The Next Chapter Residencies

Applications: ClosedProgram: Residencies
Written By Maeve Marsden

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.

Learn more

UPCOMING FELLOWSHIPS, COURSES AND EVENTS

For Writers
Finish Your Memoir in 2026: an extended program with Kris Kneen
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. 

Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay

Applications close 28 Jan 2026

This six-session intensive masterclass offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.

Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2026
Red Room Poetry Fellowship 2026

Applications close 3 Feb

In partnership with Red Room Poetry, this fellowship for six poets includes a residency at Varuna, one-on-one mentorship, and a poetic commission as part of the national Poetry Month in August 2026.

The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability
The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability

Applications close 10 February

Six online fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf, providing mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity for peer feedback.

From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett
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.

Mastering Structure through Character Arcs
Mastering Structure through Character Arcs

Applications close 10 March 2026

Designed for writers of all levels, genres and narrative art forms, this 16-session masterclass with BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author Anthony Mullins will show you how to craft an authentic and powerful narrative structure.

Manuscript Development Masterclass with Jane Messer
Manuscript Development Masterclass with Jane Messer

Applications close 9 April 2026

A deep-dive writer development program designed for writers with a manuscript substantially underway, or with a draft completed, this 5-month masterclass provides a unique opportunity to receive feedback on your manuscript and the guidance and support to take it to the next level.

Crafting Knockout Scenes
Crafting Knockout Scenes

Applications close 14 April 2026

Scenes are the building blocks of novels, plays, screenplays, short stories, and even works of creative non-fiction. This 8-week program with Brooke Robinson will sharpen your writing to create truly powerful scenes.

Maeve Marsden
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