Discover how to transform everyday moments into powerful short stories in this inspiring one-day creative nonfiction workshop. Learn how acclaimed writers like Helen Garner, Tim Winton and David Sedaris draw on personal experience to craft engaging, artful narratives.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore themes such as family, surprising life events, personal passions and your relationship with nature. You’ll develop your narrative voice and learn how to shape memories into compelling works of creative nonfiction.
Through guided discussions and practical exercises, you’ll examine excerpts from Helen Garner’s True Stories, Tim Winton’s Island Home and David Sedaris’ Naked. You’ll also have the opportunity to practise writing your own short piece to share with the group (optional).
This workshop focuses on helping you begin writing and uncover stories from your own experiences. While it includes practical writing time, it is not a technical critique workshop and does not provide detailed feedback on writing style.
Schedule & Venue
- Location: Rozelle Campus, 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
- Duration: One-day workshop (10:00am – 4:00pm)
- Class size limited to 12 students
Details
You will learn
- Identify story ideas from everyday life experiences
- Develop a strong and engaging narrative voice
- Understand key elements of creative nonfiction storytelling
You will get
- Expert guidance from an experienced writing tutor
- Practical in-class writing exercises
- Insights from published works by notable authors
Appropriate for
Beginners and writers with some creative writing experience looking to upskill.
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
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.
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.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Stories Short & True Writing Workshop
Coming Soon: More classes in the works!
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