Led by award-winning writer, teacher and Mununjali author Ellen van Neerven, this small online class for First Nations writers of all genres uses reading as a tool to sharpen artistic vision and ambition. Each week, the group will look at and discuss exemplary extracts from contemporary Australian and international First Nations authors across genres and intersections. These readings will also serve as inspiration for drafting, writing and forming work.
Each fortnight we will examine and unpack a core subject thread: Country, Relative, Vessel, Power and Gesture. In the first session each fortnight, Ellen will present a gathering of ideas, writing and reading built around the fortnight’s subject.
Every second week will be dedicated to workshopping new writing shaped by these practices and processes. Each writer will be asked to produce their own new work to share with the class. Constructive and thoughtful feedback will be provided by the group and Ellen.
This course will be taught by Zoom over a ten-week period, in two-hour blocks from 4-6pm on Tuesdays. The group will use the writing platform WetInk for sharing work and extended discussion.
There will be up to eight participants in this class.
HOW TO APPLY
Entry to this course is by application, and is open to First Nations writers only. Writers will be selected based on the creative potential of their work, commitment to craft, openness to collaborating with peers, and the balance in the group.
There are no fees for this program.
Feel free to call 02 4782 5674 or email amy@varuna.com.au to discuss your application.
Applications close at 5pm on 11 July 2024.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission by 31 July.
IMPORTANT DATES
Start date: Tues 24 September 2024
There will be a one-week break in the week beginning 21 October.
End date: Tues 3 December 2024
Zoom duration: 2 hour blocks from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Tuesdays (AEST)
COURSE INFORMATION
The writing platform WetInk will be used for sharing work and extended discussion.
Please let Varuna know if you need to miss one or two weeks so that we can facilitate any course material that is missed.
