As partners in The Next Chapter program, Varuna offers the four writers a week-long residency, along with a year’s membership of the Varuna Alumni network.
These residencies are awarded to recipients of The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, where four outstanding writers are provided with a year’s mentorship and $15,000 to develop their work.
This program aims to elevate the Australian stories that aren’t being published and to nurture a new generation of writers, from all sorts of backgrounds.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are via The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, which is focused on the stories that aren’t being told, the voices that aren’t being heard, and the ideas that need patience, care and work to introduce to the world.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIPS, COURSES AND EVENTS
Friday 30 Oct - Sunday 1 Nov 2026
An unmissable event for readers and writers alike, the Blue Mountains Writers Festival offers all who attend an intimate festival of ideas and creativity, bringing community together to read, connect, and consider new ways of thinking and being in our ever-changing world.
Applications open 2 February 2027
Writing NSW awards a single one-week Varuna residency to members of Writing NSW for manuscripts, plays or poem collections ready for the next stage of development.
Applications close 26 August 2026
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.
Applications close 7 September 2026
Energise your writing and deepen your critical reading with Emily Maguire. This 10 week course will develop your writing craft through close reading and applied writing practice.
Applications now closed.
Eight two-week residential fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf.
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.
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!).