There is only so far we can take our writing on our own.
Then we need a discerning eye and a kind, experienced hand.
For the first time since launching Memoir Writing Ink, Alison will be offering an intensive workshop for six writers interested in doing a deep dive into their writing, refining and sharpening their craft, receiving detailed, personalised feedback on their work, and learning what it takes to make their writing crackle to life.
Prior to launching Memoir Writing Ink, Alison spent years as a beloved small group facilitator famous for her deep insight into craft, her endless compassion for both story and person, and a unique ability to pose questions that illuminate a story's path forward. After five more years of online and in-person teaching, she has gained an even broader understanding of what helps a writer move their work towards its highest iteration.
This workshop is a masterclass in the truest sense, in that it offers the opportunity to witness and experience the process of examining writing from a variety of angles, from the rhythm of sentences to the architecture of story, the mechanics of structure to lyricism and voice. Together we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of how to sculpt a piece of writing into an exquisite work of art.
Each writer will have the chance to workshop two pieces of writing, meaning that the work will receive an in-depth editing and analysis from Alison, be the focus of an interactive discussion about the work’s intentions, strengths, challenges and opportunities, and receive feedback from the group.
One of the many advantages of this format is that it offers every writer direct and detailed feedback as well as the chance to participate in the in-depth analysis of the work of fellow writers. It may seem counterintuitive, but chances are great that writers will find themselves learning more from these analyses than from the workshopping of their own writing. (There are many reasons for this, but one is that we can often see in someone else’s writing and process what we are blind to in our own. It can also be less terrifying to witness the workshop process than to be in the ‘hot seat,’ and we tend to be more open and receptive to ideas when we are in a less guarded state!)
Regardless of the pedagogical psychology, this In-Depth Writing Workshop, coupled with compelling weekly craft lessons and 1-to-1 coaching with Alison, is a literary learning experience like no other.
What You Receive
In-depth analysis and workshop of two 2000-word pieces (or the same 2000-word piece presented twice) with follow-up notes, editorial marginalia, and clear suggestions for the next draft or iteration of your story.
The opportunity to submit an additional 20 pages of writing for private review with Alison.
Two 45-minute private coaching sessions with Alison to discuss the above submission and/or a larger writing project.
Weekly 2-hour group meetings featuring a focussed craft lesson and an interactive workshop of two pieces of writing. {Your writing will be featured twice.}
Mid-week accountability and supplementary resources and readings.
A small community of like-hearted writers at a similar stage of development, all of whom are devoted to refining and deepening their writing.
Dates & Details
The In-Depth Writing Workshop will run from May 8 - June 19, 2025.
Our weekly Zoom meetings will take place on Thursdays from 5-7 pm EST. {Aussie/Kiwi friends: this means Fridays from 8-10am Sydney Time.}
All calls will be recorded and the replays made available the following day.
There will be one week off in the middle of the workshop to relax, renew, reimagine and integrate. Therefore, the meeting dates will be as follows:
Thursdays: May 8, 15, 22, then June 5, 12, 19.
Your two private sessions with Alison can be booked at any point throughout May or June. Your 20-page submission must be sent to Alison one week prior to that consultation.
Your Investment
The cost for this full workshop, two private sessions with Alison, and in-depth review of up to 20 pages of writing is CA$3,700 / US$3,100.
Registration for the In-Depth Writing Workshop is by application, which will require the attachment of a short (250-word) sample of writing. Every effort will be made to curate a mutually beneficial workshop for all writers. To that end, you may be asked to submit a second (longer) sample of writing to ensure that everyone is working at a similar standard of writing.
Upon acceptance into the workshop, you will be asked to make a $1,000 deposit. The balance will be due on April 10th, 2025. Payment plans are available on request.
NOTE FROM ALISON: Please don’t feel intimidated! You do not need to be a whiz-bang professional writer to join this workshop! It’s just important, with such a small group, that everyone is more or less on the same page—bahahaha—in terms of experience and commitment. I look forward to making this an illuminating, inspiring, expansive and joyful workshop for all involved, including me. :)
Application / Registration
Please click the button below to be taken to a short application form. You will be asked to attach a 250-word sample of writing. This sample will most likely be an excerpt from a longer work and no supplementary material or explanation is necessary, as it is the writing itself, rather than the subject matter, that is of primary interest. (In other words, just send us a page of strong writing. It doesn’t matter where it fits into your larger work.)
If your application is successful, we will be in touch with registration instructions and a payment link within 5 business days.
Please do not wait too long to apply! With only 6 spaces available, this workshop could fill very quickly.
One thing: Applications take considerable time and energy to review and assess, so please begin the application process only if you are committed and prepared to make your deposit immediately. In other words: serious applicants only. Thank you! ❤️