2026 Tasmanian writers mentorships

lsland is offering five mentorships for Tasmanian residents.

These mentorship are free to apply for and participate in. Successful mentees will receive ten hours of tailored guidance, advice, and support from some of Tasmania’s most accomplished writers. 

This is a unique opportunity to gain insight, advice, and support from some of Tasmania’s most accomplished writers, tailored to your own creative goals and aspirations.

The mentors

Mentorships available are:

• Poetry: Esther Ottaway
• Short stories: Jennifer Kremmer
• Poetry & short fiction for First Nations writers: Julie Janson
• Personal essays: Jessie Cole
• Comics & graphic narratives: Leigh Rigozzi

To find out more about each mentor, visit https://islandmag.com/workshops-mentorships

Eligibility

• You must be a Tasmanian resident.
• If you are applying for the First Nations mentorship, you must be a First Nations person with a connection to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
• Current Island magazine staff, interns and board members are not eligible.
•  You may apply for more than one mentorship.

How it works

Submit a short pitch outlining what you hope to achieve through mentorship.

Your pitch should include:

•  the mentor and/or categories you are interested in, and what you hope to achieve 
•  a brief summary of your relevant experience
•  a short sample of your creative work. If applying for a poetry mentorship, please send 6 poems
• if applying for the First Nations mentorship, a brief statement on your connection to Community.

EOIs will be assessed by the mentor in consultation with Island’s Editorial Manager, Jane Rawson.

Timeline

•  EOIs are open now and close at 5pm 18 September 2026
• We aim to complete mentor-mentee pairings by early October 2026; after that, the pace is up to you and your mentor.