Tell Me Something I Don’t Know: Using Facts to Fascinate

Additional Information

Writers can be intimidated by how and where to use researched facts or other borrowed material, such as anecdotes or interviews, in their creative nonfiction. They might worry they’ll bore the reader by sounding too much like an encyclopedia, or fear that they’ll interrupt the flow of their narrative by inserting information. Therefore, they lose potentially rich material that can deepen the impact of their work.

In this webinar, you’ll discover how material such as researched information, anecdotes, or interviews can benefit your personal essay or memoir. You’ll learn techniques for integrating this material to varying extents and purposes, from a casual reference that fills a gap to a daring leap that makes the reader’s head spin. You’ll look closely at inspiring examples from well-known authors. You’ll also learn about potential pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Finally, you’ll compose new work in response to prompts, generating momentum that can carry you into your next writing session. We won’t share what we write, but we’ll gather in a spirit of curiosity and generosity to support our own and each other’s writing. There will be plenty of time for questions.

In this webinar, you will:

• LEARN how, where, and why research and other borrowed material will add meaning and impact to your personal essay or memoir
• PRACTICE techniques for incorporating facts in a deft, compelling way
• UNDERSTAND the potential pitfalls of relying on research and determine how to avoid them

This webinar is designed for writers at any level who want to expand the depth and range of their creative nonfiction by incorporating researched and other borrowed material in a seamless, compelling way.

All registrants receive a recording.

Closed captioning will be available.