Writing Creative Non-Fiction Essays with Sophie Cunningham

Everything you need to know about the creative possibilities in essay writing

Join award-winning writer Sophie Cunningham in this unique writing course all about crafting compelling and persuasive essays.

This workshop takes as its starting point the belief that all non-fiction is creative. It demands that a writer isolate particular details from a plethora of detail, that they elucidate broad and complex subjects. But how can we find an emotional connection to the facts, for both the writer and the reader? How do we find the patterns in a story that will help us communicate in a way that feels discursive and engaged rather than hectoring?

You’ll learn:
  • To experiment with composition, structure and voice in your essay-writing
  • How to find pattern and details in your subject topic
  • How to use yourself in service of the story
  • About rhythm, repetition and restraint in writing

The course is designed to take you 5-6 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

"Engaging, eye-opening and easy to follow — Sophie’s workshop is a must, not just for essayists but for writers of all genres."

"Sophie Cunningham's course was playful, thoughtful and action-focused. Well worth it."

"Sophie’s workshop is full of practical advice and concrete examples of how to put theories and techniques into practice, which I found really helpful. It’s useful to follow as you write a whole piece from start to finish, but equally as useful if you’re partway through a project and are trying to shift your writing out of a rut."

"This workshop explores elements of the writing process that I had not considered before, including dynamic ways to approach structure and theme...it's comprehensive and leaves you feeling much more confident and encouraged to write."


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham

Sophie Cunningham is the author of nine books, including City of Trees: Essays on Life, Death and the Need for a Forest and the novel This Devastating Fever. She is currently working on her fourth novel, The Whole Earth Catalogue, and a long form essay Epistemological Chaos. She posts a photo of a tree on her Instagram @sophtreeofday everyday, is a teacher of creative writing, is the Chair of the Australian Society of Authors and a Director of the Copyright Agency. You can learn more about her at www.sophiecunningham.com.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome to Writing Creative Non-Fiction Essays
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  Preparing for Creative Non-Fiction Essay Writing
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  The Importance of Form and Structure
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!