Course Summary
Autobiography and Journalling - Course Leader
Week 1: Beginnings
How to get the greatest benefit from the course; why use a journalling basis; types of autobiography and first prompts.
Week 2: Hurdle Jumping And Creativity
Overcoming the internal censor and stimulating your creativity.
Week 3: Stepping Stones
Drawing your timeline; writing in 'stepping stones periods' and deciding whether to use a chronological or thematic approach in your work.
Week 4: Memory Joggers
Techniques for capturing memories.
Week 5: Dark Times & Healing
Dealing with the dark side of life; considerations regarding other people's privacy; journalling as a healing tool and the bright light of meaning.
Week 6: Adding Depth And Colour To Your Life Story Part I
Adding the details which make people in your story three dimensional.
Week 7: Adding Depth And Colour To Your Life Story Part II
Writing using all the senses to make your descriptions come alive.
Week 8: Final Words
Organising your work; writing simply and publishing and research resources online.
I enjoyed the course so much that I didn’t want it to end. This is the fourth writing course I have done with U3A, and I have enjoyed them all. However, I would have to say that this one is the best. Mardi is a fantastic teacher and her support, together with that of the other students, was wonderful. We were encouraged to explore deep within ourselves through the darker periods of our lives. This resulted in the sharing of a lot of very personal and intimate moments. I now feel quite confident in writing about those personal details. I feel sad to be leaving behind a bunch of dear friends.