Lying For Fun: Writing Unreliable Narrators Zoom Seminar with Sage Tyrtle on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Live Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM EST
🌍 Class Times by Time Zone: Los Angeles (PDT): 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM / Chicago (CDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM / New York (EDT): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM / London (BST): 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM / Berlin (CEST): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.
About the Instructor
Instructor Sage Tyrtle writes stories unsettling enough for The Offing, yet NPR let them on air. Included in Best Microfiction, Moth GrandSLAM winner, and Pushcart nominee, they've taught 150+ workshops for Smokelong Quarterly and Clarion West, among others. Their work lives at the intersection of literary craft and, "Wait, did they just say that?"
Who is this class for?
This online fiction writing workshop is for writers interested in exploring unreliable narrators. Whether you're new to the technique or looking to sharpen your craft, all levels are welcome.
What to expect:
Unreliable narrators are the best kind of liars. Their deceptions are not flaws—they are fabulous tools. They can hide secrets, rewrite histories, and turn a simple story into a delicious puzzle where nothing is quite what it seems. In this playful one-day writing workshop, we celebrate the creative art of literary trickery.
You will play with narrators who bend the truth, forget key details, or outright con the reader—all in the name of fantastic fiction. Learn how a clever lie on the page can build suspense, create compelling voices, and forge a deeper, more engaging bond with your audience. Through discussion of existing unreliable narrators, example texts, and guided writing prompts, you will gain hands-on experience crafting narrators whose credibility is artfully compromised.
Come embrace the fun of being magnificently untrustworthy in this online writing class. Let's write stories that wink at the reader, crafting narratives where the real thrill is in the act of deception itself. Feedback from the instructor will be positive and gently constructive throughout.
What are the writing goals?
In this course, students will come away with at least three solid starts to unreliable narrator stories. Through guided prompts and workshop activities, each writer will produce a polished character sketch and a key scene for a story centered on unreliability.
COURSE OUTLINE
Session (2 Hours): Discussion of existing unreliable narrators and example texts. Guided writing prompts based on the examples, with instructor feedback and group discussion throughout.
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
- Craft narrators whose credibility is artfully compromised, discovering how deception shapes plot and character.
- Explore classic and contemporary examples of unreliable narration, identifying techniques from selective memory to bold fabrication.
- Construct a narrator's persuasive voice through guided workshop activities.
- Design a scene where the truth glimmers beneath a lie.
- Produce a polished character sketch and a key scene for a story centered on unreliability.
- Add sophisticated narrative tension and reader engagement strategies to your fiction writing toolkit.
TESTIMONIALS:
"This was a great class. The pace and structure were excellent. Not too much info, while providing some really solid concepts that I had never heard before."
"One of the best classes I have taken. Clear, usable craft principles. What did I find most valuable? The need for an element of risk -- interior or exterior -- which is important for story impact."
"This class exceeded my expectations. A story worth telling includes risk & emotional extremes but needs balance between positive & negative emotions. Sage got these points across magnificently. Highly recommend."
"Sage is so welcoming and so gentle in her teaching. A lovely experience."
“Loved it!"
"This class exceeded my expectations! Sage was extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful and provided meaningful feedback."
"A lovely atmosphere and a great mix of learning from examples and prompt work. Thanks!”
“It was the perfect, chill way to close out the weekend, and I left with workable drafts and many ideas.”
"I loved the number and quality of the in-class prompts."
"The instructor was lovely, encouraging, ehtusiastic and the information well-chosen, and I appreciated her suggestions for exercises."
“When Sage Tyrtle talks, people don’t just listen. They hang on her every word.” – Toronto Star
“As each of us feels more comfortable, we share intimate moments from our lives. It’s different from the stand-up I tried, because, ultimately, success isn’t dependent on making people laugh.” – Now Magazine
“Thank you for giving us a night to remember. You are a true professional, gifted and talented. Thank you for inspiring us, making us think differently and pushing us to be better communicators. The feedback from all the participants was so positive.” – Wendy Kauffman, Vice President, Brown & Cohen Communications and Public Affairs
“We have received really great feedback, some people saying that this is the best session we have had at our KE retreats, so thank you so much for your engaging presentation!” – Rebecca Phillips Konigs, CAMH
- Instructor: Sage Tyrtle
- Meets Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Class will meet once via Zoom on Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
- Tuition is $99 USD.