Creative Nonfiction: Writing Short True Stories
What do Helen Garner, Tim Winton, and David Sedaris have in common? They have all transformed small snippets from their lives into powerful works of art. In this engaging one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to embrace moments from your own life and shape them into a compelling short piece of creative nonfiction.
Through guided discussion and practical exercises, you’ll explore themes such as family, surprising life events, personal passions, and your relationship with nature. You’ll discover how to identify story opportunities in everyday experiences and develop a narrative voice that brings authenticity and depth to your writing.
This workshop focuses on helping you begin writing and uncover stories drawn from your individual experiences. While there is dedicated writing time, the emphasis is on inspiration and exploration rather than detailed technical critique.
Course Content
- Examination of short creative nonfiction works by Helen Garner (True Stories), Tim Winton (Island Home) and David Sedaris (Naked)
- Exploration of themes and techniques used in contemporary creative nonfiction
- Guided writing exercises with optional sharing
Schedule & Pricing
- One-day workshop
- Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Location: Rozelle Campus, Sydney
Details
You will learn
- Identify story opportunities in everyday life
- Develop a distinctive narrative voice
- Understand key techniques in creative nonfiction
You will get
- Expert guidance from an experienced writing tutor
- Practical in-class writing exercises
- Insight into published works of leading authors
Appropriate for
Beginners and aspiring writers looking to upskill, as well as those with some creative writing experience.
Preparation
What to bring
- Downloaded course notes from confirmation email
- Pen and notebook or a writing device
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Creative Nonfiction: Writing Short True Stories
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