Advanced autobiographical writing

About this course

This workshop focuses on developing work in progress, with group discussion and workshop time used to examine, revise and edit autobiographical writing. Participants explore authorial voice, themes, organisation and sources of autobiographical material, including the appropriate use of memorabilia. The course also considers fictional techniques such as character development, setting and dramatisation. Discussion addresses the ethical and personal issues that can arise when writing about lived experience, including self-exposure, betrayal and confidentiality. Learners practise offering sensitive, constructive criticism and applying feedback to their own work.

What you'll learn

• Develop an authorial voice and organise themes within autobiographical writing
• Apply character, setting and other fictional techniques to dramatise autobiographical material
• Identify sources and ethical issues relevant to autobiographical writing
• Give sensitive, constructive criticism on other writers’ work
• Evaluate, revise and edit autobiographical writing

Is this course right for you?

This advanced workshop is intended for writers with an ongoing autobiographical project who are fluent in spoken and written English. Previous completion of an autobiographical writing course or fairly extensive writing experience is expected. Participation involves sharing work in progress, discussing others’ writing and responding to feedback.

• The subject matter may involve self-exposure, betrayal and confidentiality.
• Learners are encouraged to flag sensitive material before sharing it with the group.

Before you go

• Bring writing materials such as paper and pens, or a tablet or laptop as appropriate.
• Copies of work may be needed for workshop sessions.