It’s too late to enrol in this course, join the waitlist to be notified if Writing NSW offers another memoir course. 

This advanced memoir course led by Patti Miller is for those who want to write more than a record or a history, for those who are ready for a creative journey. This course will refresh the technique of writing from original memory and creating the texture of lived experience on the page, and will explore narrating voice, storytelling and narrative pacing and structure. There will be a special trouble-shooting section on the problems in finding form – an invaluable insight into the structural pitfalls that can await the memoirist – based on Patti’s work critiquing hundreds of manuscripts.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ>>

Over the course there will be a series of readings from such memoirists as Cheryl Strayed (Wild) and Helen Garner (Joe Cinque’s Consolation), in-depth discussions of writing issues, and, of course, many exercises aimed at extending memoir in its role as a rich literary genre. Each person will also get the chance to present a chapter for workshopping. Participants will have individual attention in a creative and encouraging atmosphere.

Participant Requirements

This course will run online using Zoom. Internet access and confidence using basic computer software including email are essential for this course, as participants must be able to share chapters for workshopping.

Participants must be available to attend the first two sessions to enrol in this course; please do not enrol if you know beforehand you will miss more than one session throughout the course. This course is suitable for those who have already attended a life writing course, as well as those who have made a start on their own. Please purchase the course reference text, Writing True Stories by Patti Miller.

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