Writing Fiction From Life with Kavita Bedford

How can you craft compelling fiction inspired by real-life events and relationships? Join Kavita Bedford, author of the critically acclaimed novel Friends & Dark Shapes, for an in-depth course on how to draw from personal perspectives to shape fiction and characters.

In this course, we will discuss non-fiction literary forms, such as memoir, auto-fiction, and creative non-fiction, and use elements of those literary forms to bring personal experiences to life in a fictional way. We will look at ways to create a unique literary voice, draw from observations of your environment, as well as discussing how telling one’s truth can serve as a political act. Participants will learn from examples by modern writers who have created stylised personal perspectives in their work, including Natalia Ginzburg, Jenny Offill, Helen Garner, and Bryan Washington.

Expected learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Gain an understanding of literary and stylistic forms and how to use those elements in their own writing

2. Experiment with ways to fictionalise events and characters

3. Learn how to create a narrative perspective drawing on their own unique attitude and voice

4. Understand how to draw from the idiosyncrasies of their own lives to write fiction.

Participant requirements

Pen and paper, or a fully charged device. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

‘Kavita struck a wonderful balance between sharing the work of other authors, providing accessible information about writing techniques, sharing her personal experiences, and inviting us to participate in some excellent writing exercises on the day. I can’t speak highly enough of this course.’ – Amar, 2022