The Story Beneath the Story: Research and Backstory for Writers, with Jacqueline Sheehan
Schedule
Sat, 28 Feb, 2026 at 09:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
221 Pine Street, Studio #359, Florence, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01062 | Florence, MA
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Research and backstory give our narratives the authority, authenticity, and depth that make them feel real. But wielding those elements skillfully takes practice. Too much research, and we tumble down the rabbit hole of fascinating facts that never make it to the page. Too much backstory, and our stories stall under the weight of explanation. In this half-day workshop, we’ll explore how to make research and backstory work for your story rather than against it. Through discussion, examples, and guided exercises, you’ll learn to identify your most valuable sources, weave factual texture seamlessly into narrative, and distill just enough backstory to bring characters and settings to life—without slowing the story’s pulse. Perfect for memoirists, fiction writers, and narrative nonfiction writers alike, The Story Beneath the Story will help you balance truth, imagination, and narrative drive as you deepen the worlds you create. This workshop will take place in-person.
Saturday, February 28th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Where is it happening?
221 Pine Street, Studio #359, Florence, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01062Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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