There is only so far we can take our writing on our own.
Then we need a discerning eye and a kind, experienced hand.
Alison will be offering an intensive online workshop for six writers interested in doing a deep dive into their writing, refining and sharpening their craft, receiving detailed, personalised feedback on their work, and learning what it takes to make their writing crackle to life.
Prior to launching Memoir Writing Ink, Alison spent years as a beloved small group facilitator famous for her deep insight into craft, her endless compassion for both story and person, and a unique ability to pose questions that illuminate a story's path forward. After five more years of online and in-person teaching, she has gained an even broader understanding of what helps a writer move their work towards its highest iteration.
This workshop is a masterclass in the truest sense, in that it offers the opportunity to witness and experience the process of examining writing from a variety of angles, from the rhythm of sentences to the architecture of story, the mechanics of structure to lyricism and voice. Together we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of how to sculpt a piece of writing into an exquisite work of art.
Each writer will have the chance to workshop two pieces of writing, meaning that the work will receive an in-depth editing and analysis from Alison, be the focus of an interactive discussion about the work’s intentions, strengths, challenges and opportunities, and receive feedback from the group.
One of the many advantages of this format is that it offers every writer direct and detailed feedback as well as the chance to participate in the in-depth analysis of the work of fellow writers. It may seem counterintuitive, but chances are great that writers will find themselves learning more from these analyses than from the workshopping of their own writing. (There are many reasons for this, but one is that we can often see in someone else’s writing and process what we are blind to in our own. It can also be less terrifying to witness the workshop process than to be in the ‘hot seat,’ and we tend to be more open and receptive to ideas when we are in a less guarded state!)
Regardless of the pedagogical psychology, this In-Depth Writing Workshop, coupled with compelling weekly craft lessons and 1-to-1 coaching with Alison, is a literary learning experience like no other.
What You Receive
In-depth analysis and workshop of two 2000-word pieces (or the same 2000-word piece presented twice) with follow-up notes, editorial marginalia, and clear suggestions for the next draft or iteration of your story.
The opportunity to submit an additional 20 pages of writing for private review with Alison.
Two 1-hour private coaching sessions with Alison to discuss the above submission and/or a larger writing project, looking at structure, story arc and development, and whatever other specific concerns, challenges or questions the writer has.
6 weekly 2-hour group meetings featuring an interactive workshop of two pieces of writing. {Your writing will be featured twice.}
A group ‘reunion’ meeting 6 weeks after the end of the workshop to discuss the progress and next steps of each person’s project.
Connection with a small community of like-hearted writers at a similar stage of development, all of whom are devoted to refining and deepening their writing.
Dates & Details
The next available workshop dates are November 6 - December 11, 2025.
PART ONE of the workshop consists of 6 weekly Zoom meetings with all 6 writers. These will take place on Thursdays from 4-6 pm EST. {Aussie/Kiwi friends: this means Fridays from 8-10am Sydney Time.} All calls will be recorded and the replays made available the following day.
PART TWO of the workshop consists of private consultations with Alison. These can be booked at any point before January 31, 2026 (meaning that this is actually more of a 12-week workshop: 6 weeks of group workshops + 6 weeks of time to write, refine, work on your writing with Alison, write, refine, and book another consultation). Your 20-page submission must be sent to Alison one week prior to your consultation.
The workshop ends with a final ‘reunion’ call with the group on January 29, 2026.
Your Investment
The cost for this full workshop, two private sessions with Alison, and in-depth review of up to 20 pages of writing is CA$3,700 / US$3,100.
Registration for the In-Depth Writing Workshop is by application, which will require the attachment of a short (250-word) sample of writing. Every effort will be made to curate a mutually beneficial workshop for all writers. To that end, you may be asked to submit a second (longer) sample of writing to ensure that everyone is working at a similar standard of writing.
Upon acceptance into the workshop, you will be asked to make a $1,000 deposit. The balance will be due 6 weeks prior to the workshop start date. Payment plans are available on request.
NOTE FROM ALISON: Please don’t feel intimidated! You do not need to be a whiz-bang professional writer to join this workshop! It’s just important, with such a small group, that everyone is more or less on the same page—bahahaha—in terms of experience and commitment. I look forward to making this an illuminating, inspiring, expansive and joyful workshop for all involved, including me. :)
Application / Registration
Please click the button below to be taken to a short application form. You will be asked to attach a 250-word sample of writing. This sample will most likely be an excerpt from a longer work and no supplementary material or explanation is necessary, as it is the writing itself, rather than the subject matter, that is of primary interest. (In other words, just send us a page of strong writing. It doesn’t matter where it fits into your larger work.)
If your application is successful, we will be in touch with registration instructions and a payment link within 5 business days.
One thing: Applications take considerable time and energy to review and assess, so please begin the application process only if you are committed and prepared to make your deposit immediately. In other words: serious applicants only. Thank you! ❤️
UPDATE: THE NOV/DEC WORKSHOP IS NOW SOLD OUT.
To join a waiting list, please write to heather@alisonwearing.com.
To apply for the Spring 2026 (May/June) workshop, click the button below.
“Taking the intensive workshop with Alison was both an opportunity and a privilege. An opportunity, because I received detailed and insightful feedback on my writing. And a privilege, because Alison is a master writer and teacher, who is also supportive and understanding about the challenges of writing memoir.
I would take this workshop again in a heartbeat.”
“Thanks to Alison’s thoughtful editing and the feedback of the other workshop participants, I saw my writing improve significantly. And with that, I experienced an even stronger desire to write.
Highly recommended!”