France is the birthplace of modern memoir, the country where Montaigne wrote his Essays about the nature of Self, and where Rousseau lived most of the extraordinary life he describes in Confessions. Through the combination of structured workshops, one-on-one consultation, and personal exploration, you too will discover your voice and story.

Across seven mornings, you’ll attend your writing workshop with Patti in a charming, centrally located apartment. Here you’ll learn about topics such as Beginning Again, Original Memory, Texture and Detail, the Narrator, Narrative Structure, the Difficulties of Truth Telling, Organising Your Material, Structural Trouble-Shooting, the Borderlands with Fiction, Travel Memoir, and many others. Each day will follow a rhythmic pattern with classes, shaped around Patti’s updated edition of Writing True Stories, and a curated selection of readings which will be provided before you depart for Paris.

You’ll be given daily writing exercises and prompts based on the course content which provide you with ample opportunities for development and growth. These are designed to help you tap into your memories and get to the core of what it is you want to write about. You will also share your work with the group, in a warm and encouraging environment.

Parisian-style morning teas, with tea coffee and treats from the local pâtisserie, will be provided in each workshop.

You’ll also have the opportunity to schedule an individual writing consultation with Patti. During this time you can discuss your personal writing project in-depth without interruption. This is an invaluable opportunity to sort through and solve those writing blocks with a memoir-writing expert, all in the unique ambience of a Parisian café.