Writing Coach and Author of The Memoir Writing Workbook launches new memoir writing initiative. My formative school days were filled with creativity, writing, colour and gaiety. This changed into an unhappy teenage school life. In my 20’s I rose like a phoenix from the ashes, rediscovered my love of writing and found my calling.
This is my story.
Having studied writing in UCLA I went on to study complementary methods of learning, particularly cognitive learning skills (Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and Robert Assagioli’s Psycho-synthesis in Education). I learned the craft of scriptwriting under a Hollywood Screenwriter/Director. On my return to Ireland I taught Fiction Writing, became a professional Photographer and developed The Creative Writer’s Workshop in 1991.
In 2005 The Creative Writer’s Workshop went online. At this point I also realised everybody has a story to tell and so I developed a memoir workshop based on the right-brain/left-brain learning techniques I employed over the previous 14 years in my fiction workshops. Just like The Creative Writer’s Workshop, my memoir course, The Memoir Writing Workshop, grew organically and reached an international audience.
Prompted by the growing international recognition of my writing techniques, in 2007 I embarked on writing The Memoir Writing Workbook. Much to my overwhelming delight, The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins launched The Memoir Writing Workbook in the National Library of Ireland on the 11 May 2009.
The next chapter involved the complex task of transitioning The Memoir Writing Workbook into a fully interactive online course in The Memoir Writing Club, weaving the workbook together with audio lessons. I was then in a position to provide a full range of writing services – The Memoir Writing Workbook, Online Memoir Writing Courses, Private Writing Classes, Fiction and Memoir Writing Retreats and Book Coaching. All worth it, given the wonderful feedback from so many writers.
This year I am celebrating 35 years of writing workshops and retreats!
The big news is that on 10 Feb 2026 I am launching a memoir writing initiative.
As The Memoir Writing Workbook is not only for individual use, it can also be used in a ‘writing group’ situation. So I am encouraging people to Start a Memoir Writing Club in their local area or online, using The Memoir Writing Workbook as their guide.
Our stories are precious, and a Memoir Writing Club provides a multitude of benefits for everyone. What never ceases to amaze me is that my own love of story just keeps growing, and I am confident The Memoir Writing Workbook will enable everyone to have access to the world of story creation and the art of writing memoir.
How to Start a Memoir Writing Club/Group using The Memoir Writing Workbook as your guide.
May The Memoir Writing Workbook ignite your yellow brick road!
My own quill gets sharper and goes deeper. I am currently working on an autofiction novel.
Happy Writing…
~Irene G.
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The Memoir Writing Workbook
Start a Memoir Writing Club
