Writing Memoir with Author Carolyn Bennett
Mondays, Sept., 21, 2026 – Nov. 9, 2026: in person and online
Public reading: Thursday, November 12, 7pm Back Lane Studios
7 weeks/ $200 Limit: 12 people
Facilitator: Carolyn Bennett
Back Lane Studios (BLS) is once again offering this workshop for those interested in getting their memories down on paper for family, friends, and possibly a wider readership. A special emphasis will be placed on finding the funny in your memories. We’ll use themes as guides, with an emphasis on Toronto memories.
What this workshop is:
- 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.
The program will be a combination of online and in-person meetings.
Deadline to apply: September 17, 2026
More about Carolyn:
Writer and comedian Carolyn Bennett has toured with Yuk Yuks, and has showcased at the Just For Laughs Festival. She co-founded and performs at Hirut Hoot, a monthly comedy cabaret in Toronto. She has had her own CBC comedy special and has performed on many shows for charity. As a comedy writer she worked for many CBC variety shows, and was a staff writer for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. She won the 2013 TIFF Screenwriters Lab Jury Prize and was nominated for a Writers Guild of Canada award.
She has had a novel published (Please Stand By NON Publishing 2019) and her stories have appeared in Canadian Notes and Queries, The Quarantine Review, Prairie Journal of Canadian Literature, and Blood + Honey. She produces and hosts the literary reading series Bright Lit Big City in Toronto. She is currently working on a collection of short stories.
Carolyn, 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 (in the photo above).It 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.
A Testimonial
Carolyn’s memoir class was more than I expected. I really looked forward to Saturday mornings with her and the wonderful group. She listened to and read our work.
She helped me gain confidence in my writing with her thoughtful feedback. Her years of writing expertise were invaluable. The atmosphere was very supportive and open. She was an excellent teacher and guide.
Would highly recommend her class!!
– Lisa Webster, Winter 2026