Student writing in a notebook during a creative nonfiction workshop

Stories Short & True Writing Workshop


Improve your storytelling skills and learn how to turn your everyday experiences into powerful short stories in this immersive workshop. Inspired by authors like Helen Garner, Tim Winton, and David Sedaris, this one-day course will help you harness your narrative voice and explore creative nonfiction.

Through discussion and writing exercises, you’ll consider themes such as family, surprises, life passions, and nature. Gain a stronger awareness of how to spot moments that matter and spin them into captivating stories, whether for personal satisfaction or professional development.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the components of engaging creative nonfiction
  • Identify story opportunities in daily life
  • Explore and develop your personal narrative voice

Course Content

  • Analysis of works by Helen Garner, Tim Winton, and David Sedaris
  • Identifying emerging themes and narrative strategies
  • Short writing practice and optional sharing

Schedule & Pricing

  • Next workshops: 14 March 2026 & 19 September 2026
  • Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Cost: $199 per session
  • Location: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039

What to Bring

  • Notebook and pen or device for writing
  • Download class notes via confirmation email

Details
6 hours

You will learn

  • Understand engaging creative nonfiction techniques
  • Identify personal stories worthy of telling
  • Explore and develop narrative voice

You will get

  • Guided short writing practice
  • Insight into common themes in creative nonfiction
  • Supportive group learning environment

Appropriate for

Beginners and those with some creative writing experience who are looking to upskill.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook and pen or digital device
  • Downloaded notes from confirmation email

What to wear


Your Teacher
Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney 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.

5.0 (2 reviews)
Heather
Sep 2025
Course and tutor very welcoming, engaging and encouraging. Presented info, examples and exercises with support to brainstorm ideas and write a short piece... Highly recommended.
Sandra
Sep 2025
Met some talented, interesting, like minded people.

Terms

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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