Autobiography into fiction: getting started

About this course

The course explores how experiences and other personal material can be developed into fictional writing. Tutor presentations introduce relevant techniques, while guided writing exercises provide practice in making this transformation. Class discussion considers the creative and practical issues involved, including the potential benefits and problems of drawing on personal material. Learners can also discuss their responses to the techniques and approaches introduced during the sessions.

What you'll learn

• Transform personal material into fictional writing
• Apply techniques for adapting lived experience into fiction
• Examine the issues and potential benefits of using personal material in fiction

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled All Levels, so it is intended to accommodate learners with different levels of writing experience. Participation involves tutor-led presentations, individual writing exercises and class discussion about using personal material in fiction.

Before you go

• Learners are encouraged to tell the tutor and classmates in advance if writing they plan to share may contain sensitive content.