Want to write your life story but don't know where to start? A new memoir writing course launches in Leigh-on-Sea this February

January 21, 2026

Leigh-on-Sea has always been a town full of wonderful stories. From beachside conversations to catch-ups over coffee, there’s always a place to share a tale or two.

Local writer and writing mentor Lisa Marks knows this better than most. After years working as a journalist, author and editor, and hearing countless people say, “I’d love to write my life story one day”, she’s launching an online course designed to help people begin their writing journey.

“This isn’t about producing a finished book,” says Lisa, who also runs the writers group at Read on Sea, on The Broadway, and has published her own celebrity journalism memoir, Ryan is Ready For You Now. “It’s about helping people understand what their story is really about, and giving them the confidence to take the first steps without pressure or perfectionism.”

From Blank Page to Memoir, is a four-week, beginner-friendly memoir writing course starting on Thursday, 5 February 2026. It’s aimed at people with life experience, stories to tell and absolutely no idea where to start.

The course runs live on Zoom in small groups and includes four weekly sessions, a follow-up progress meeting, a private one-to-one consultation with Lisa, and plenty of prompts and laughs along the way. It’s designed to be gentle, supportive and reassuring. In all, a safe space to start workshopping your story.

Though the course is online, Lisa says its heart is firmly rooted in Leigh-on-Sea. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and am delighted that a couple of locals have already signed up. So many of the stories people carry are shaped by where they live, their family and the community. Leigh is full of people leading extraordinary lives and their stories matter.”

So, if you’ve ever thought about writing your life story, this might be the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

More details can be found by following this link https://lisamarksmedia.com/writing-workshops/. Or email Lisa at: lisamarksmedia@gmail.com