Memoir Writing: Focused Themes
On Thursday, March 12, the writers in Carolyn Bennett’s memoir writing course shared some of their work at our public reading at the studio. This was a hardworking group! The stories were well-crafted, evocative and full of heart. Thanks to all of the participants. and to Carolyn, the course leader. We hope she will be available later this year for another memoir-writing course.
Comedian and writer Carolyn Bennett, who has offered several programs at Back Lane Studios, returned in January, 2026 with another memoir writing program, followed by the in-person reading of participants’ work at the studio.
Are you interested in getting your memories down on paper (or in your computer)? Perhaps you would like to explore your experiences for yourself or for your family, friends and possibly a wider public. We hope Carolyn will return in the not too distant future for another series of workshops.
If you’re interested, send us an email and we will keep your name on file.
The Details for the Program:
- The program ran 6 weeks on Saturday mornings from Jan. 24.
- In person at Back Lane Studios.
- In-person reading (with refreshments!) Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 pm at Back Lane Studios.
- Fee: $140 ($20 a session) or Pay What You Can!
- Limit: 10 people
What this workshop ‘s:
- A space to begin, hone and share your work
- A supportive environment in which to explore significant moments in your life.● A group of like-minded individuals who will hold each other accountable to produce writing. Your commitment to the group is important.
A chance to present your work at a public reading at Back Lane Studios and to have it considered for the BLS Mapping Our Memories Project.
Suggested Themes with a Toronto focus:
- Food
- School
- People
- Places
- Pets/Animals
- Work
Friday, March 12, 2026. 7pm. Memoir reading open to the public.
Please email us at ellen@backlanestudios.ca or call 647-313-1654 if you’re interested.
More about Carolyn:
Writer and comedian Carolyn Bennett cut her teeth performing at Yuk Yuks and hasn’t stopped bleeding since. Selected TV credits include This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC COMICS and Chilly Beach. Produced plays include Mixed Media (CBC Radio) Pure Convenience (CBC Radio), Runtkiller, The Short List, Canis Familiaris and Sick Kids Wanna Talk To You. She won the 2013 TIFF Studio Screenwriting Intensive Jury Prize for her feature comedy The Mac and Watson Springtime Reeferendum Show. She was part of the 2017 Thousand Islands Playhouse Playwrights’ Unit where she developed the play The Monarchists. She wrote, produced and performed in the solo show Double Down Helix in July 2018 at the Kingston Storefront Fringe Festival. Her debut novel Please Stand By was published in 2019 by Vancouver’s Now or Never Publishing in Fall 2019. Bennett co-produced and performed at Hirut Hoot, a monthly stand-up showcase in Toronto at Hirut Fine Ethiopian Cuisine, before decamping to Brockville from Toronto.
Day jobs have included a stint as a senior writer for government. Carolyn Bennett enjoys the perks of sharing the same name of a prominent federal cabinet minister.