This workshop with Sue Williams will look at how to create compelling biographical fiction, using all the tools of non-fiction biography to research characters, but then interpreting the facts, and adding a flesh-and-blood overlay, to fashion a gripping and persuasive work of fiction. What’s the right balance between fact and fiction? Does consulting with an historian help? What techniques can you employ to create emotional empathy with your characters? We look at character, setting, plot and which voice you choose to tell your story. This workshop will also involve you doing a little writing to practise what you’re learning.
This workshop will not be recorded.
About Sue Williams
Sue Williams is a bestselling author and award-winning journalist and travel writer, working in newspapers, magazines and TV in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. Born in England, but settling in Australia in 1989, she’s also lectures on writing at Boston University’s Sydney campus. After 25 non-fiction books, from biography and true crime to travel, her first historical novel, Elizabeth & Elizabeth, about a friendship between Governor’s wife Elizabeth Macquarie and wool pioneer Elizabeth Macarthur in early colonial Australia, was published in 2021 to much acclaim. She’s now working on another novel based in early 1800s Australia. For more information:
