Writing autofiction

What is the course about?

"The duty of literature is to fight fiction. It's to find a way into the world as it is."
- Karl Ove Knausgaard

The past decade has seen a rise in novels that appear to be more fact than fiction. The "autofictions" of Karl Ove Knausgaard, Sheila Heti, Rachel Cusk and Teju Cole are ostensibly written from life yet combine fictional elements and question the boundary between memoir and fiction.

But what is autofiction? How does it differ from autobiographical novels, autobiography and memoir? What are the ethics and aesthetics of writing it? What is to be gained and what are the risks of blurring fact and fiction?

In this advanced taster course, we will explore these questions, look at key texts, and the learn the basics of creating in this popular new genre through guided writing exercises.

What will we cover?

- How to start writing autofiction
- Explore the ethnical issues around writing about “real” people
- The tension between artistic and factual truths
- How to fictionalise the self
- How to fictionalise real people
- Consider how experience can be structured into narrative
- Critical issues in autofiction and what makes it a distinct genre in its own right.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Write autofictional work more effectively and confidently
- Identify and appreciate some of critical issues around writing autofiction
- Evaluate your own work and offer some constructive feedback to others.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an advanced level taster course suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction and/or life writing who may be new to autofiction. You should be an avid reader of fiction and come prepared to discuss and share your own work.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Interactive tutor presentations
- Writing exercises in class and suggestions for writing at home
- General discussion of approaches, issues and skills
- Tutor and group discussion of your written work


All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You should bring paper, and pens or pencils.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can try Short Story Writing or Writing Fiction, or if you're ready for rigorous feedback on your work-in-progress you can join Advanced Fiction Writing or apply to enrol on a Masterclass: fiction workshop.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Bluesky.