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This eight-week advanced memoir course 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

Participants must be able 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 takes place on Zoom. You will need a secure internet connection and be comfortable with using Zoom – or confidence to learn – to take part. You will also need access to email to complete this course, as participants must be able to share chapters for workshopping. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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.