Enrol in the 2021 version of this course here>>

The prospect of writing trauma can be both daunting and compelling. Meera Atkinson invites those writing or looking to write trauma in any genre to explore this terrain through this online writing workshop.

This online workshop facilitates writing ‘literary trauma testimony’ – writing that uses creative strategies to testify to traumatic experience. It features close readings of selected texts and explores the ethics and potential danger of writing trauma. Participants will complete writing exercises with the aim of producing a piece of literary writing that illuminates individual, collective, and/or transgenerational trauma in some way, and have the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback.

Is this online workshop right for you? Read our FAQ before enrolling>>

Expected Learning Outcomes

1. A nuanced understanding of trauma and its operations in literary writing.
2. Increased clarity around the challenges and responsibilities of writing trauma.
3. The production of new writing that demonstrates an engagement with traumatic affect.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. There are no live meetings. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

There are no specific times you need to be available for this course.

• There will be a new lesson posted each day while the course is running (see course dates in the blue box above).
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• There will be assignments which have deadlines. To be guaranteed tutor feedback, you will need to complete the assignments by the deadline.

We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

You can find out more about the course by reading our frequently asked questions.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online courses to develop your writing skills, gain professional and peer feedback and connect to a community of writers. If you’re looking for feedback, we have online feedback courses, manuscript assessments and mentorships available. For information about publishing, editing and answers to other frequently asked questions, head to our free resources for writers.