Writing the Memoir

If you have a true story to tell and have been wondering how to start writing about it, this introduction to memoir writing workshop is for you. You will also learn how to write an autobiography.

Topics covered

The course will take the form of two workshops. We will be examining one or two key ideas on how to tackle writing about the truth. You will have the chance to read from your work and discuss your ideas in a safe peer group.

Friday writing workshop

• What is a memoir? The difference between autobiography, autobiographical fiction and memoir
• Planning a memoir: the picture or the journey?
• Getting started: structure and style
• Finding your voice
• A chance to write some memoir sketches

Saturday writing workshop

• What is “truth” in memoir? Narrative and ownership
• The “chip of ice in the writer’s heart”: memory, subjectivity and the writer’s responsibilities when tackling problematic material
• Becoming a writer: the practice of writing

Who is it for?

The workshop is most suitable for those new to memoir writing. More experienced writers are also welcome, though should be aware this is an introductory course. Bring paper and pen and expect to take notes and bring ideas and questions too.

Timetable

The Writing the Memoir short course takes place on a Friday and Saturday between 10.00-12.30.

City Short Courses follow the academic year, delivering courses over three terms. These include:

• Autumn - October
• Spring - January
• Summer - April

Benefits

• Learn from a professional memoir writer and novelist.
• Taught in small groups
• Awarded a City, University of London certificate

You will leave with a firm grounding in key aspects of writing a memoir and what you will need to consider before embarking on a memoir of your own.

Areas covered will include:

• Aspects of memoir-writing - what makes a good memoir?
• How to get started: ideas about structure and style
• Finding your voice: the importance of reading to writing
• What is “truth” in memoir-writing? Dealing with subjectivity and problematic material
• How to begin: the writer’s notebook

A two-day, seminar-style workshop. Written exercises in class. Q&As with the tutor throughout.

The workshop is most suitable for those new to memoir writing. More experienced writers are also welcome, though should be aware this is an introductory course.

Bring paper and pen and expect to take notes and bring ideas and questions too.

English requirements

The course would best suit writers fluent in English.

Writing on Writing:

• Write to the Point, Sam Leith, Profile Books
• The Art of Memoir, Mary Karr, Harper Perennial
• On Writing, Stephen King, Hodder & Stoughton

General Reminiscence:

• Period Piece, Gwen Raverat, Faber
• Blood Knots, Luke Jennings, Atlantic Books
• Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? Jeanette Winterson, Jonathan Cape

Dealing with difficult or contentious subject matter:

• Give Me Everything You Have, James Lasdun, Vintage
• The Lost Child, Julie Myerson, Bloomsbury

Writing about personal involvement in historical events:

• The Return, Hisham Matar, Viking Penguin
• War in the Val D’Orcia, Iris Origo, Pushkin Press
• The Places In Between, Rory Stewart, Picador

Memoir based around a specific experience or event:

• On Chapel Sands, Laura Cumming, Chatto & Windus
• H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald, Jonathan Cape
• A Boy in the Water, Tom Gregory, Penguin Books
• The Light in the Dark, Horatio Clare, Elliott & Thompson