A CRASH COURSE IN LIFE WRITING – ONLINE LIVE: JAN/FEB 2026 

Whether you’re writing memoir, personal essays or autobiographical fiction this affordable 6 week comprehensive introduction to the craft of writing from life has you covered. From putting the ‘me’ into memoir to using the techniques of fiction to create a compelling narrative from your life experiences, this course provides all the craft knowledge and practice you need to create moving and meaningful stories. 

Get those stories out of your head and onto the page. Free yourself from the repeat cycle of long-held dramas replaying, as you get words on paper and watch your writing grow from anecdotes to fully formed narratives. Create meaning from your experiences and shape your stories into publishable works of art.

This 6 week course starting in January 2026, facilitated by award winning author and experienced writing teacher, Edwina Shaw, will provide you with all the tools you need to make your writing sing. Connect with other writers on the same journey and share work in small feedback groups during the course. The course fee also includes professional feedback on your writing from Edwina.

WRITING FROM LIFE COURSE OUTLINE

This affordable, fun and interactive online course will be held using ZOOM and runs on Monday evenings from  Monday January 12 until Monday February 16, 6 pm until 7:30 pm. 

Classes will be recorded and sent to all participants if you have to miss one, but you’ll get the most out of the course by attending live.

WEEK 1:  Monday, January 12, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Anecdote VS Story – What is Life Writing? What makes a story? What stories do you want/need to tell? Autobiography VS Memoir. Memoir VS Autobiographical Fiction. Create meaning from the stories in your life and shape them to build compelling narratives.

WEEK 2: Monday January 19, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Putting the ME in MEMOIR – All life writing requires you to step up as the main character. How do you put yourself into the story? Previous You and Wise You Now, making sense of experiences and creating meaning. Techniques and tricks to help you write about yourself without going mad.

WEEK 3: Monday January 26, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Writing in Scenes – Use the techniques of fiction and write in scenes using setting, characters, conflict and dialogue to make your reader experience the past with you. Don’t just tell them about it, show them. How? By writing in scenes. A step by step guide to creating scenes that work. 

SUBMIT a short scene to 500 words for feedback from Edwina 

WEEK 4: Monday February 2, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Characters in Life Writing – How do you write about real people? Carefully! Compassion is key. We’ll cover the ethics of memoir and how to create composite characters from the cast of thousands in your life. Using specific sensory details to develop characters quickly. 

WEEK 5: Monday February 9, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Setting and Dialogue in Life Writing – Where and when is your story set? How can you use these settings to add depth and conflict? Use dialogue to bring your scenes to life. Differentiate each character through their words. Actions versus what they say. Techniques for effective dialogue, plus formatting tips.

WEEK 6: Monday February 16, 6pm – 7:30 pm

Structuring your story. Find the central quest or question of your story and shape your narrative around it. Learn about the importance of secrets and suspense to keep your reader engaged. Use structure to manipulate the events of your life to make it compelling reading. Plus Publishing Pathways for Life Writing.

SUBMIT a short memoir piece/essay/or chapter to 1500 words for feedback from Edwina.

The course will include weekly reading tasks, worksheets, homework exercises and interaction with others in small feedback groups (optional). The online sessions will be live, starting at 6 pm and will include writing exercises, information sharing and Q & A. You’ll have Edwina on tap so ask away!

COST for this comprehensive introduction to the craft of writing from life?

6 LIVE ONLINE classes, each 1.5 hours (exclusive content recordings available to keep and refer to)

Feedback on two pieces of writing.

Small feedback groups (optional)

$300

All for only $300!! Yes, not thousands, just $300 to make a start on your dream of putting your stories on the page at last. I know finding money to spend on yourself can be tricky, which is why I aim to make my retreats and courses as affordable as possible. 

Places are strictly limited to 15, so book now to avoid disappointment.

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Payment plans are available for those not so flash with cash. CONTACT ME and we’ll work something out.

Join me to start 2026 with a BANG! Let’s get this Life Writing party started and help you get those stories out of your head and onto the bookshelves!

Any questions? Just ask. Drop me a line.

A CRASH COURSE IN CREATIVE WRITING!

RECORDED WORKSHOPS from our last online course.

Can’t make any of the retreats or live classes but need to understand all the basics of narrative? This recorded course is for you! Study at your own pace. Get feedback when you’re ready. These workshop recordings cover all elements of effective story telling. Also included are homework worksheets for each topic and a special reduced rate for individual feedback.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Have you promised yourself that this is finally the time for you to start writing? Always wanted to write but don’t know where to start?

Whether you want to write fiction, memoir or screenplays, this recorded 6 workshop course covers all the elements essential to writing a good story.

Get all the hints and tips you need from someone who’s been working in the industry for over 20 years as both writer and editor. I gently guide you through all the elements of narrative in fun classes that are guaranteed to get you writing.

Each workshop is 1.5 hours. These are not powerpoint presentations but exciting classes where you will be writing and learning, getting answers to your questions right from the very first session.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE!

WORKSHOP 1 – YOUR STORIES Where do story ideas come from? What stories do you want to write? Areas of interest? Free writing. Using the five senses – Writing in scenes

WORKSHOP 2 – SETTING, World building, grounding your reader, setting the tone and using setting to illustrate emotional undercurrents 

WORKSHOP 3 – CHARACTER –Create complex characters and shape your plot around their goals. WRITE A CHARACTER PORTRAIT and submit 

WORKSHOP 4 – DIALOGUE – Get those characters talking (but without the boring bits).

WORKSHOP 5 – PLOT  – keep readers turning pages with conflict in every page. Learn my secret formula! S = H+ F

WORKSHOP 6 – SELF EDITING – writing is rewriting – scene lists, nitty gritty, cleaning up your sentences

SUBMIT a story for feedback.

After you sign up, you will be sent links to all workshop recordings along with all worksheets for the entire course. I’ll also be available to answer any quick questions via email and for an extra $50 you’ll get professional editorial feedback on up to 2000 words

Usually these kind of courses cost over $500! Sometimes thousands!

But I know most writers, or folk yearning to put pen to page, often have more dash than cash which is why I’m offering this special recorded course for only $200.

With feedback on up to 2000 words – that you can use for one or two submissions – for an extra $50!! Bargain 🙂

When I’m pricing my retreats and workshops I always ask myself, would I pay that? And yes, for this course, I most certainly would! I wish this kind of course had been available when I first started writing. I’m so excited to be able to offer it to you now.

REVIEWS!

“Edwina, thank you for your course. So simple and yet so full of wisdom, guidance and learning.” Ian Minns – course participant 2023

“EDWINA is a great teacher of the craft of writing. Her style is a gentle approach and always enthusiastic, encouraging the students along, affirming and inspiring. The subject matter in this recent set of workshops is full to the brim of useful information to make the writer’s task that much easier and self-aware of their style. Ed is generous with her knowledge and eager to share. I recommend doing Edwina’s workshops if you are starting out or you just need a kick-start to get all fired up and enthusiastic about your already started projects, sitting gathering dust! Well worthwhile.”

Kerry Parkes – Course Participant 2023

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