Creative or narrative non-fiction is anything that uses the art of writing to tell a true story – memoir, biography, true crime, love letters and so many other things. But how do we turn real life into something others want to read?

Join Adelaide-born (and award-winning) writer Anna Spargo-Ryan for a two-part intensive workshop, where you’ll learn what makes creative non-fiction great and how to get it published.

Great creative nonfiction answers two questions: “Who is telling this story?” and “Why does anyone care?” As writers, when we address each of these, we can create work that speaks to an audience, that resonates with and moves a reader, or compels them to act.

Over two online sessions, Anna will lead you through close readings, interactive workshop exercises and reflection to explore these questions and more.

Participants will:

• Explore your trustworthiness as a storyteller and the elements that bring creative non-fiction to life
• Develop creative non-fiction writing skills
• Gain a deeper understanding of publication opportunities for creative non-fiction in Australia

This workshop is suitable for  all writers interested in developing creative non-fiction work.

This workshop will be delivered over two sessions: Sunday August 14 and Sunday August 21 (1pm - 4pm both sessions).

—Online events are easy to access! You will need an internet connection and (ideally) a device with a camera – computers/laptops or even phones can be used to dial in. You will be sent a link to join a few days before the event. The link will take you to a private digital meeting where you can join the session. You can test the link at any time to ensure you can log in. Please respect the other participants in your event and mute your microphone at all times while the presenter is presenting. Background noise in houses such as TVs, pets and children can affect the sound quality.

About Anna Spargo-Ryan

Anna Spargo-Ryan's lastest book is A Kind of Magic, a blended memoir about complex mental illness (out October 2022). She is also the author of The Gulf and The Paper House, a winner of the Horne Prize, and current nonfiction editor at ISLAND Magazine.

1pm to 4pm, August 14 & 21.

Members $130 / Non-members $205

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom. Instructions will be emailed to you, please check your spam/junk folders.

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you are a member of another state based writers centre, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the event to get a code for the member price. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!