COURSE: Writing Fiction from Fact: Turning Life into Short Stories

About the event

Writing Fiction from Fact: Turning Life into Short Stories
A 6-week online short story writing course

Turn your real-life experiences, family histories, and inner truths into compelling short fiction. Under guidance from experienced fiction facilitator Mish, explore the intricate balance between fact and fabrication to mine your lived moments for story ideas.

Key Course Components:

Navigating truth vs. fiction when writing from real events
Managing the emotional weight of fictionalizing personal stories
Handling confidentiality for yourself and others
Letting go of strict facts to let the narrative lead
Developing multidimensional characters and plot from experience
Receiving feedback to refine your short stories
EBook publication of your best short story in a Comma Press ebook
While not a memoir course, we will discuss the connections between life writing and fiction, write and workshop short fiction pieces drawn from impactful firsthand experiences, and learn techniques to transform facts into engaging artistic expression.

Previous participation in fiction writing is preferred but not required. Ideal for writers working with intimate topics seeking guidance on handling factual sources respectfully. Facilitator Mish Greenbrings expertise in both fiction and life writing.

Course Dates;

1. Wed 8th May 6.30-8.30pm

2. Wed 22nd May 6.30-8.30pm

3. Wed 5th June 6.30-8.30pm

4. Wed 19th June 6.30-8.30pm

5. Wed 3rd July 6.30-8.30pm

6. Wed 17th July 6.30-8.30pm

Mish's short story collection 'Jebel Marra' was drawn from their lived experience of war, so as well as extensive experience in facilitating life writing, they will be bringing this first-hand knowledge to help you develop the fictional stories that are waiting inside your life experience.

Mish Green is a poet and short story writer, and one third of the Skear Zines editorial trio. Their collection of short stories about the messy overlap of aid work and war (Jebel Marra, Comma Press, 2015) was described as ‘exceptional’ by the Irish Times. Their novella set in the belly of Manchester’s housing crisis has been supported by the Society of Authors, and will be out with Comma in 2024.

Mish also edited the TransBareAll anthology and podcast, and is one of the creators of Multitudes Zine Fest. Head to mishgreen.co.uk

Taking place online, on Zoom.

Bursaries available. To avoid eventbrite fees please email isabelle.kenyon@commapress.co.uk