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.
From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett
Applications now closed
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.
Finish Your Novel with Conor Kostick
Applications now closed
For over 20 years, Conor Kostick has been teaching his popular 10-week Finish Your Novel course at the Irish Writers Centre and Varuna are delighted to offer it in Australia and New Zealand.
The Sum of its Parts – Short Story Collections with Julie Koh
Applications now closed
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.
Writing Sex with Kris Kneen
Applications now closed
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.
Write the Perfect Crime with Jack Heath
Applications now closed
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.
First Peoples India-Australia Exchange
Applications now closed
First Nations writers are invited to apply for the opportunity to connect with Adivasi writers from India, first in residence at Varuna, then at a four-week residency at Sangam House in Bangalore.
Irish Lamplight Online Fellowship
Applications now closed
Held in collaboration with the Irish Writers Centre, this online fellowship connects writers from Ireland and Australia, with mentorship, networking and peer feedback, plus Q&As.
Writers SA Fellowships
Applications now closed
Two-week fellowships, including writing consultation, are open to Writers SA members who are emerging writers living in South Australia.
Pitch Me! Agent and Publisher Introduction Program
Applications now closed
Open only to writers from Varuna’s recent Fellowship and Masterclass programs, the intention of Pitch Me! is to create opportunities for writers who are seeking a publishing contract or agency agreement.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications now closed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers are invited to apply for a week-long writers residency at Varuna in 2026, connecting with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from mentorship, and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Queensland Writers Centre Fellowships
Applications are now closed
The Queensland Writers Centre offers two Varuna fellowships, both of which include a two-week residency at Varuna, travel subsidy and manuscript consultation, and are open to members of the Queensland Writers Centre.
Varuna Climate Fellowship
Applications now closed
Writers focused on climate change and the environment are invited to apply for a week-long residency, with the opportunity to network and connect with others working across literature, academia, journalism, grassroots organising and activism.
Affirm Press Fellowship
Applications now closed
The Affirm Press Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for writers to develop new work through a Varuna residency and editorial feedback.
WestWords Varuna Emerging Writers Residency
Applications now closed
The WestWords Varuna Fellowship offers four emerging writers from diverse backgrounds from Western Sydney the opportunity of a week-long residency, supported throughout the week by mentors.
Whitlam Essay Residency
Applications closed
Six fellowships are available for two-week-long residencies at the Whitlam Prime Ministerial home, at 32 Albert Street Cabramatta, with a focus on essay writing. Applicants can be Western Sydney University students, staff or alumni, and/or Varuna alumni.
Cove Park International Fellowship
Applications now closed
Varuna alumni are eligible to apply for a four-week residency at Cove Park, Scotland, with the opportunity to present at Wigtown Book Festival.
Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Applications now closed
Varuna is delighted to offer this three-week international exchange to Varuna alumni, held in collaboration with the Michael King Writers Centre and WORD Christchurch in New Zealand.
2024 First Nations Writing Masterclass with Ellen van Neerven
Applications now closed
This small online masterclass for First Nations writers of all genres uses reading as a tool to sharpen artistic vision and ambition.
The Next Chapter Residencies
Applications now closed
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.
Roderick Centre Online Fellowship for Regional and Remote Writers
Applications now closed for 2026
This program is presented in partnership with the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing (RCALC) and is open to emerging or established writers, living in regional and remote parts of Australia.