Getting help to write your life story

SUBMITTED

A Tākaka-based writer wants to help people finally get started on writing their life stories, memoirs and family histories this winter.

Charlotte Squire has been a writer for over 20 years and teaches people across New Zealand to write their stories via her online course Write Your Memoir.

Now she’s offering her course in person, starting in midJune, at Kotinga Hall. After an initial day of learning, designed to get people started, additional sessions will be held every three months for a year.

“I’d love to help more locals write their stories and it might be fun, amongst friends,” says Charlotte adding that it’s “very possible” to finish the first draft within a year.

Even if they don’t finish within a year, the budding memoirists will continue to have access to the course material online at any time, with her support.

Charlotte describes the content of her seven-module course, which she says “takes people through the entire book making process, from a jumble of ideas to the pleasure of holding it in your hands. You’ll learn how to figure out what to include in your life story and how to plan and structure all your ideas and information. I teach people how to write about other people, and how to polish their stories so they read better. I also help people with photos and other things they can include in their books, plus preparing their book covers”.

She urges those thinking of writing their life stories not to put it off any longer. “Start today. Your memories will one day become your family’s history. They’re important.”

Write Your Memoir course begins on 17 June in Kotinga Hall. For more information, or to enrol go to: charlottesquire.co.nz/ write-your-memoir-course or, email: charlottesquirecoms@ gmail.com