Dean Fee, Starting to Write

O'Donoghue Centre, University of Galway

O'Donoghue Centre, University of Galway, Ireland

Join writer and editor Dean Fee to think about childhood narratives in fiction and non-fiction, and work on developing your own. Childhood narratives allow a writer to not only critique the world through the eyes of the innocent but, for those interested in memoir, it also allows them to examine the emergence of their own artistic sensibilities. Much of what we encounter as children can shape the people we become later in life. It’s easy to look back and notice, but the real challenge is in how to capture it. In the first half of this workshop we will look closely at examples of childhood narratives from some of the best writers to do it. You will then have a chance to put pen to paper, incorporating what you’ve learned into your own work, which we will discuss in class. Conversation is key, so participants should come with an open mind and a willingness to discuss.