Blending Truth and Imagination: Strengthening Fiction with Real-World Detail

Join author and teaching artist Richelle Putnam for a dynamic two-hour fiction workshop at the Sumrall Library in Sumrall, Mississippi. Designed for writers of all levels, this session explores how nonfiction elements—personal memories, historical facts, lived experience, and researched detail—can be woven into fiction to create richer settings, stronger plots, and more authentic characters. Participants will discover how real-world detail enhances the emotional and sensory depth of a story while still allowing imagination to lead. The workshop includes guided writing prompts, hands-on exercises, and opportunities to share and discuss work in a supportive environment. Writers will leave with new techniques, inspiration, and fresh material to continue developing after the workshop.