Ever wondered about the secret to writing engaging true stories? Award-winning author of The Phillip Island Murder, Vikki Petraitis will deep dive into the finer points of planning, interviewing, and publishing true crime.

Whether it's a true crime story or a real-life story with a big impact, telling true stories is an art form. Award-winning author of both true crime and fiction, Vikki Petraitis will take participants through the art of choosing a story and framing it into a compelling narrative that will keep the reader engaged. The session will include research advice, how to identify the necessary components of a true crime story, how to use point of view to the best advantage, interviewing techniques and the different ways to approach law enforcement and respectfully engage with survivors, victims, and family members of traumatic events. There will be essential writing and structure tips, and insights into finding the right publisher. There will also be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Participants will:

• Learn the essentials involved in plotting a true story with pace and intrigue
• Hear more about Vikki’s incredible journey as the writer of over 18 true crime novels (and her successful podcasts), including tips for navigating getting published
• Learn writing and research skills to apply to your own true-life stories
• Unpack ethical and practical considerations of telling true stories
• Learn how to approach law enforcement, and those affected by true crimes or shocking events

This workshop is suitable for writers of all backgrounds who want to explore telling true stories (especially those with an interest in true crime). Numbers are strictly limited on this workshop.

About Vikki Petraitis

Celebrated true crime author, Vikki Petraitis has written 18 books, among the most well-known is her book, The Frankston Murders, about serial killer Paul Denyer. She has made two hugely successful podcast series for Casefile Presents that have topped charts around the world and been downloaded millions of times. Vikki is a teacher and is completing a PhD in Creative Writing. For her PhD, she has turned her hand to fiction with her debut novel, The Unbelieved which won the inaugural Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize.

WSA Member $130 / Non-member $205

Venue: Morgan Thomas Room, Institute Building, State Library, North Terrace, Adelaide SA

—Not yet a Writers SA member? Join here for as little as $55!

—We strongly recommend all staff, speakers, and attendees of in-person events be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You cannot attend if you have been asked to isolate by SA Health or are feeling unwell. See our full policy here.

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you would like to use a workshop credit to book in, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the workshop commencement date. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!