Tuesday mornings, 10am-12.30pm; Feb 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Virtual Writing Room via ZOOM video conference & correspondence.
‘You must write a memoir as if you’re writing a novel, you have to give it a shape.’ Blake Morrison
Over 6 weeks, we will explore the concept of writing from life – whether from our own lives or the real lives of others – looking at all the forms we can use to write the stories we want to tell. We will discuss how to shape and structure our work in a compelling and novelistic way. We will learn ways to hook our readers into our story, keep them turning the pages, charm and alarm them with our characters and reveal fascinating, relatable truths about our lives. We will investigate what is meant by a strong voice and understand how stylistic devices like dialogue, scene building, setting description, and suspense creates a vivid world the reader can disappear inside. As well as reading extracts from published memoirists and life-writers, nominated students will have the chance to workshop extracts of their writing each week. All levels welcome.
You can progress to Life Writing & Memoir Workshop in the Summer term.
Cost £125 (email kate@collage-arts.org to register and receive payment link)
We help to develop and support the writer, as much as the writing, with extra check-in sessions like our process/progress group, and our Feedback Fridays, sharing salons and reading groups. Our latest course programme is here. Our clubs and groups are here.
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