Intergenerational Storytelling: Unpacking Family Legacies and Unspoken Truths

Event Details

Course Description

Every family holds a tapestry of stories, some brightly coloured and often told, others faded, fragmented, or deliberately hidden. This class is designed for writers who wish to explore and articulate the complex narratives passed down through generations, especially those involving historical events, family secrets, or unspoken traumas. Drawing on the rich intergenerational stories in their books, Caroline and Liisa will guide participants through the delicate process of researching, interpreting, and giving voice to the experiences of their ancestors and relatives.

Caroline and Liisa will delve into how historical context shapes personal lives, how silence can become a legacy, and how to approach sensitive subjects with both authenticity and compassion by focusing on several key areas. During this master class designed for emerging writers, participants will learn:

• The impact of historical events on individual lives: Understanding how major historical shifts (wars, political upheavals, migrations) ripple through generations and shape family dynamics.
• Balancing multiple perspectives: Crafting a cohesive narrative that honours diverse viewpoints within a family, even when they conflict.
• Transforming personal and inherited trauma into art: Approaches to processing difficult material and presenting it in a way that is both impactful and respectful.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how historical context and family dynamics influence personal identity, along with practical tools for navigating the ethical and emotional complexities of writing about family secrets and trauma.