Online Masterclass: Writing Memories

Join us for this online creative writing masterclass on memory. Using exercises based on shared memories and family tales, award-winning author Jarred McGinnis will help you find ways to write the funny, profound, chaotic stories that shape your lives together. NB: You'll be able to fully participate in this workshop as an individual or as a writing pair with a family member or friend.

Throughout the day, participants will learn techniques for drawing out memories and will expand one or two memories into creative writing pieces. We will spend time on the issues of craft when writing from memory. We will see how the successful memoirist makes use of the novel’s narrative and descriptive techniques to make their story more fully realised. We will spend time on the importance in writing of using all five senses, dialogue, and detail. We will work on the effectiveness of evoking place and historical context by bringing in examples from contemporary British and world literature. We will also address the ethical issues when writing about family and real people.

This Masterclass is led by Eccles Institute Fellow and author Jarred McGinnis.

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