'Getting started with memoir.'
Saturday 15 November 2025
Saturday 15 November 2025
10 am to 3.30 pm
$90
The Writing Place, 21 McKenzie Ave, Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa, Auckland
Want to write your memoir but ...
'My life is too ordinary to interest anyone.'
- How do you know? 'Ordinary' may be very interesting to someone else.
'There's nothing unique about me.'
- Yes there is - no two lives are the same.
'I've been told my story is worth writing but I'm not sure.'
- We all have a story to tell - what's yours? Let's find out.
'I need help getting started.'
- This workshop can give you the kick start you need.
Memoir is one of today's most popular genres...
Memoir is when we write about a particular time in our lives that holds significance for us.
It's not a summary of achievements or a list of dates, but rather the telling of a meaningful experience, a journey of transformation, focussing on a specific period, an event, or a time of personal challenge and change in our lives.
When we're thinking memoir, we're thinking of stories of transformation, the ones that define us, that we can write about with truth and honesty, stories that may well be motivational, inspiring, and resonate with others.
Let's get started together ...
... and we don't have to be knee-deep in water.
If you're wanting to write about a time in your life that has significance for you, then let's make a start. In this memoir workshop we will:
define the genre of memoir,
discuss permission: allowing yourself to tell the story you want and need to tell,
discuss the creativity, authenticity, and truth needed for memoir,
discuss the 'What if I upset someone?' aspect of telling your story,
look at ways to get started,
workshop the ideas participants have for their memoirs,
talk about the writing discipline needed to complete your memoir project.
Bring your memoir idea ...
In preparation for the workshop, please write a brief synopsis/outline of the story you'd like to write, just a couple of paragraphs (about 500 words) is fine.
Bring your outline to the workshop and I'll encourage each participant to present it to the group for discussion, workshopping, and feedback.
Please note this is not a requirement for attending, however it may be of benefit to share your memoir idea with the group for discussion and feedback within a safe, supportive, and constructive workshop space.
Limited to six participants ... book early!
The workshop is limited to six participants and places will fill up fast so please book early to avoid missing out.
Here are the details:
Day/ time: Saturday 15 November 2025, from 10am to 3.30pm
Venue: The Writing Place, 21 McKenzie Ave, Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa, Auckland
Cost: $90
What to bring:
Your lunch.
Your writing tools (paper/pen, laptop)
Your memoir synopsis as outlined above.
Tea and coffee available.
How to book:
Payment can be made on my site Store (Visa and MasterCard accepted), or if you would prefer to pay by online banking, please contact me and we can arrange that.
Further details:
* Please do not attend if you feel unwell on the day. Call Jane on 027 669 3091 if you are unable to attend.
*The Writing Place will ensure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure health, safety and comfort.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation by the organiser
If 'Getting started with memoir' is cancelled by the organiser, full refunds will be given.
Cancellation by a participant
Any refund available to participants is based on the full workshop cost of $90.00.
A full refund will be given if a booking is cancelled before 5pm on Friday 7 November 2025.
If a booking is cancelled after 5pm Friday 7 November 2025, a 50% refund of the payment of $90.00 will be given (that being $45.00)
up until 5pm Friday 14 November 2025.
Sorry, no refunds will be made after 5pm on Friday 14 November 2025.