) and workshopping exercises, set in response to the group’s interests and questions.
This is a small group program for 8 participants.
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Week 1: You Do Not Have to Be a Comedian (or Even Funny) - Tuesday 4 August
how humour works, and why it is central to storytelling
defining a framework for your writing project
finding humour in the everyday, and applying it to your writing
Week 2: Finding Your Voice- Tuesday 11 August
tone, style, and uncovering your natural voice
writing as yourself, and writing as someone else
understanding the role of structure in creating voice
Week 3: Simile and Metaphor - Tuesday 18 August
avoiding cliche and mastering simile and metaphor to find the perfect words
applying consistent logic within your writing
Week 4: Humour as Observation (and Keeping a Journal) - Tuesday 25 August
introducing a practical focus on paying attention
sharpening your senses to an inherently discordant world
set writing project for end of course
Week 5: Change Perspective with Poetry - Tuesday 1 September
why poetry can change your writing
writing the details and writing with a sense of wonder, and why this matters
Week 6: Love Your Characters - Tuesday 8 September
exploring the emotional hinterland of your characters
letting your characters be truly human
the human brain
Week 7: The Necessity of Doubt- Tuesday 15 September
certainty is boring, use doubt to awaken a piece
all good writing is about the search for answers, not announcing them
Week 8: Who Did It Best? - Tuesday 22 September
hands-on finale where we analyse the greatest at work
as a group, open for feedback on our week 4 writing projects
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Rick Morton is the author of four non-fiction books, including the critically-acclaimed bestseller One Hundred Years of Dirt which was long listed for the Walkley Book of the Year 2018 and shortlisted for the National Biography Award (NBA) 2019. Rick is the senior reporter with The Saturday Paper and 2 x Walkley Award winner for his coverage of the Robodebt Royal Commission. His latest Mean Streak is about this illegal debt trap set by the Australian government and the fight to put people back into policy. He lives in Queensland.
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“I highly recommend the Varuna Masterclass, 'Writing with Heart and Humour', facilitated by Rick Morton, Author, Journalist and fantastic human being. Rick’s passion for language and generous consideration of each participant’s input and writing contributed to an invaluable learning experience.”
- Penny Beeston, 2025 participant“Rick Morton is a generous, fun and wise teacher. The structure of the course is great, the reading material is classy, and Rick's own writing experiences - the good the bad and the ugly! - inform and inspire.”
- Lea McInerney, 2025 participant
“The Masterclass with Rick Morton was amazing and really got me to challenge myself with writing activities. I learnt so much and there were great discussions and Rick always listens, gives great feedback and was really enjoyable.”
- Matthew Lyons, 2025 participant
“I have loved being part of this writing course with Rick. The curiosity and passion Rick has for writing is contagious. He is generous with his feedback and the course materials are dense yet accessible. For those who love music and writing, this is the summit of inspiration. Thank you Rick.”
- Jessie Ryan-Allen, 2025 participant
“This was an excellent opportunity to really reflect on my writing and to take it to the next level. Rick is such a great teacher, giving you confidence in your writing and helping to improve it. The group was also invaluable - such a great bunch who were willing to engage with each other's work. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance humour and heart in their work.”
- Helen Dickinson, 2025 participant
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Entry to this course is by application. Writers will be selected based on the creative potential of their work, commitment to craft, openness to collaborating with your peers, and the balance in the group.
Course fees are $1495 or $1395 for Varuna alumni. Payment terms are negotiable if you cannot pay the whole fee upfront.
Applications close at 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 25 June 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission by 10 July.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.
Feel free to call 02 4782 5674 or email amy@varuna.com.au to discuss your application.
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
