Writing Fire, Writing Drought FAQs
I understand that I need to live in or have a long-standing connection to regional NSW or outer-western Sydney to be eligible for this fellowship. How are these areas defined?
Outer-western Sydney includes the outer local government areas of Bankstown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Gosford, Hawkesbury, and Wollondilly. Regional NSW includes all areas outside of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast. Please email varuna@varuna.com.au if you are unsure of your location's eligibility.
Why is this fellowship limited to NSW when other states of Australia are also affected by this bushfire and drought?
This program is supported by state-based funding and as such is currently limited to NSW. We acknowledge that this crisis stretches far beyond the borders of NSW and are working towards creating further opportunities for writers across Australia.
How much is the application fee for the program?
Application fees are $65 per application, unless you are a financially current alumni member using your annual fee waiver. This fee helps to cover the administrative costs of this program and to pay our assessors for their time reading your work. If you have a Healthcare card, the application fee is $30.
If I am successful, are there any fees for participating in the program?
If you are successful, you will be asked to make a contribution of $315 towards your residency and you will need to meet your own travel expenses to and from Varuna.
What about travel costs?
You will need to meet your travel costs to get to and from Varuna. If you have a Healthcare card, you may apply to the Varuna Travel Assistance Fund for a subsidy of up to $300.
Am I required to take my fellowship at a specific time of year?
Yes. The fellowship week dates for 2020 are Monday 12 October to Monday 19 October.
When will I be notified regarding the outcome?
You will be notified of the outcome of your submission by email, and the fellowship recipients will be announced on our website in May 2020 (date to be decided due to extension of application period).
Will I receive feedback upon my work?
Selectors do not discuss the selection process or offer individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants. If you would like to receive more specific feedback on your manuscript Varuna is happy to provide writers with structured and ongoing support through our manuscript consultation program.
I’ve missed the deadline. Can I still submit an application?
No. Unfortunately no applications will be accepted after the deadline date.
Is there a word limit for my submission?
Yes, the word limit is 5,000 words.
How can I write my bio without including identifying details?
Try to indicate the level of your experience without being too specific. For example, you might write ‘I have had many essays published in literary journals, including Griffith Review and Meanjin, and my first novel was published by Black Inc. in September 2019.’ In general, it is advised not to include the titles of any published works. You can however mention any awards or fellowships received.
Does Varuna have access for writers with disabilities?
We now have a wheelchair-accessible studio and are currently working on a Disability Inclusion Action Plan so we can work on eliminating potential barriers to accessing our programs. If you are a writer with disability, please email veechi@varuna.com.au to discuss your specific requirements. Please note that we are not equipped to accommodate residents with challenging mental health conditions due to the complexity of issues such conditions may present.
Can I apply for more than one Varuna fellowship at a time?
Yes. For example, our Affirm fellowship program overlaps with the Writing Fire, Writing Drought fellowships, and you are welcome to apply for both.
Can I apply for a fellowship submitting work that is already under contract with a publisher?
Yes. While this program is open to unpublished manuscripts only, we welcome authors with work in progress that is already under contract with a publisher.
I work with another writer collaboratively. If our application is successful, can we come to Varuna together?
If your writing is genuinely a joint work, please contact vera@varuna.com.au to explain your specific requirements. We will try to accommodate you if we possibly can.
Can I submit more than one application?
Yes. However, you will need to pay an application fee for each application you submit.