Writers Residency | Norman Gillespie Fellowship — Varuna, The National Writers' House

A two-week fellowship will be awarded to an exceptional work of creative non-fiction, as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.

Applications close: midnight AEST 15 May 2026
Residency dates: Between September 2026 - September 2027, arranged directly with Varuna based on availability
Places: One writer will be selected as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships program.
Who should apply: Writers of creative non-fiction (in particular biographies and essays)

FAQ: Please read the FAQs before you apply.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Norman Gillespie Fellowship for Creative Non-Fiction is awarded to a writer who applies for a Varuna Residential Fellowships with an exceptional work of creative non-fiction, with a focus on biography and essays. This fellowship does not include memoir or work with a military focus.

The fellowship recipient will receive:

A two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a daily prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
A one-hour consultation with a Varuna mentor, Carol Major, Mary Anne Butler or Tegan Bennett-Daylight.

Varuna is grateful to Dr Norman Gillespie for supporting this fellowship.

For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.

HOW TO APPLY

The Norman Gillespie Fellowship for Creative Non-Fiction is awarded to a writer with exceptional work of creative non-fiction, and includes both biographies and essays but does not include memoir.

All eligible applicants who apply for our Varuna Residential Fellowships will be considered. There is no separate application process.

Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.

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