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.
Varuna Trans and Gender Diverse Fellowship
Applications close 17 February 2025
Trans and Gender Diverse writers are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, 4 - 11 August 2025, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and and group reading sessions, supported by community.
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
Online self-paced 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
Save the Date
The Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival returns 31 October - 2 November 2025.
Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Applications will open soon
First Nations writers are invited to apply for one of twelve week-long fellowships at Varuna in 2025, sharing the residency with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Applications open February 2025
This six-session intensive masterclass – held across three months for writers at all stages of their careers – offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.
The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability
Applications will open soon
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.
The Art of Dialogue with Mary Anne Butler
Applications open now
This 8-week online program drills down deeply into how to craft dialogue on the page, ensuring that each of your character’s voices is unique, shaping their distinct speech patterns, and working on questions about who speaks, and when.
Finish Your Novel with Conor Kostick
Applications open March 2025
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.
Varuna International Exchange New Zealand
Applications now closed
Varuna is delighted to offer this four-week international residency to Varuna alumni, held in collaboration with the Michael King Writers Centre in New Zealand and the Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.
Varuna Residential Fellowships
Applications open March 2025
Varuna’s most prestigious award, running since 1991. Up to 45 fellowships will be awarded to emerging and established writers across Australia, offering between two and four weeks in residence, with mentorship.
The Fowler Trust Fellowships for Genre Fiction
Applications open March 2025
Generously supported by the Fowler Trust, this program supports four two-week fellowships for genre fiction writers, including women’s fiction, crime, fantasy, historical fiction, speculative fiction and YA.
The Writer's Space Fellowships for Writers with Disability
Applications open March 2025
Six two-week residential fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf.
The Blue Mountains Fellowship
Applications open March 2025
This two-week fellowship will be awarded to a writer who is currently living in the Blue Mountains LGA. This fellowship is generously supported by David Hammon, Chair of Varuna’s Board.
Writing Sex with Kris Kneen
Applications open May 2025
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.
Arts NT Residential Fellowships
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Submissions are welcomed from eligible NT-based writers.
Writing NSW Fellowships
Applications are now closed
Writing NSW awards a single one-week Varuna residency to members of Writing NSW for manuscripts, plays or poem collections ready for the next stage of development.
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.
Scribe Varuna Fellowship
Applications are now closed
In partnership with independent press Scribe Publications, four fellowships will be awarded, with writers invited to participate in an intensive residency with Scribe editors.