Writing at Varuna - Mark Brandi
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of Varuna to my writing career.
Back in 2014, I entered a competition (via Writing NSW) for a Varuna Fellowship. I didn’t win, but was lucky to be selected as runner-up. This recognition gave me the confidence to send my manuscript to a few publishers and literary agents. While the publishers passed, one agent offered representation – looking back, it was a huge break in my writing career.
The next year I took up my first residency at Varuna. For two weeks, I had uninterrupted time to work on my manuscript, building and refining to get it ready for submission. As important as the writing time was the atmosphere – it’s a place where writing isn’t considered something secondary, or a hobby, but taken seriously. I was also struck by the generosity of the writers I stayed with – all were so willing to share their experience and wisdom.
Ultimately, the work I did at Varuna bore fruit – Wimmera, my first novel, was published in 2017. When working on my next book, The Rip, I also took up a fellowship.
What is it that’s so special about Varuna? For me, it’s mostly the feel of the place. There’s something unique about the building and its surrounds – perhaps its history, and the space given to quiet reflection – that allows creativity to bloom.
With Varuna, the Dark family have bequeathed a wonderful legacy for Australian writers. To share in their gift is a privilege.
Mark Brandi
In 2022 Queensland Writers Centre is proud to offer two Varuna fellowships, each including a two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, a one-hour mentoring session with a writing consultant, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
Applications are open now, closing 28 March 2022. The successful recipients will be notified later in the year.
For assistance with your application, contact us at info@qldwriters.org.au or call the Centre on (07) 3842 9922.
Apply now for a Queensland Writers Centre Varuna Fellowship.
Applications for Queensland Writers Centre’s 2022 Varuna Fellowships are open now to Queensland Writers Centre members.