Facts to Fiction: Drawing on real stories to create a work of fiction

with Lisa Lang

Facts to Fiction is a one-day workshop for people who want to draw on real stories – a slice of history, a family tale, a newspaper article – in order to create a work of fiction. Having a great story in mind is just the beginning. How do we take an idea and transform it into a rich and compelling narrative? Do we stick closely to the facts, or allow ourselves total freedom to invent and imagine? What role does research play? And what happens to our concept of the 'truth'?

Through the use of writing exercises, readings and guided discussions, participants are given tools for turning the bones of fact into credible, full-bodied fiction.

Topics covered include:

• the use of sensory detail
• the inner lives of characters
• narrative structure and;
• the importance of taking creative ownership

About the Tutor

Lisa Lang has written two books based on the life of eccentric Victorian bookseller E.W. Cole, the man behind Cole's Funny Picture Book. Utopian Man, a novel, was a joint winner of the Australian/Vogel's Literary Award, and was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and WA Premier's Book Awards. E.W. Cole: Chasing the Rainbow is a nonfiction title in the popular Arcade history series. Lisa was named a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist in 2011. She has previously taught creative writing workshops for the Northern Territory Writers' Centre and Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers' Centre, Perth. 

Please note in the event of unforeseen circumstances, courses - including tutors and venues - may be subject to cancellation or change.