Session 1 (via Zoom): Principles of memoir writing

In our first session, we’ll review the main principles of memoir writing, including authenticity, subjectivity and resonance. We’ll consider a wide range of example texts through this lens. We’ll also discuss best practices for peer feedback, and how critiquing works in progress can be an invaluable part of developing your own writing skills.

Session 2 (via Zoom): Scene, summary and reflective narration
Discussion text: Boy, Lost by Kristina Olsson

There are only three narrative modes: scene, summary and reflective narration. Together, these form the holy trinity of memoir writing. You’ll discover how to identify all three modes and how to best balance them in your manuscript.

Session 3 (in person): Turning real people into characters
Discussion text: Fragile Creatures by Khin Myint

For many memoirists, the trickiest aspect of putting their life on the page is crafting themselves and others as characters. How do we convey the complexity of our identities while making our characters feel cohesive? How do we portray others whose actions may not reflect how they see themselves?

Session 4 (via Zoom): Immersing your reader in story
Discussion text: Curlews on Vulture Street by Darryl Jones

First drafts of memoirs often read like a summary of events: this happened, which led to this, which resulted in that. But memoirs come alive when we grab our readers by the hand and pull them into the story, inviting them to experience these events alongside us. We’ll consider how to craft our stories so readers feel immersed in our emotional journeys.

Session 5 (via Zoom): Structuring your story
Discussion text: How to Be Australian by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Humans are pattern-seeking creatures, and what makes a story a story – rather than a series of events – is the structure they follow. Uncover the secrets of story structure and learn how it works when applied to real life.

Session 6 (in-person): Crafting your voice
Discussion text: Rattled by Ellis Gunn

In this final session, we’ll consider the role and power of voice by comparing extracts from each of our discussion texts. We’ll also consider the varied use of voice in Rattled by poet and memoirist Ellis Gunn. You’ll learn the components of voice and have the opportunity to experiment with your own.