Advanced creative non-fiction: turning experience into art

About this course

The course focuses on developing a pre-planned creative non-fiction project through sophisticated craft, editing and revision. Topics include selecting material for the reader, using structure to create emotional or intellectual effects, applying language techniques within different genres, and developing characterisation and setting. Teaching combines excerpt analysis, formal instruction, writing exercises, group work and class discussion. Participants workshop their own writing and respond critically to work by others, with some topics shaped by the class’s written output.

What you'll learn

• Create chapters or excerpts from a creative non-fiction project with a deliberate effect on the reader.
• Apply structural and language techniques when editing and revising creative non-fiction.
• Evaluate approaches to creative non-fiction and identify new directions for developing a project.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for advanced writers who have previously studied creative non-fiction or have substantial experience in the form. Participation involves developing personal project material, sharing writing for workshop discussion and responding to other learners’ work.

• Work centres on a pre-planned creative non-fiction project.
• The course involves group discussion, writing exercises and peer workshopping.
• Learners may need to discuss the presence of sensitive material before sharing writing.

Before you go

• Writing materials are the only materials identified as needed.
• Books may be recommended to support further learning.
• Learners are encouraged to alert the tutor and classmates in advance if shared writing contains potentially sensitive material.