Introduction to Memoir with Rebecca Starford

How to begin and develop your memoir manuscript

Memoir is a booming genre in the publishing industry. Many of us have stories we want to tell, though we don't quite know where to start, or how to navigate the complexities of writing not just about ourselves but about family and friends, and how this project might impact them.

This workshop is designed for writers who would like to develop a deeply personal creative project - whether it be autobiography, family history, memoir or essays - and are starting to think about where such a manuscript might be published.


You'll learn:

  • How to draw out memories and shape them into a story
  • How to craft a sustained and interesting narrative structure around fragmented life experiences
  • How to push through emotional resistance
  • Legal and ethical considerations typical of the genre

Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience.

"An informative, easy to navigate self paced-course. A great way to finally get started on the book you've been meaning to write about your life...full of handy tips and inspiring exercises."


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Rebecca Starford
Rebecca Starford

Kill Your Darlings publishing director and CEO Rebecca Starford is the author of the novel The Imitator and the memoir Bad Behaviour, which was recently adapted by Matchbox Pictures into a Stan Original series. She is a former editor at Text Publishing and Affirm Press, and has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Queensland. Her new novel, The Visitor, will be published in 2025.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome!
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  Where To Begin?
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  Creating Narrative Around Your Life Experiences
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!