Not Too Busy To Write Alice Wilkinson on writing personal non-fiction
Mar 5, 2025
Alice Wilkinson, an award-winning journalist and author of 'How To Stay Sane In A House Share', dives into the world of personal non-fiction writing. She shares insights on the emotional complexities of cohabiting and the importance of open communication in building deep connections. Alice reflects on her boarding school experiences and how they shaped her understanding of intimacy and responsibility. The conversation also touches on the art of editing, balancing narrative structure with authenticity, and the creativity found in collaborative storytelling.
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Non-Fiction's Live Connection
- Writing non-fiction offers unique opportunities to connect with real people through interviews.
- This connection keeps the work relevant and reinforces its potential impact.
The Peculiar Intimacy of House Sharing
- House sharing is often circumstantial, not a choice, but it creates intimate relationships.
- These relationships are rarely discussed, unlike romantic, family, or friend relationships.
Housemates as Anchors in Chaotic 20s
- Alice Wilkinson reflects on her 20s, a chaotic period where housemates provided stability during career uncertainty and personal transitions.
- Writing about these experiences allowed her to appreciate the role house sharing played in her development, despite some difficult memories.
