We’ll be looking at some very (very!) short stories, and paragraphs from novels, to think about how precision and concision in  writing can suggest much more than it actually says. How do we make description, or narration for example, do more than just one thing at a time? How do we suggest, and create space for the reader to actively participate in your writing to fill in the gaps you leave? We’ll chat through some great examples, and do several short, stimulating exercises.

Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our life. If you’re keen to write your memoir, join me on this five-day course and learn all you need to get started. I’ll cover memory and truth, how to write about other people, setting, structure and more.

Each day will begin with a two-hour masterclass in an aspect of memoir writing. After lunch, you’ll have time to write with tasks and prompts inspired by the masterclass. There will then be the opportunity to share what you’ve written or how you found the process.

You’ll also be given two one-to-one sessions over the course of the week to discuss your work in progress and receive bespoke feedback on areas that are specific to your memoir.

The group will be limited to eight people to ensure all have a decent amount of time and attention.

Full course outline and recommended reading list will be sent to you once you’ve signed up. If you’d like to have a chat before signing up, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.

I’m delighted that the hugely talented author and activist, Winnie M Li will be guest tutor on my Online Memoir Bootcamps in June and August. 

Winnie M Li is an author and activist. Her latest novel Complicit was a New York Times’ Editors’ Choice, shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s Encore Award, and listed among the Best Novels of 2022 by Grazia, Glamour, and The Irish Times. Her debut Dark Chapter won The Guardian’s Not The Booker Prize, was nominated for an Edgar Award, and translated into ten languages. She has recently adapted it for the screen. Driven by her own experience of rape, Winnie founded Clear Lines, the UK’s first festival addressing sexual assault and consent through the arts, and completed her PhD research at the London School of Economics on the emotional labour of rape survivors in the media. She is a recipient of grant funding from the Royal Society of Literature, Jerwood Arts, and the Arts Councils of England and Northern Ireland. Winnie has given over 200 public talks and appeared on the BBC, Sky News, Channel 4, The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, The Irish Times, BBC Women’s Hour, and TEDx London, among other media platforms. She is an Associate Lecturer on the Goldsmiths, University of London Creative and Life Writing MA and holds an honorary doctorate of law from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her writing and activism.  http://winniemli.com

Selected Links: 

TEDx London talk: https://tedxlondon.com/topic/society/reframing-the-way-we-think-about-sexual-violence-winnie-m-li-tedxlondon/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/winniemli

Publisher’s Weekly author profile: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/91022-winnie-m-li-will-not-be-complicit.html

 ‘Story in the Public Square’ PBS Interview (Complicit): https://youtu.be/RuMaRqy-lW0

 The New York Times review (Complicit):  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/14/books/review/complicit-winnie-m-li.html

Sky News (UK) TV interview (on Dark Chapter): https://youtu.be/dSeAnscwC5c

This four-week course addresses and helps you to overcome imposter syndrome and that critical inner voice. It will stop you from comparing yourself with other writers. I’m going to get you to a place where all your brain space and energy goes into your writing, not having to manage the obstacles and barriers that eat into your writing time. I’ve worked a lot on overcoming these challenges, and want to share with you how I did it. If I hadn’t, I doubt I’d have got a two-book deal with Hachette, and become a published author!

This four-week course addresses and helps you to overcome imposter syndrome and that critical inner voice. It will stop you from comparing yourself with other writers. I’m going to get you to a place where all your brain space and energy goes into your writing, not having to manage the obstacles and barriers that eat into your writing time. I’ve worked a lot on overcoming these challenges, and want to share with you how I did it. If I hadn’t, I doubt I’d have got a two-book deal with Hachette, and become a published author!

In this masterclass Damian explores tips, tricks and secrets for kickstarting your writing, working up a head of steam, and keeping going through the various stages of primary creation, redrafting and cutting material. This is the rhythmic working life of a writer and we all have to make friends with it, but sometimes it’s not easy, whatever stage of our writing life we are in. We’ll look at taking the fear out of a blank page and seeing in it a magical summons to create. In contrast to ideas of writer’s block, we’ll explore how writing can be a loyal friend that helps the writer to navigate challenging life circumstances. A key matter discussed in this class will be keeping an eye on the pieces of writing that truly inspire you and knowing which prompts will spark you into action. Writing is all about finding a path that works for you and by the end of this session we hope you will feel more empowered to keep constructing your path and keep it feeling enchanted.

It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?

This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.

Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our lives.

Have you been thinking about writing your memoir for some time? Have you made a start but are now struggling to make progress? Would you like to receive warm support, guidance and inspiration so that you can make headway with your memoir?

Join me on this six-month course where you’ll learn all the key components of memoir writing. Through the study of published memoirs and writing exercises, you’ll learn how to develop your ideas and improve and experiment with your writing style. You’ll find the right structure for your memoir and there will be no holding you back!

*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.

It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?

This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.

It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?

This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.

Memoir is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous. We can all write about our lives.

Have you been thinking about writing your memoir for some time? Have you made a start but are now struggling to make progress? Would you like to receive warm support, guidance and inspiration so that you can make headway with your memoir?

Join me on this six-month course where you’ll learn all the key components of memoir writing. Through the study of published memoirs and writing exercises, you’ll learn how to develop your ideas and improve and experiment with your writing style. You’ll find the right structure for your memoir and there will be no holding you back!

*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.

Secrets, tips and tricks for telling true stories, from memoir to travel, place, nature and people – how to plan, research and write your book or article, attract publishers and engage readers.

It’s said that everyone has a novel in them… What’s yours?

This six-month course has been designed to increase your writing confidence, help you find your voice, and start writing your novel. You’ll find the beating heart of your story and begin working on your first draft. Through close reading analysis and writing exercises, you’ll learn all about plot, structure, setting, character and voice. There will be opportunities to share your work in progress four times over the course and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and creative space. I limit the class size to eight people so that everyone gets a good amount of attention. You’ll receive a course outline and reading list when you sign up.

*If you’d prefer to make payment for this course in three instalments of £300, please email me: carla@rawwriting.co.uk or use the ‘Enquire’ button.