NEED HELP WITH YOUR WRITING?

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 and get words on paper. Watch your writing grow from anecdotes to fully formed narratives. Create meaning from your experiences and shape your stories into publishable works of art.

SIX WEEK ONLINE COURSE TO HELP YOU GET GOING!

This 6 week course starting in January 2026, facilitated by award winning author and experienced writing teacher, Edwina Shaw (that’s me 🙂 ), 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 ONLINE 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.

Where could following this path lead you?

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 on Monday nights and will include writing exercises, information sharing and Q & A. You’ll have Edwina on tap so ask away!

REVIEWS FROM THE LAST ONLINE COURSE (now available to purchase as recordings only)

“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

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) including handouts, readings and helpful links.

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.

Lots of love,

Edwina xx