Join Karen McLeod, prize-winning author and creative writing tutor, for an online introduction to writing creative life stories.

This short workshop will introduce:

What is life writing/memoirExamples of strong beginnings/structuresInspiration on how to use personal archivesGuided writing exercises to access personal life stories and memoriesHow to spot your story

By the end of the workshop you will have begun to understand life writing, which stories are calling to be written and how to begin planning your ideas. You will have also started writing and exploring your life through set writing exercises. This motivational and inspiring workshop will end with a sharing of top tips from workshop leader Karen McLeod, plus a chance to ask a question or two.

Karen McLeod is a London-based writer, performer, creative writing tutor and writer-in-residence at Bookseller Crow bookshop. She is the author of In Search of the Missing Eyelash. Initially published by Jonathan Cape, it won the Betty Trask Award and was translated widely. Her memoir, Lifting Off (Muswell Press, June 2024) also classed as autofiction due to the many blank spots in her past is about the 12 years she worked as long-haul cabin crew and how and why she went into free-fall.

Karen teaches creative writing with Polari LGBTQ+ Literary Salon, the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, and the Arvon Foundation.

When Karen is not writing, or talking about writing, she can be found treading the creaky boards at theatres, cabaret clubs and pubs as her comedy alter ego, the self-appointed Poet Laureate of Penge, Barbara Brownskirt.

Student feedback 2024

I dont think Ive ever enjoyed a creative course so much. It has truly opened my eyes, expanded my mind and encouraged me to write more. Thank you again for being such an inspiring teacher and running such fantastic classes!

I got exactly what I wanted and needed on your course! I was looking for ways to access writing that felt all locked up inside of me and I didnt want to learn to write like everyone else Thank you for an absolutely fantastic course.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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