How to write a family memoir

HAVE you always wanted to write your story, or the story of your family — where your ancestors came from, who they were, how and why they came here?

Do you always mean to start writing but get defeated by not knowing how or where to begin?

Author Elana Bregin will be hosting two workshops to help interested people to write a memoir or story.

Whether your interest is in writing an autobiographical account of your life experiences; a well-written family record for present and future generations; a fictionalised novel; or if you just want to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this workshop will get you started, inspired and keep you going to the end.

Bregin’s course will cover how and where to start, what to include, understanding the writing process, tips on good structuring, doing the research, trouble-shooting challenges, how to get your book out there, what resources are at your fingertips and more.

The workshops are in Hilton on Saturday, June 20 from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm and in Howick on July 25 from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. For more information and to book a place e-mail Bregin at elana.bregin@gmail.com or phone her at 071 493 0791.

• Bregin is an experienced author, editor and workshop facilitator whose published works include biographical narrative, adult fiction, young adult fiction and short stories.

In her 11 years as a publishing house editor she has accompanied many authors, both novice and experienced, on the journey to published success.

She has also taught creative writing workshops, coached creative writing at tertiary level, spoken about creative writing at numerous schools and twice been one of the featured writers at the Time of the Writer Festival in Durban.

— Books Editor