This course is no longer available to enrol. Sign up for our waitlist here to find out when it’s running again. In the meantime, check out our list of current courses or sign up for our Newsbite weekly newsletter for updates.

This travel memoir writing course with Jan Cornall takes place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

Do you have travel stories you don’t want to forget? Others that happened so long ago no-one would believe you now?

Join Jan Cornall to learn how to transform your travel memories into a great travel memoir in a few easy steps—identify the goal of the traveller, evoke the settings and worlds they encounter, describe the characters they meet on the journey, the difficulties they face and the lessons learned.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

In this workshop, you will discuss and learn from some of the greats — Robin Davidson, Paul Theroux, Dervla Murphy and more — and look at current trends in travel memoir. You will set up writing routines and realistic goals, explore techniques for using photos, research, travel notes to collate a scrap book of memories to keep us motivated. Then using meditative writing and visualisation methods you will go deep into sense memory to bring all the moments of your unique travel story to life.  Your guide on this journey, writing tutor Jan Cornall, has been taking writers travelling and writing in the Asia Pacific region since 2004. Two of her books are set in Indonesia and her most recent travel memoir is set in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Expected learning outcomes

Participants will:

1. Gain practical tools for transforming memorable travel experiences into a travel memoir
2. Build confidence in your ability to evoke the world of your book, to describe settings and characters while developing a compelling narrative arc
3. Gain the motivation to set up writing timetables, goals and support networks to complete your travel memoir and choose the best publishing options.

Participant requirements

Willingness to learn and participate in class writing exercises and discussion, read work in class, and accept supportive feedback. Pen and paper, fully charged device if required.

Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of in-person writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.