(AC Fall 2021) Writing True Stories with Marja Mills

True stories, compellingly told, have a distinctive power. They can take the form of memoir, personal essay, literary journalism or other types of nonfiction. They impart not only facts but insight and emotional truths. Often, they combine rigorous research with a novelist’s language and sensibilities. 

This course with instructor Marja Mills explores how to write this kind of nonfiction with clarity, style and substance. We’ll read and discuss passages from a range of narrative nonfiction and occasionally do short writing exercises. We’ll discuss any work that participants have underway or are contemplating and tailor the course to the group’s interests.

We’ll delve into how to research and organize material and write and revise. And we’ll consider key elements of nonfiction storytelling, including character and place, structure and pace, quotations and telling details and, always, context and meaning.  Registration for this course is limited to twelve participants.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COURSE? Visit our FAQ page or e-mail course coordinator Christopher Chambers.

DISCOUNT FOR ACADEMY MEMBERS: Members receive a 10% discount Member Rate on this course (discount applied during registration). Not an Academy member? Choose the "Member Rate + Membership" option during registration to recieve your discount rate. Academy Members receive discounts on courses, contests, and ticketed events, as well as an annual subscription to Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine.