All things old China - books, anecdotes, stories, podcasts, factoids & ramblings from the author Paul French

Heads Up – July 24 – Singapore Book Council Online Workshop – Based on a True Story: Writing Compelling Literary Non-Fiction

Posted: May 27th, 2020 | No Comments »

Learn how to write compelling true stories, from family memoirs to true crime from the author of Midnight in Peking and City of Devils….organised by the Singapore Book Council – more details and booking here

How do writers bring the past alive? Is it all right to guess at a historical character’s motivations or put words into his / her mouth? When does creative non-fiction turn into historical fiction?

In this workshop, participants will learn how to investigate and tell true stories in entertaining ways under the guidance of Paul French, author of a number of acclaimed books including Midnight in Peking and City of Devils. French will also talk about researching family histories in China and using unexpected sources to get at the essence of an era.

Participants will be guided on what they would require; their ‘toolkit’, when planning for a work based on a true story – be it family history or true crime. The workshop will address considerations such as source materials, choosing an appropriate genre and writing style, plot, voice and tense for creative non-fiction.

The workshop will also touch on the creation of an exciting and compelling opening for the story that both grabs the reader and explains the core elements (period, genre, style, plot arc) of the true story.

This workshop will be conducted via the Zoom platform.



Leave a Reply