Writing
Writing a memoir
An introductory memoir-writing course covering story selection, openings, language techniques and structure through instruction, exercises and workshopping.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
3 classes
| Starts | Schedule | Length | Teacher | Venue | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25 Sept 2026 Fridays | 18:00 - 20:00 | Short course6 weeks | JulieGarton | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £179.00 | Book now |
14 Jan 2027 Thursdays | 17:30 - 19:30 | Short course6 weeks | JulieGarton | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £179.00 | |
21 Apr 2027 Wednesdays | 10:15 - 12:15 | Short course6 weeks | NickBarlay | Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA | £179.00 |
Thu 14 Jan, 17:30 - 19:30
6 weeks6 weeksThu 17:30£179JulieGartonKeeley StreetWed 21 Apr, 10:15 - 12:15
6 weeks6 weeksWed 10:15£179NickBarlayKeeley Street
About this course
The course examines how memoirs are shaped, from choosing a starting point and selecting material to developing an opening and planning later chapters. Participants explore language and structural techniques used in the genre. Teaching combines formal tutor instruction with writing exercises, pair and group work, and workshopping. The course focuses on planning and crafting memoir rather than on a particular life story or subject.
What you'll learn
- Choose a suitable starting point for a memoir
- Develop an engaging opening
- Select material for subsequent chapters
- Recognise language techniques used in memoir
- Apply structural techniques relevant to the genre
Is this course right for you?
This introductory course is intended for learners beginning to work on memoir. The provider says that a working knowledge of language techniques used in creative writing would be useful, without presenting this as a formal prerequisite. Sessions involve pair and group work, writing exercises and workshopping.
- Some familiarity with creative-writing language techniques may be useful.
- The course uses collaborative activities as well as individual writing.
Before you go
- Learners should bring writing materials.
- Learners are encouraged to tell the tutor and classmates in advance if any writing they plan to share contains potentially sensitive material.