Memoir and Life Writing
You’ve got a story to tell – but how and where do you begin? Start developing your project in a supportive environment with expert guidance from writer and tutor Lucie Brownlee
Level
What do these levels mean?
Location
Length
- Start Date
- Time
- Tuesdays, 19.00–21.00
Places available
£850
£850
£250 / month for 2 months and a £350.00 deposit
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Throw yourself into writing your memoir
Each workshop will explore a different element of craft, from research, planning, and ethics to challenging memories and finding your own distinct voice. Sessions will incorporate lively discussion and timed writing exercises linked to each weekly topic. Peer feedback and the sharing of work are two of the most helpful (and admittedly daunting!) ways to develop and improve your writing. With this in mind, you will complete weekly homework of 1000 words maximum, which you will be invited share and discuss, in rotation, with the rest of the group.
Is this the right course for me?
This course is suitable for writers who are just starting out, and for those who wish to continue developing their work. You may have been considering your memoir for years, even decades – squirreling away fragments or working by yourself. Or perhaps you’ve always wondered about how to turn your ideas into a fully realised book-length work, but don’t know where to begin. Either way, you want to take your craft to the next level – and this course is the place to do it.
The sample reading list below is not exhaustive but serves as a starting point for the different topics we will be covering over the course. Students are encouraged to share their own favourite memoirs with the group as an addition to this list.
Please note: the subject matter of sessions as listed below is a guide only. The exact course content will be finalized according to the experience and interests of the group. The detail of the course content is at the discretion of the Course Directors and the Faber Academy.
Sample reading list:
Amy Liptrot – The Outrun
Georgia Pritchett – My Mess Is a Bit of a Life
Rachel Cusk – A Life’s Work
Mikey Walsh – Gypsy Boy
Alexander Masters – A Life Backwards
James Frey – A Million Little Pieces
Kerry Hudson – Lowborn
Lemn Sissay – My Name is Why
The course will take place via weekly Zoom calls, held between 7 and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, and supported by Faber Academy's bespoke online classroom.
Course Programme
Session 1
Tuesday 15 July, 19.00–21.00
Introductory session
...
Session 2
22 July, 19.00–21.00
Motives and Motivation...
Session 3
29 July, 19.00–21.00
Research...
Tutors
Lucie Brownlee
Lucie is a multi-award-winning writer based in County Durham. Her memoir Life After You was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Based on her award-winning...
More About This TutorI can’t think of anyone who is better at engaging, inspiring and encouraging [students] to explore their creativity. She’s warm, supportive, and great at explaining big ideas in a really accessible way for a range of participants. Highly recommended!
Location
Faber Academy's bespoke online classroom has been built from scratch specifically for helping writers develop their craft. Through this platform you will access your weekly sessions, watch video lessons, join Zoom sessions, download class materials and interact with your fellow writers in dedicated forums at a time that suits you. Our online learning model prioritises interaction, lively discussion and workshopping in small groups to help you get the most out of your learning experience.
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From author interviews and writing tips to creative writing exercises and reading lists, we've got everything you need to get started – and to keep going.
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