Certificate in Life Writing (Three-weekend series) with Joanna Moorhead

Creative Writing

Ref: SWE37392

Location: West Dean
£1057
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About this course

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Please note that the course fee of £1057 (which covers all three units) is payable in advance of study or on booking.

This Certificate in Life Writing course is delivered in three weekend course units spread across the year, self-directed study and a final submission of 5,000 words. It is delivered by experienced educators and authors, Joanna Moorhead, Hannah Vincent and Katy Massey.

The dates for the three weekend units are:

Unit 1: 30 January–1 February 2026
Unit 2: 24–26 April 2026
Unit 3: 3–5 July 2026

The course aims to draw together a clearer understanding of the skills, knowledge and qualities that lend themselves to good life writing and is underpinned by a clear understanding of some of the forms and craft that enable the writer to produce high standard work.

Each weekend unit will be based in the inspirational environment of West Dean College's historic rooms. It is aimed at writers who wish to commit to an extended programme of study without having to make a significant time commitment and who will benefit from a cohesive course that offers focus on the key elements of successful life writing over the course of an academic year.

It also offers a potential pathway to those interested in applying for the College's Higher Education programmes in Writing and Publishing.

This first unit is taught by Joanna Moorhead and will include:
An introduction to Life Writing (history and possibility)
Form, style and voice
Whose life am I writing? Who 'owns' the story? Issues around invading others' lives. Sensitivities and how to deal with them.
Research
Writing exercises

Course Description

View the full certificate course details

Unit 1

  • An introduction to Life Writing (history and possibility)
  • Form, style and voice
  • Whose life am I writing? Who ‘owns’ the story? Issues around invading others’ lives. Sensitivities and how to deal with them
  • Research
  • Writing exercises

Unit 2

  • Working with memory, ideas of ‘truth’ in writing
  • Using writing to ‘find out’ our story: sketching, journaling, morning pages
  • How are we changed by what we write?
  • Exploring what stories we want to tell
  • Writing exercises

Unit 3

  • Where does your project sit in the market? Who is this for, and who is it trying to reach?
  • Shaping your story: the fundamentals of good storytelling
  • How to find an agent and a publisher
  • Editing: how to make your prose sing
  • Writing exercises

Course Materials

Available to buy

Your usual writing equipment, notebook and pen, and laptop.

Timetable

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

General Information

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Joanna Moorhead

Joanna Moorhead is an award-winning freelance journalist who writes regularly for The Guardian, The Times, YOU magazine, Good Housekeeping, Easy Living, Mumsnet and BBC websites. She has been part of the BBC news team covering Papal elections and has edited The Guardian's women and health pages.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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