Collaborative Fiction Writing with Community Groups: A Practitioner Guide

Abstract

This guide aims to provide some insight into the ways two projects have approached writing with community groups, and a starting-point for others who may want to engage in similar projects.

One project, Life Chances, produced a co-written fictional novel, and the other project, Stories2Connect, produced 48 short stories. Both projects also produced a range of other outputs, but the focus here is on the co-production of fictional stories.

These were seen as a means of conveying research findings to a wider audience than might normally be reached through more conventional academic outlets. In addition, both projects aimed to encompass and amplify voices that are usually talked over or distorted by those in more powerful positions. The use of fiction allowed freedom and creativity in the process, while also enhancing accessibility and longevity of the product. Both projects endeavour to address issues of inequality, inaccessibility, and lack of understanding around social issues. Both have used fiction to convey different perspectives, particularly the voices of marginalised groups and individuals, in an attempt to highlight the need for social change.