Workshop Program

Understand what it is that makes the best poems work, and use guided prompts and creative exploration to begin drafting your own new poems.

Learn to find story ideas hiding in plain sight, discover ways to supercharge your imagination (even if you think you don’t have one) and practice overcoming fear and self-consciousness when it comes to getting your words on the page.

Clarify the vision at the heart of your project with a one-on-one conversation with 'book whisperer' Carol Major.

Join James Jiang, Editor of the Sydney Review of Books, for this extended industry workshop on the art of pitching.

Learn to find story ideas hiding in plain sight, discover ways to supercharge your imagination (even if you think you don’t have one), and practice overcoming fear and self-consciousness when it comes to getting your words on the page.

Garner tricks of the trade from award-winning artist Nick Solo while discovering how to develop your work across the boundaries of lyrics, raps, poetry and prose.

Dive deep into the world of crime fiction with bestselling author Jack Heath. Discover how to craft flawed detectives and sinister perpetrators, richly textured settings, twists that leave readers gasping, and stylish, economical prose. 

Felicity Plunkett’s expertise and gentle guidance makes her one of Varuna’s most sought after mentors. In this 30-minute session, you can ask questions and receive feedback on your work, finding sustenance and inspiration for your creative practice.

Lift your work from the mundane into an immersive, sensual, whole-body experience, bringing your memoir to life for your readers.

Discover your inner artist, or your inner child, and create beautiful illustrations to accompany your own writing, with illustrator Sami Bayly.

Hone your editing skills and learn new editing strategies in this hands-on workshop with Sydney novelist Peter Polites.

Join the Arts Law Centre of Australia for an overview of Australian defamation law and recent cases, as well as tips on how to balance defamation risk and expression as a writer in Australia.

Join the Arts Law Centre of Australia for this workshop that will outline some practical tips for writers in avoiding scandals or other legal pitfalls.