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Life into Art:
a practical guide to writing a book of narrative non-fiction
One-day workshop with Matthew Thompson
Drawing on his own experiences writing literary nonfiction from locations including Colombia, Iran, Kosovo, the Philippines, and the US, Matthew Thompson will take participants through the process of writing a book of narrative nonfiction (a book where a true story unfolds through the use of literary techniques).
The workshop will be studded with practical pointers and include discussions of developing the idea behind a book:
- writing a proposal for a publisher
- planning and executing research and field work as cheaply and effectively as possible
- spinning off articles for cash and exposure, and
- tackling the writing.
DATE: Saturday 25 May, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
VENUE: NEWC
COST: Members $65 / Non-members $70. (*fees must be paid two weeks before the workshop).
Matthew Thompson is the author of My Colombian Death: a journey into the heart of South America’s most dangerous country (Picador, 2008) and the forthcoming Running with the Blood God: road-testing free-thinking from Tehran to Oregon (Picador, due out in late 2013).
A former Sydney Morning Herald reporter with a doctorate in literary journalism, Dr Thompson has edited manuscripts for Pan Macmillan, taught at undergraduate and graduate level at a variety of universities, and works as an editor at The Conversation.
His freelance writing covers material ranging from mixed sex boxing, nudist colonies, and pool hustling to armed conflict.
Dr Thompson has explored the insurgencies of the southern Philippines, drinking coffee with bomb-makers of the Abu Sayyaf Group and eating pickled goat with their foes in the Marines.
His writing has appeared in a range of major newspapers, Dazed & Confused, Inside Sport, Australian Style and Australia’s since-laid to rest premier literary journal, Heat.
He has written and recorded radio documentaries broadcast in the US by National Public Radio and in Australia by the ABC’s Radio National.
Dr Thompson is also a retained firefighter with Fire & Rescue NSW and lives in Dungog, NSW.
Inquiries
All workshops must be booked and paid for in advance. For information about the program or to book for events:
Phone (02) 6772 7210 or send an email message to admin@newc.org.au
NEWC membership entitles you to do the workshop at the reduced member rate.
You can become a member when you book a workshop. Our annual membership fees are:
| Adults: | $30.00 including GST |
| Students (tertiary): | $20.00 including GST |
| Students (under 18): | $15.00 including GST |
Venue
Unless otherwise stated, all events will be held at the New England Writers' Centre (NEWC), in the Neighbourhood Centre, 129 Rusden Street, Armidale (between the Council Building and the Town Hall).
Access
During opening hours and workshops, access is through the Cinders Lane car park (first door on left, in the corridor).
Parking
There is a one-hour parking restriction in the Cinders Lane carpark.
The New England Writers' Centre is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.