Dear Diary is an online creative writing workshop exploring diary writing and writing the self.

Sat 10 Jan 2026, 10-11.30am (GMT)

In this age of screens and public sharing, how might we make time for diary writing to connect more deeply with ourselves and what we think?

Diaries and journals are a multi-faceted space for reflection, daydreaming, shame spirals, being boring, being petty, brutal honesty, private practice, record keeping, beauty-seeking, compulsion and ultimately, a deep and creative understanding of what the hell a life is.

Through readings, discussion and guided prompts, we’ll look at how diary-keeping can become a space for truth, noticing, personal reflection (and freedom!) and even creative experimentation.

Together, we’ll read short extracts from writers like Helen Garner, Heidi Julavitz, Olga Ravn, Lou Sullivan & others. Writers who show us what we might write about, and writers blurring the line between personal reflection and literary work.

We’ll explore what happens when we write as if no one is reading, and what those private fragments might grow into (personal fulfilment? essays, memoirs or other creative projects?)

You’ll leave Dear Diary workshop with:

• Tools for diary writing, through writing prompts

• Greater confidence in your ability to keep up a diary writing practice.

• A deeper appreciation of diary writing as creative practice

• A sharpened connection to your own voice, life material and and diarist perspective

• Approaches to keep you excited about returning to your diary, even when you feel stuck.

No prep needed. Just a love of all things life writing, and something to write with.

Details: Live 90-min workshop on Zoom

Attendees will also get a playback. Workshop limited to 12 spots.