Varuna, The National Writers' House seen from above

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.

Program: Online, Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke Program: Online, Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke

Finish Your Memoir in 2025: an extended program with Kris Kneen

Applications are now closed

Commit to your writing and make 2025 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. 

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Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Program: Online, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Program: Online, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke

Recharge Your Poetry Practice with Felicity Plunkett

Applications are now closed

In this five-week masterclass you’ll have the opportunity to read a lot, write a lot, receive written and verbal feedback, explore a trove of original prompts and diverse forms, explore and enhance aspects of your creative practice and have a one-to-one consultation about your work.

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Program: Online, Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke Program: Online, Program: Masterclasses / Courses / Workshops, Applications: Closed Amy Sambrooke

From Poem to Manuscript: an extended program with Felicity Plunkett

Applications are 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.

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