The Next Chapter Residencies
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
Applications close August 28
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 2 July
In this 8-week online workshop series Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers with the aim of learning to write about sensuality and sexuality with ease.
Applications close 14 July
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
Applications close 15 July
This 6-week course with Jack Heath is designed to help you refine the elements of crime and thriller writing and finish your novel, with discussions of key writing techniques and feedback on your work.
Registrations open:
16 Aug - 20 Sep program
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.
Applications close 12 August
Designed for writers of all levels, genres and narrative art forms, this 12-session masterclass with BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author Anthony Mullins will show you how to craft an authentic and powerful narrative structure.
Applications close 26 August
This 8-week online program drills down deeply into how to craft dialogue on the page, ensuring that each of your character’s voices is unique, shaping their distinct speech patterns, and working on questions about who speaks, and when.
Applications close 26 August
This 10-week course is designed to help you strengthen the fundamentals that aspiring authors often overlook, hone your approach to revising stories for submission, and work towards writing your own knockout short-story collection.