The Art of Research with Lainie Anderson

Description

Lainie Anderson will guide you in developing practical research techniques for authentic storylines.

Join best-selling novelist Lainie Anderson for a workshop on the nitty-gritty of writing historical fiction, and turning in-depth research into accessible, easy-reading storylines.

Learn from Lainie’s PhD research on how to create a popular cosy crime novel inspired by the life of South Australia’s pioneering policewoman Kate Cocks. 

Participants will: 

• Develop practical techniques for creating authentic fictional characters based on fact.
• Learn how to weave factual events into a compelling, plausible narrative arc.
• Discover how to transform lengthy historical detail and exposition into vocabulary and light-handed narration.
• Discuss the ethics of writing historical fiction and doing justice to real-life characters from the past.

• Gain insights into research methods, sources and website hacks for ensuring your work is historically accurate and believable.

  

Lainie Anderson

Lainie Anderson is a writer whose 35-year career in journalism and public relations includes 17 years as a columnist with Adelaide’s Sunday Mail, as well as stints at the Herald Sun, London's The Times and the South Australian Tourism Commission. After being awarded a Churchill Fellowship, Lainie published her debut novel Long Flight Home in 2019. In 2024, Lainie completed a PhD with the University of South Australia, researching the life of Kate Cocks, the inspiration behind her best-selling historical cosy crime, The Death of Dora Black. Lainie is a board member of Reconciliation South Australia, an ambassador with the Hutt Street Centre, sits on the executive committee of the History Council of South Australia and the selection committee of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. She is a History Guardian for the History Trust of South Australia and was announced as the 2023 Emerging Historian of the Year by the History Council of South Australia. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband Max.
 

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include quiet study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.