What memories and experiences have shaped your life? Everyone has real life stories that are dramatic, romantic, tragic or funny. Fiction writers know that drawing from life experiences adds depth and authenticity to their work.

In a one-day workshop sponsored by Peninsula College’s Continuing Education Division, Olympic Peninsula novelist Janice Macdonald will demonstrate how to mine your life for fiction potential. The Real Life into Fiction workshop will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the college, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles.

Macdonald has written nine books for Harlequin’s SuperRomance line and admits to borrowing shamelessly from her own life experiences.

"As you sift through memories and recall details, you will learn how to alter facts, play ‘what if’ and transform real people into fictional characters," she says.

The workshop also will cover such fiction basics as character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, pacing, voice and theme.

Cost for the one-day workshop is $25.

For more information and to register, visit the college Web site at www.pencol.edu.