For Writers
Varuna offer writers time and space to write in the ‘big yellow house’ in the Blue Mountains, with six writers-in-residence staying each week, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship, and the support of their peers. Writers can apply to stay at Varuna via one of our residency programs.
We also offer an extensive program of online masterclasses and intensives, designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections. Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna masterclasses are by application, so that each of our online course groups is carefully curated with our expert facilitators.
Finally, we offer in-person workshops in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, throughout the year as well as during the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
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
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
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
Applications open 16 Dec 2025
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
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.
Crafting Point of View: On-Demand Masterclass
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.
Writing for Wellbeing: On-Demand Masterclass
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!).
2025 Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival
Thank you all for coming to the 2025 Festival, and trusting in us for another year. 'Twas a weekend of laughter, curiosity, big ideas and challenging conversations. The Blue Mountains Writers Festival returns Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.