Writing Your Family History
Family History raises many questions about who we are and where we have come from. In this short course, you'll look at: how to turn research into narrative; how to write about yourself and others; how to bring events to life; and how to find meaning in the material you have gathered.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who has done some research on their family history and is now thinking about how to express what they have in written form.
What can I expect?
This short course will cover key aspects of writing family history. We will look at narrative voice, representing or writing about ancestors or family members, describing places and bringing research to life, use of dialogue, as well as the possible structure and organisation of family histories. There will be some examples, brief writing exercises to share in class, and comment/feedback from both tutor and group.
Exceeded my expectations. Nick Barlay was exceptionally informative and constructive with a relaxed and friendly manner. The time flew by.
Nick Barlay offered very helpful guidance and advice on many aspects of writing family history... The course gave me lots of things to think about that I hadn't considered.
Image: River Christian Centre Archive
Need to Know
You will learn
By the end of this workshop, you will have learnt how to:
- Bring narrative direction to research
- Find shape and structure in the material you have
- Bring to life people, places, and events.
Meet the Tutor
Nick Barlay
Nick Barlay is the author of four widely acclaimed novels, including Hooky Gear, which was mentioned among Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2003.
He was born in London to Hungarian Jewish refugee parents, and his first non-fiction book, Scattered Ghosts, explores the story of his family over two centuries. It was longlisted for the Wingate Prize 2015.
He has written wide-ranging journalism, including a long-running series about London for The Times, as well as contributing to many other publications, such as Time Out, The Guardian and Central and east European Review.
He regularly teaches fiction and life writing, as well as Guardian Masterclasses on writing a family history.
Dates and Times
Writing Your Family History
, 8:16 - 13:16
