How do you write about someone you know?
This course unpicks the thorny questions around truth, memory, and narrative. To help you better understand the role that real people play as characters in true stories, you will:
- Think of yourself as the main character in your story
- Create distinct voices in your narrative
- Explore the role of setting as a character in memoir
- Discover the difference between memory, truth, and perspective
- Learn to distance yourself from your writing in order to craft your narrative
You'll also delve into the world of ethics when writing real people, inclduing issues around giving offence and when the detail you provide is enough.
Course Curriculum
How long does it take?
As a self-paced course it's up to you how quickly you progress through the material. Binge the course over a weekend or dip in and out whilst you're writing your novel - the choice is yours.
How does it work?
Our courses can be accessed on your desktop Mac or PC , laptop, tablet or mobile. All you need is an internet connection. You don't need to install any additional software.
When does it start?
Right now! This is a self-paced online course - you decide when you start and can go through it at any speed. You have unlimited access to the course so can return for a refresher at any time. What are you waiting for?
Meet your tutor - Katy Massey
Katy was a journalist for many years before studying for an MA and PhD in Creative Writing. Her memoir, Are We Home Yet? was published in 2020 and praised by Bernardine Evaristo as ‘a gem’. It was shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize and the Portico Prize. In addition, her work has been widely anthologised, including Common People edited by Kit de Waal, The Place for Me, and speculative collection Glimpse. Her first novel All Us Sinners, an unusual take on the crime genre, is due to be published by Sphere in January 2024.
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Image Credits
Banner Image - Andi Sapey for NCW Academy
Man Writing - Andi Sapey for NCW Academy
Sand Timer - Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Woman Typing - Andi Sapey for NCW Academy
Man on Running Track - Braden Collum on Unsplash