Non-fiction writing is often considered the poor cousin of ‘real’ writing. Being a novelist sounds far more exciting than an author of a guide to painting and decorating, but I can guarantee the painter and decorator author has a far better chance of being published and paid. At the top end of the scale we have the Bill Brysons, the Antonia Frasers and the Alistair McGraths, so it’s not all tiling and grouting. In this eight-session course we will look at various outlets for non-fiction writing. Please try out the exercises and leave comments below. To start as session just click on the link below:
- Opportunities for non-fiction writing, finding ideas, letters to the editor.
- Non-fiction writing styles: journalistic vs narrative prose. Keeping it brief.
- Blogging and other internet opportunities.
- Writing from life. Autobiography and opinion pieces.
- Travel writing.
- How to write a feature article.
- Non-fiction book and magazine proposals + how to approach editors.
- Copyright, libel and finance.
Please have a look at the non-fiction writing section of my bookshop for a list of recommended reading. If you can only get your hands on one book for this course, I highly recommend Successful Non-fiction Writing by Nicholas Corder.
Welcome to The Crafty Writer, published by Fiona Veitch Smith, a freelance journalist, author, playwright and writing teacher. This site is full of information and resources to help you to become a better writer. 
Very interesting Crafty! I admire the smoothness with which you have grafted or is crafted your free generous offer to the head of your own site for you business. Neat as they say in Virginia.
I am off on family holidays tonight so canna expand on this flattery right now.
But let me say this: If you have time you will see I have whole different slant on the whole nonfiction thing. Possibilty of symbiois looms …in my head …right now. (http://www.professionaprd.com) You have given me an idea and maybe a proposal.Thanks.
I will have computer along in France but may not ven open it except to check my stranded site (got virused last week but now clean (the site I mean) . .. and slightky dead for two weeks)
Must rush, Best wishes and good hunting.
Lonewordsmith
ouch didn’t word check!
Dear Lonewordsmith (AKA Neil!). Thanks for the encrouagement. I checked out your site and as you say we’re approaching the same thing from different angles. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your holiday.
Fiona
Fiona,
Great idea! I mentioned your course in my most recent post at The Writing Geek (http://thegeekwrites.blogspot.com). I am looking forward to more!
Dave
aka The Writing Geek
Thanks for dropping by Dave. And thanks for the promo too.
Hello Fiona,
I found you via Wordsy.com. Isn’t it a great community? I will definately join you on line. I love learning new things from my fellow writers. I will also feature this post in my blog tomorrow.
Thanks,
Trish
Hi Trish, thanks for stopping by. I visited your site http://modernmatriarch.wordpress.com/ and I shall certainly be recommending it to anyone interested in women and writing. Another site you may be interested in is http://www.mslexia.co.uk/, a literary magazine for women writers.
Thanks for offering this course. Complete amateur but interested!
Thanks Winslie. Just checked out your chickpea recipe! And loved the ’satanic’ fish.
i’ve just read a book, in my blood, on http://www.oakpm.co.uk it is a cracking read that gallops along. well presented and great content, too. it’s about a guy in security, his experiences, adventures, fears and so on, whilst in the middle east and africa. could be some tips there, too!