Strategies to Enrich Memoir Writing with Jenni Cargill-Strong

Enrich your memoir writing using oral storytelling, simple movement and drawing.

The first stories were told eye to eye, mind to mind, heart to heart. Our brains are still hard-wired for oral stories; text-writing was only developed comparatively recently. A potent way to access life experiences long held in the body is by using simple movements combined with mark-making exercises. These story nuggets will be fleshed out by sharing them in conversation, in pairs and small groups, followed by timed writing.

Learning outcomes

Learn how to:

• use mark-making and mapping to recover key life memories
• write from the body by using simple movement warm-ups
• tell stories in pairs and small groups
• connect listeners emotionally to your story

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 memoir writers of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About Jenni

Jenni is a nationally recognised storyteller and educator with thirty years experience. She has led workshops for the Byron Bay Writers Festival, The Woodford Folk Festival and the US based Earth Up Conference online. She is a sessional academic at Southern Cross University, teaching storytelling to student teachers.

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