Write Your Memoir with Kristina Olsson

Learn the elements of memoir and get ready to write your own.

In this 3-hour workshop, memoirist Kristina Olsson guides you through the elements of writing a compelling memoir. From identifying voice and focalisation to pinning the core themes of your work, this workshop is sure to arm you with knowledge and tools to start writing your own memoir. Find the line between truth, memory and imagination.

Participants are invited to bring along a memoir you’ve read and enjoyed — these will be discussed in the session.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, you will learn to:

• Identify what memoir is and what it isn't.

• Write a compelling opening to your memoir.

• Pin down your authorial voice.

• Distinguish between memoir, biography and autobiography.

• Conduct effective research for your writing.

Format

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

About Kristina

Kristina Olsson is an award-winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and journalism. Her 2013 memoir, Boy, Lost, garnered multiple awards including the Queensland, New South Wales and West Australian Premiers awards for non-fiction and the Kibble Prize. Her most recent novel, Shell, launched the legendary Scribner Australia literary imprint and was shortlisted in several major literary awards.

Kristina’s previous work includes the novels The China Garden and In One Skin, and the biography Kilroy Was Here. She has also had a long career as a journalist, an advisor to government, and a teacher of creative writing.

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