Online: Introduction to Writing from Life

Amra Pajalić

Wednesday 20 September to Tuesday 26 September 2023, online

Full Price: $210
Member: $155
Conc Member: $135

This course is finished. 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.

Join this online writing from life course with Amra Pajalić.

In this course with award-winning author, editor and teacher Amra Pajalić, you will learn about the features and expectations of writing from life, finding ideas through research, how to identify the theme of their memoir, and how to develop their purpose in life writing.

You will explore using memoir writing techniques and delve into the structure of chapters, stand-alone pieces and overall narrative arc of a piece of life writing. You will also draw on narrative writing techniques, such as imagery and characterisation.

As well as covering the possible obstacles of writing from life, you will consider how to submit stand-alone chapters and extracts to develop your publication portfolio.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ > 

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

  1. Learn narrative writing techniques as well as specific memoir writing techniques
  2. Develop research techniques and learn how to develop support systems and deal with obstacles
  3. Learn how to structure a stand-alone chapter as well as work towards a full-length memoir
  4. Learn how to find opportunities for publication and build a literary portfolio that will help them when submitting to a publisher.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom by 10am on the day the course starts.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person.

  • You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
  • There will be assignments which have deadlines. To be guaranteed tutor feedback, you will need to complete the assignments by the deadline.

You can find out more about the course by reading our frequently asked questions.  If you have any questions, please contact us.


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This course has already taken place.