Write your life story

Write your life story

By Joy Persaud

Ever wanted to write your biography or about a part of your life that you wish to capture – forever? This course teaches you where to begin.

Date and time

Location

Cornerstone Community Centre

Church Road Brighton and Hove BN3 2FL United Kingdom

Good to know

Highlights

  • 3 hours
  • Ages 21+
  • In person
  • Doors at 1:45 PM

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Have you ever wanted to put your life story on paper (or laptop)?

It can be daunting to know where to begin and what to include. This is where expert help can turn the process of chronicling your story (or part of your story) easier.

Many people tell the course tutor, Joy Persaud, that their life is possibly not interesting or worthy enough to be written about, but, rest assured, your story is filled with unique experiences that may inspire, educate, astonish, move, and show resilience. Every story matters, whether you are famous or not.

Writing your story to recognise and value what you have done can be suprisingly life-affirming and underline just how much you have achieved, been through, and learned, in your time on our planet so far. You may wish to do this for others – family, friends or the wider public – or for yourself.

This course is most suited to people who are aged 35-plus, but is open to adults of all ages who are curious about the process. We'll talk about unlocking memory, biography structure, tackling difficult topics, bringing a story to life, what to keep in, what to leave out, and plenty more.

There will be follow-up courses (dates TBC) to refine each of these elements, and more, and opportunites to book 1-2-1s with the course tutor so you can explore your writing in depth, in confidence.

Testimonials

  • You are better than my therapist ~ Jimmy Osmond, following a life story interview
  • Reading it back, there's so much I now realise I have done in my life ~ biography client
  • Thank you for helping me to capture my voice so well ~ biography client
  • I loved my sessions with Joy - she is fun and easy to work with, offering me insights into the writing process that I use every day. She has a way of stimulating my thinking that really surprised me. She is very supportive and encouraging - she is outstanding. I can't recommend her enough ~ 1-2-1 editorial coaching client
  • I don't normally enjoy talking about myself, but you made the process enjoyable ~ business biography client

Frequently asked questions

Who is running this course?

Joy Persaud, award-winning interviewer and biographer, will run the course. Joy has interviewed celebrities including Bill Bailey, Brian Blessed, Jenny Agutter, Lorraine Kelly, Ian Rankin, Raymond Blanc, Ben Fogle, Midge Ure, Alfie Boe and many non-celebs. She has also written dozens of biographies.

I can't remember the details of my early life – can I still write my story?

Many people can't recall such details but Joy will teach you how to expand on what you do know. You'll be surprised at the results.

Do I need to prepare anything?

No – we will cover the basics in the course.

What do I need to bring?

A laptop, notebook and pen will suffice.

Do I have to have done spectacular things to write my life story?

The simplest stories are full of the richness of the human experience. You don't need to be famous or have climbed Everest backwards with a blindfold! Come as you are. Your story will always be enough.

Will you run further courses on life story/ memoir?

Yes. This course is an essential starting point, but in future courses, we will dive into the elements of your story and hone these. Joy also offers additional feedback opportunities (via video call) at an additional cost.

Will I have to share my work?

No – you don't have to, unless you wish to do so. Joy encourages participants to be respectful and kind at all times, whether or not you choose to share your work.

Will there be refreshments?

Light refreshments will be provided, but feel free to bring snacks and drinks.

Where will the course be held?

This event will be held in the loft room at Cornerstone Community Centre, Hove. There are toilets accessible on the same floor.

I have a question. Who can I contact?

Of course – we are happy to help. Contact us at the I Have a Story Project here: TheIHaveAStoryProject@gmail.com

Organized by

£20 – £40
Sep 6 · 2:00 PM GMT+1