Skin In The Game: An Introduction to Writing Short Macabre Nonfiction

Would you like to write short, nonfiction stories, but that are dark or macabre?

Learn and practice your skills in writing “macabre nonfiction”, including memoir, travel stories, reportage, narrative nonfiction and many other forms of writing about darker parts of the real world, during this 2-hour workshop* with freelance writer, Ben O’Mara.

*Disclaimer: the workshop includes discussion of stories about illness, death, violence, grief and loss. Aspects of the workshop may be confronting or triggering for some people.

Who is this for?

This introductory workshop is for new and established writers. It is an opportunity to increase your understanding of ways to use writing approaches and techniques (e.g. first-person narration, dialogue, sensory description, setting, plot) to help craft a sense of fear or horror with other emotions, such as humour, wonder and beauty, for telling macabre stories that help make sense of real-world experiences and events.

Your Host

Ben O’Mara has over twenty-five years of experience in writing and publishing, including for Australian newspapers, magazines and literary journals. Ben is also the “Chief Spooky Officer” of Lost Souls Magazine. He has developed a gentle but raw style of writing using observation, personal reflection, interviews, scientific and other research, and a strong sense of place. He often writes about the sorrow from loss of family, grief and illness, but also their unexpected moments of joy, humour and connection with others.

What to expect

Participants will be able to consider relevant examples, begin writing a short macabre nonfiction story and share with others. Ben will guide the session and share feedback through interactive learning, guided writing exercises and workshopping. Ben and participants will be supported by Fionn MacPherson, writer and fiction editor of Lost Souls Magazine.

Other information and what to bring

This workshop will be most relevant to those interested in expanding their writing skills and learn insights from the work of writers of macabre nonfiction, and Ben’s practical writing experience. The workshop is open to adults 18+.

Optional reading will be available before the session. Participants are expected to bring pen and paper and will take home draft sections of short macabre nonfiction.

All money raised from this workshop will be used to support the work of Lost Souls Magazine, a local, independent publication.