Lolwe Nonfiction Programme

The Lolwe Nonfiction Programme is designed for writers working across memoir, essay, criticism and other forms of literary nonfiction who want to develop a more sustained and confident practice.

Across the year, participants will study the essential elements of nonfiction — including voice, perspective, structure, scene, research, memory, fact, reflection, ethics and the relationship between lived experience and interpretation — alongside masterclasses devoted to major forms of nonfiction writing.

These will include the essay, criticism, life writing, nature writing and travel writing, giving participants the opportunity to explore different approaches to writing from experience, observation, research and ideas.

How the year works

Craft Masterclasses
Focused study of the core elements that shape compelling nonfiction, alongside masterclasses in essay, criticism, life, nature and travel writing.

Nonfiction Workshop
A general workshop for generating, developing and discussing nonfiction across forms.

Memoir/Life Workshop
A more focused workshop for participants developing memoir or autobiographical writing, with particular attention to memory, structure, voice and the ethics of writing from life.

Develop Your Work
You will use the year to generate new material, deepen an existing project and develop a substantial body of nonfiction, such as an essay collection, memoir, or a nonfiction book.