Photographs can inspire engaging and evocative family narratives.

Explore how to turn them into vivid short pieces of writing in a creative writing workshop.

No previous knowledge is needed, all are welcome to participate.

DATE: 15 June, 2025

TIME: 10:00am - 1:00pm

LOCATION: Jewish Museum of Australia, 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182

COST: $36 JMA Member, $40 Non-member

The impulse to record the details of family history can be strong. But where to begin and how to begin can be overwhelming. How do we write an engaging narrative that comes alive on the page and what tools are available to us?   

In this workshop Barbara Kamler will explore just one strategy for how we might write about family. She asks:  how can we capture a moment in time inspired by photographs? 

To unravel the creative process of using photographs, Barbara will begin by discussing her latest book Sophie, the story of her courageous grandmother who at age 14, fled the pogroms of Poland in 1907, and ventured to New York City on her own. She will explore the multiple ways in which she has used poetic vignettes and photographs to tell this riveting story and she will discuss the many craft issues involved.  Participants will then be guided to write about a particular moment in their own family history using photographs they have brought with them. This immersive workshop will conclude with reflections on participant’s writing and possibilities for writing in the future.