Overview of this course

What do memoir, history, true crime, biography, autobiography, travel writing and literary journalism have in common? They are all subgenres of narrative non-fiction. Also known as creative non-fiction, these are true stories told using narrative techniques and creative flair.

Perhaps you want to go deep on a topic, like Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. Or you love to research new ideas, such as Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Maybe you’d like to document a meaningful journey, like Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Or you want to bring to life a period of history that deserves to be told, such as The Lost City of Z by David Grann.

Creative non-fiction is one of the most exciting genres in the literary world. People are interested in knowledge; they are engaged by candour and, although it’s a truism, truth is stranger than fiction. For these reasons, narrative non-fiction has become one of the most popular categories in publishing today.

In this course, you’ll learn the essentials, the techniques and the insights into creating a work of non-fiction that reads like a compelling novel.

In this course, you’ll discover:

• how to use techniques from fiction to create a compelling non-fiction work
• the ideal way to structure your story
• how to write an opening that immediately hooks your reader
• trends in creative non-fiction and how these may impact what you’re writing
• the kind of research and fact-checking you’ll need for your story
• different non-fiction genres and where your story belongs
• how to build your pace to a thrilling climax
• whether you can compile all your blog posts into a book-length manuscript
• how to engage your reader on every page
• optimal ways to end your story so that your reader feels satisfied
• narrative non-fiction titles that will always appeal to publishers

And much more!

• Are you keen to tell stories about a particular period of history that’s always fascinated you?
• Do you work in an unconventional field that everyone wants to hear stories about?
• Are you a journalist who’s spent years researching and reporting on a topic of significance? 
• Have you had unusual life experiences that you feel compelled to share?

Many of us think about what it would be like to write a book but don’t know how to begin.

This course will guide you through the process of crafting your knowledge and expertise into a tangible piece of work.

With skills relevant to novices and experienced writers, this course covers the essential elements necessary to create a compelling work of narrative non-fiction.

The course structure comprises 13 modules, each covering a specific topic relevant to developing your non-fiction work.

Included are how to craft a gripping opening, climax and resolution; how to structure your narrative; the importance of research and fact checking; and how to engage your reader on every page.

You’ll examine the options available for publishing your manuscript and how to ensure it’s properly edited beforehand.