Short & True Story Writing Workshop
What do Helen Garner, Tim Winton and David Sedaris have in common? They transform small snippets from everyday life into powerful works of creative nonfiction.
In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to embrace meaningful moments and shape them into compelling short stories. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed works such as True Stories, Island Home and Naked, you’ll explore themes like family, personal passions, surprising life events and your connection to nature. The focus is on helping you discover your narrative voice and begin crafting engaging, authentic nonfiction.
This supportive workshop encourages you to start writing and uncover stories from your own experiences. While practical writing time is included, the emphasis is on inspiration and storytelling rather than detailed technical critique.
Course Content
- Explore short creative nonfiction by notable contemporary authors
- Identify themes and storytelling opportunities in everyday life
- Practise writing a short piece to share with the group (optional)
Schedule & Pricing
- One-day workshop
- Date: 19 September 2026
- Time: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Details
You will learn
- Recognise story opportunities in everyday life
- Develop an engaging narrative voice
- Understand key elements of creative nonfiction
You will get
- Guidance from an experienced writing tutor
- Inspiring literary examples and discussion
- Supportive group workshop environment
Appropriate for
Beginners and aspiring writers, as well as those with some creative writing experience looking to upskill.
Preparation
What to bring
- Downloaded course notes
- Pen and notebook or 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.
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Short & True Story Writing Workshop
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