FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: HELPFUL ANSWERS TO YOUR QUERIES

Click on the underlined links for details of the programs offered by Varuna, The Writers' House.

I need a mentor. Can Varuna help me?

Generally, Selective Programs such as the Fellowships for Writing Retreats offer the successful applicants dedicated writing time to work on a project in a self-directed way - there may be some interactive time with a member of the Varuna Creative Team in an informal capacity. The Varuna Professional Development Writing Residency - a full fee-paying, one-week residential program - offers two one-on-one consultation times with a member of the Varuna Creative Team plus a pre-residency chat about the direction of the working week at Varuna. Writers can also access the Reading, Review & Consultation service.

Other programs with a manuscript development component include the HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development and the LitLink Varuna Writing Program for NSW writers.

What kind of retreat fellowships can I apply for?

The Varuna Fellowships for Writing Retreats have been Varuna’s core program for more than 15 years. In 2008 Varuna will offer up to 20 Retreat Writing Fellowships. Fellowships are available to writers of age 18 and over in all literary genres of prose, poetry and drama, at all levels of experience and professional practice, and from throughout Australia.

Does Varuna run workshops?

The fee-paying Varuna Blue Mountains Community Writing Program offers up to three workshop courses to Blue Mountains residents each year.

Can Varuna help me publish my manuscript?

Varuna's focus is on long-term development of the writer's craft, skill and voice, and on helping the writer to discover the beating heart of their manuscript. Varuna does not directly publish work and while we have strong relationships with a number of publishers, we cannot guarantee any path to publication.

The HarperCollins Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development is a highly selective program offering editing support from HarperCollins publishers, but there is no guarantee of publication as a result of selection for this program.

In 2009, the VARUNA PUBLISHER FELLOWSHIPS were introduced, enabling you to bring your work to the attention of publishers at a far earlier stage than is normally possible. Like the HarperCollins Varuna Awards program, there is no guarantee of publication.

I need a manuscript assessment. Does Varuna offer this service?

Varuna now has a Reading, Review & Consultation Service whereby you can send in a selection of your manuscript and have a phone consultation with a member of the Varuna Creative Team.

I live in the Blue Mountains. Does Varuna have writing activities for local residents?

Varuna holds various events for local readers and writers, including workshops and the Sydney Writers' Festival - Blue Mountains Program - held at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba in May each year. You can put yourself on the Community e-Mailing List for notification about these and other activities. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with "please add me to Community Mailing List" in the subject header.

What writing genres does Varuna specialise in?

Varuna offers a range of writing programs to writers of poetry, fiction & the novel, short fiction, Young Adult/Junior fiction, drama & the screen, environmental writing as well as creative non-fiction and illustration. Please read each program for genres specific to each program.

Do I have to be an Australian resident to apply for Varuna programs or fellowships?

Varuna selective programs are available to Australian citizens or writers permanently resident in Australia and to people 18 years and over.

The Varuna Professional Development Residencies are non-selective, apart from checking that an applicant’s project outline is in line with the objectives. International writers over the age of 18 may also apply.

Does Varuna have membership facilities for local writers?

Currently, there is no membership required - anyone can attend Varuna events or workshops. To be kept informed, you need to be put on the Community e-Mailing List to receive email notifications.

I need someone to edit my manuscript. Does Varuna offer this service?

Varuna now has a Reading, Review & Consultation Service whereby you can send in a selection of your manuscript and have a phone consultation with a member of the Varuna Creative Team.

I am not able to take part in a live-in retreat. Do you have any other writing programs that could help me?

If you live in NSW, Varuna offers the Litlink Writing Consultations providing an exciting range of professional development opportunities exclusively for the writers of regional NSW.

If I have already received a fellowship, how long do I have to wait before I can apply again?

Writers must wait three years before applying for a fellowship after taking one at Varuna.

Are there any writing programs for young writers?

If you are 18 years and over you may apply for any of the Varuna programs.

I just need time to write – can I come and stay at Varuna?

When there are vacancies, Varuna can take paying guests. Residencies are for one-week blocks, and run from Monday (1pm onwards) to Monday (9.30am departure). See Paying Residencies and Staying at Varuna for more details and date availability.