Varuna Fellowships: Space, Time and Conversation - Sandra Makaresz
A Varuna fellowship is a special thing and it’s all about space and time to write. Over 200 writers undertake residencies and professional development programs at Varuna each year and in 2019 I was privileged to be offered a two-week Varuna Residential Fellowship for 2020.
As every writer who’s applied for anything knows, you’re always scanning that email or letter for the words unsuccessful or on this occasion. However, this time, the words I saw were delighted and congratulations. And instead of resignation followed by a commitment to try again next year, I was elated. I, was going to Varuna.
Through further correspondence I was given the opportunity to nominate when in the year I’d like to visit Varuna. I immediately thought of warm fires and winter in the Blue Mountains. Then I remembered that I’m from Queensland and that cold weather often sounds more enticing than its reality. I checked my calendar, factored in school holidays and other obligations, and realised it would have to be February – nowhere near winter.
It turned out to be a wise choice as bushfires had just receded and we were yet to realise that a different kind of disaster would soon be upon us. And so I headed to Varuna for the first two weeks of February.
My first week was spent as part of a group of five. Two of us were fellowship recipients and would be there for two weeks. The other three were there for the week and would make way for another three visitors in our second week. The first day was full of arrivals and a get together by the fire that night to get to know our fellow writers. Yes, that’s right. Fires every night in February.
By day I wrote in my little book-lined room overlooking the grounds, took occasional walks to think about things (or call home without disturbing anyone else) and gave my life entirely over to writing. There was no imposter syndrome. At night we came together for dinner and chats that would always include the delightful Sheila, Varuna’s long-time chef.
Dinner time chats turned into evenings of conversation and readings and by the end of the week it was like watching old friends depart as three of our writers resumed their real life. Then we were onto week two and the rooms had quickly filled with new faces. There was some trepidation from the two of us who stayed. Would things be different? Who would be next? Would we start to write at night instead of conversing around the fire?
While the dynamic was different our second week was just as rewarding as the first. There was a rhythm to the writing and walking that comes with settling in to the routine of Varuna. Having spent the day getting words on the page, the nights were a time to reflect and get feedback from thoughtful expert peers. Those conversations shared with fellow writers were just as rewarding as the time and space to write.
It’s important to know that Sheila also takes requests and a Varuna alumnus is always your best friend on these occasions. Thanks to Ruth Starke’s suggestion we were treated to Sheila’s Lemon Delicious Pudding. Ruth had not undersold it and Sheila’s creation was apparently just as good as the first time. The following morning, Ruth passed me a handwritten page where she’d copied the recipe that Sheila had given to her on her last visit. With permission from Sheila we have republished it here at right for you – a little piece of Varuna for you to enjoy at home after a day of writing.
It should be noted that the keen-eyed Ruth also called me out at the local Dan Murphy’s for my wine selection technique – are you choosing based on the label design! Being from South Australia she knew exactly the right wine to get. And yes, her bottle was much nicer than mine. I still think of her often when selecting a red.
Varuna is an amazing place to write and a unique writing community to be part of. I can’t wait to hear our Fellowship winners’ writing stories when they return from their own time at Varuna. In partnering with Varuna, Queensland Writers Centre has extended its own writing community and we look forward to offering both residencies at home at the writers centre as well as at Varuna.
Sandra has a background as a freelance writer and has worked in film and television production as a writer/producer. Her children’s concept was one of five global projects selected for Kids Live Action Pitch at MipTV in Cannes, 2019. She was a writing consultant for the Regional Arts Development Fund and holds a Master of Arts in children’s and youth writing. Sandra is a recipient of the ASA Edel Wignell Mentorship and a Varuna Residential Fellowship. Sandra is the editor of WQ magazine and aims to provide an inclusive platform for emerging and professional voices.
Sheila’s Lemon Delicious Pudding
1⁄2 cup self-raising flour
1 cup castor sugar
2 tspn grated lemon rind
3⁄4-1 cup lemon juice
125g butter (melted)
1 cup milk
3 eggs, separated
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Preheat oven to 180 ̊. Butter a serving dish.
Sift flour into a bowl. Add sugar and combine.
Mix together juice, rind, butter, milk and egg yolks (whisk lightly).
Add to flour mixture.
Beat egg whites to peaks.
Fold into mixture.
Pour into buttered dish.
Place dish in a shallow baking dish half- filled with water.
Bake for approximately one hour. Serve with whipped cream.