Intro to Memoir & Life Writing
Course Overview
Our experiences shape who we are and become some of the greatest rewards of a life fully lived.
" What is the source of our first suffering? It lies in the fact that we hesitated to speak.
It was born in the moment when we accumulated silent things within us." Gaston Bachelard
Life writing gives us a way to transform those experiences, memories and insights into something lasting, whether through memoir, personal essays, journaling, travel and nature writing, family history or other forms of storytelling.
In this workshop you will explore how to uncover the narrative gold in your own life and turn it into clear, engaging writing.
Through in class exercises, discussion and simple homework tasks, you will begin building a regular writing routine and develop practical skills to help you capture your experiences with confidence.
You will also discover the value of being part of a writing group. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, with opportunities to share work if you wish, though there is never any obligation to do so.
What to bring
Please bring writing materials (pen and paper or laptop) and anything you would like to eat or drink, tea and coffee facilities are provided.
This course is suitable for beginners and for anyone wanting encouragement, structure and inspiration to start documenting their life story.
Janet’s approach to teaching writing
Janet’s workshops are shaped by five key principles.
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She gives the imagination a task, using in class exercises and homework to build a regular writing practice and encourage experimentation with different techniques.
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She helps writers develop focus and find flow, guiding participants toward the heart of what they want to say.
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She treats language as a source of inspiration and often uses quotes to spark ideas and illustrate good use of English.
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She encourages reading as part of writing, sharing occasional handouts that showcase strong examples of prose and memoir.
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She creates a safe, welcoming space for sharing work. Reading aloud is always optional and discussion is constructive and encouraging.
Testimonials
“ I hung on every word Janet said, she got me writing for starters and she's given us the tools to keep going. She has a penetrating intellect and a generous nature. The wealth of information she provided was like getting a mini master’s degree on the subject.”
"The tutor was very energetic, happy, funny, easy to listen to, helpful and covered EVERYTHING."
“ I found the course very informative and worthwhile. The tutor was well read, very well prepared, shared a lot of knowledge, insights, gave confidence and enthusiasm. Very helpful. “
"I'm very eager to learn more - your first course literally transformed my life!"
“ Excellent, clear, sticks to the point. Doesn’t get into back-slapping, doesn’t let people waffle. Very structured and detailed.“
“ A lot of material covered - loved her energy and perspective.”
“ Lots of information, lots of suggested exercises, lots of prepared sheets - very good for revision. The tutor was very committed and enthusiastic and encouraged me to get writing.”
“ Janet is a ‘live wire’ and kept everyone interested all the time.”
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About the tutor
Janet Fennell
Janet is published as a short-story writer (general fiction, SF&F, 'romance'), novelist, reviewer, essayist and poet and ran her first creative writing course for the NSCC in 1998. After the sudden and early death of her husband, the eerily prescient nature of her first novel Only Myself (about a young widow) caused her to destroy work and she stepped away from all creative writing for some 15 years. But she continued to coach others to words and, eventually, her teaching persuaded her back to the page so that now she feels more dedicated than ever to the regenerative power of creative endeavour, and to completing her writing projects, and to helping others find their voice and reach their writing goals. She is currently at work on a novel and a 'memoir-meditation-manual' on writing and life.
Janet studied English (BA), Librarianship (DipLib) and Writing (MA) at university, as well as performance writing at AFTRS & NIDA, and spent many years working in librarianship and corporate communications prior to and alongside her creative work. In 2023 she spent six weeks as Writer-in-Residence as St Mark's College in Adelaide (a residential university college) and most recently (Mar-May '24) she undertook residencies in Italy and France and was a participant at the Sirenland Writers Conference in Positano.
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