Writing Memoir/Life Stories
Tuesday 29 April – 03 June 2025 (six weekly evenings 7.30pm-9.30pm) in person at the Bookseller Crow. To join or ask a question, email [email protected] Writing Memoir/Life Stories – Course Information Do you want to write a memoir and don’t know where or how to start? Or perhaps you’re already writing and need ideas on how to continue or shape your work? Or do you simply wish to explore your life through writing a story with no definite outcome? Whether you are beginning, or already writing, then this course is for you. There are so many rich possibilities for compelling narratives based on our true stories – including lives and experiences that might seem very ordinary until they’re held up to the light. Over the six evenings of the course, prize-winning writer and memoirist, Karen McLeod, will take you on an in-depth exploration of your memories. She will aid your gathering of material and introduce you to the techniques and craft you’ll need to sharpen your prose style and bring your stories to life. This will enable you to start shaping your lived experience into a readable and lively story. As a gay working-class writer, Karen welcomes everyone from all backgrounds to apply, especially those in need of encouragement who don’t feel ‘seen’ in the contemporary literary or UK landscape. The price of the course is £199 and the maximum class size is thirteen writers. WEEK 1 What is memoir? – Digging into the past – maps and photos WEEK 2 Memory & truth – My story not The Story WEEK 3 Planning & structure – strong beginnings in memoirs. Reading other texts for inspiration WEEK 4 Tools for storytelling – how do stories work and finding your authentic voice WEEK 5 Building your writing WEEK 6 Reading party – and looking to the future In the final week there will be tips on how to keep writing and a reading party where we celebrate your achievements. |
![]() ARVON Tutored Retreat:Fiction Inspiration from life Monday June 16th - Saturday June 21st 2025 Location - The Hurst “Autobiography is not important. Authenticity is important… I believe there is always exposure, vulnerability, in the writing process, which is not to say it is either confessional or memoir. Simply, it is real.” – Jeanette Winterson Can fiction writers learn from memoir? And when using autobiographical material, where and how do you create the friction needed to make compelling stories? Whether you’re writing a memoir dressed as a novel, lightly taking from lived experience, or experimenting with shorter fiction, this course will help you develop your writing. Your tutors, award-winning writers Jarred McGinnis and Karen McLeod, will create a supportive, inspiring environment where you will be encouraged to bring your unique perspective to the page. The week kicks off with a writing workshop, but predominately the course consists of one-on-one sessions with the tutors where you’ll receive tailored feedback and guidance. As the week progresses, expect plenty of food for thought: you will read and write a great deal. This course will help you deepen your understanding of your practice, whatever stage you’re at as a writer. Mid-week visiting guest tutor is Evie Wyld. Details on how to book here Participant feedback “The main thing I wanted to say was ‘thank you’. When I took your course, I had a real case of lost mojo. I found you properly inspiring and your approach to life writing really helped me reconnect. The novel I’m working on had its genesis in your class so you had a very real impact.” I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a creative course so much. It has truly opened my eyes, expanded my mind and encouraged me to write more. Thank you again for being such an inspiring teacher and running such fantastic classes! “I got exactly what I wanted and needed on your course! I was looking for ways to access writing that felt all locked up inside of me and I didn’t want to ‘learn to write like everyone else’… Thank you for an absolutely fantastic course.” “I loved the course – it knocked me off my normal pattern of thinking and got me to try new things! Also I got some really useful feedback.'" |