Life Writing with Graeme Gibson

An introduction to creative non-fiction to get you started on your memoir, family history, local history or personal essay.

This 3-hour interactive workshop will include a range of writing exercises and discussions to get you started in the world of life writing. Learn techniques and insights on how to turn facts into a compelling story. Participants are invited to share their writing with the group (optional), and constructive feedback will be provided by both the presenter and fellow workshop attendees.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, you will:

• Experience stream of consciousness as an aid to memory

• Explore narrative hooks to entice a reader

• Understand how to use specificity and sensory language to enhance descriptive detail

• Learn the rule of Show, Don’t (Just) Tell

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on writing craft; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for beginner non-fiction writers of all backgrounds.

About Graeme

Drawing on his background in adult learning and community development, Graeme Gibson has presented writing workshops since 2007. He has contributed to short story collections and had essays and feature articles published. He has self-published 'Beyond Fear and Loathing: Local politics at work,' and a memoir, 'In Life There is Luck: A memoir of an ordinary life with reflections on memoir writing.' His memoir also has a companion book, 'A Pocket Guide to Memoir Writing.' He is currently working on a social and environmental history of the Richmond River.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info