Memoir and Life Writing
How can we write about our lived experience?
This course aims to encourage, support, and excite participants in engaging with creative writing in a safe and informal space.
In Spring 2027 this course will be running on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
Memoir and Life Writing: Spring 2027 - TUESDAY
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| When | Tuesday afternoon, 2 pm - 4 pm |
| Dates |
8 meetings 26 January to 23 March 2027 (no class for half-term 16 February) |
| Where | University of Bristol, Arts Complex, 7 Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TB. |
| Course tutor | Rachel Bentham |
| Description |
You will be introduced to a variety of approaches to memoir and life writing through a discussion of different texts, and we'll do writing exercises to explore your material in a confidential space. There will be opportunities to share your work and get feedback if you wish. Every week, we'll do exercises to explore aspects of the craft of writing, including how to progress and structure your writing, how to develop an individual narrative voice, mapping your plot, and how to integrate non-fiction material. Can dialogue be included/created? What kind of source material can be used? How do we navigate the vagaries of memory and differing points of view? Do we need to get the permission of others? If you want to write about your life and engage in lively discussions with other writers, then this course is for you. Each term's teaching is designed anew, so that former students can continue to attend ongoing courses and find fresh stimulus. There are always different aspects and more layers of your writing to explore! |
| Reading List |
Suggested reading: Wild; A Journey from Lost to Found - Cheryl Strayed (Atlantic Books 2012) Further reading: The Outrun - Amy Liptrot (Canongate, 2016) |
| Course fee |
£195 |
| Previous qualifications/experience | No qualifications needed. Open to the public. |
Bookings are now open
Memoir and Life Writing: Spring 2027 - WEDNESDAY
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| When | Wednesday afternoon, 2 pm - 4 pm |
| Dates |
8 meetings 27 January to 24 March 2027 (no class for half-term 17 February) |
| Where | University of Bristol, Arts Complex, 7 Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TB. |
| Course tutor | Rachel Bentham |
| Description |
You will be introduced to a variety of approaches to memoir and life writing through a discussion of different texts, and we'll do writing exercises to explore your material in a confidential space. There will be opportunities to share your work and get feedback if you wish. Every week, we'll do exercises to explore aspects of the craft of writing, including how to progress and structure your writing, how to develop an individual narrative voice, mapping your plot, and how to integrate non-fiction material. Can dialogue be included/created? What kind of source material can be used? How do we navigate the vagaries of memory and differing points of view? Do we need to get the permission of others? If you want to write about your life and engage in lively discussions with other writers, then this course is for you. Each term's teaching is designed anew, so that former students can continue to attend ongoing courses and find fresh stimulus. There are always different aspects and more layers of your writing to explore! |
| Reading List |
Suggested reading: Wild; A Journey from Lost to Found - Cheryl Strayed (Atlantic Books 2012) Further reading: The Outrun - Amy Liptrot (Canongate, 2016) |
| Course fee |
£195 |
| Previous qualifications/experience | No qualifications needed. Open to the public. |
Bookings are now open
Contacts
Please address any enquiries about the courses to:
Department of English Part-time Courses
School of Humanities
11 Woodland Road
Bristol BS8 1TB