Creative Nonfiction: Writing Short True Stories
Explore the art of creative nonfiction in this one-day short story writing workshop. Inspired by writers such as Helen Garner, Tim Winton and David Sedaris, you will learn how to find stories in everyday life and shape personal moments into engaging short true stories.
You will consider themes such as family, surprising life events, personal passions and your relationship with nature, while developing your narrative voice and confidence as a writer.
Course Content
- Discuss short creative nonfiction works including Helen Garner’s True Stories, Tim Winton’s Island Home and David Sedaris’ Naked.
- Explore how everyday experiences can become compelling story material.
- Practise writing a short piece to share with the group, if you choose.
Workshop Focus
This course is designed to help you start writing and discover stories from your own experiences. While practical writing time is included, it is not a technical writing workshop and detailed critique of writing style is not included.
Schedule & Pricing
- Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Price: $199 including GST
Details
You will learn
- Recognise different forms and examples of creative nonfiction
- Identify story opportunities in everyday life and personal experience
- Develop a narrative voice for engaging short true stories
You will get
- A one-day guided creative nonfiction writing workshop
- Discussion of works by Helen Garner, Tim Winton and David Sedaris
- Practical writing time with the option to share your work
Appropriate for
This course is for students looking to upskill, including beginners and those with some creative writing experience.
Preparation
What to bring
- Downloaded course notes from the link in your confirmation email
- A pen and notebook, or a device for writing in class
What to wear
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.
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Creative Nonfiction: Writing Short True Stories
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