Creative Writing and Autofiction Workshop

How to turn your life and imagination into unforgettable stories

THE CONCEPT

EscreVivências – The Writing That Heals is a creative experimentation workshop that invites participants to explore the boundary between memory, imagination and language. More than a course in literary techniques, it is a journey of self-discovery.

Each participant will learn to transform their experiences, recollections and fictions into narratives worth reading and sharing — and, by the end, will have their text published in a collective book by Aquarela Brasileira Livros.

The name combines “escrever” (to write) and “vivências” (life experiences) — because we believe that the best writing is born from a life fully lived, and that life expands when it is told.

WHAT MAKES THIS WORKSHOP UNIQUE

Unique Feature	Description
Tangible outcome	All participants will have their texts published in a collective book by Aquarela Brasileira Livros
Immersive format	4 months of monthly in-person sessions, allowing for depth and continuity
Expert curation	Led by Wagner Merije, PhD in Literature from the University of Coimbra, with extensive editorial and creative writing experience
Inspiring setting	Held at the Lisboa Yoga Center in Graça — a space of creativity, welcome and silence conducive to enchantment
Guaranteed publication	The final book will be published and distributed, giving visibility to all participant authors
Creative community	Creation of a supportive group and sharing network among participants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE

Duration: 4 months (January to April 2027)
Format: One in-person session per month (Saturdays) — 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Dates: 23 January, 20 February, 13 March, 10 April
Total hours: 20 hours (in-person sessions + exercises between sessions with individual feedback)
Venue: Lisboa Yoga Center – Graça, Lisbon

Monthly session themes:

January

Theme: Opening the Drawer: Memory, Fiction and Autofiction

Activities: Autobiographical writing exercises, distinguishing memory from imagination, first drafts

 

February

Theme: The Art of Narrative: Structure, Voice and Character

Activities: Character creation, plot construction, developing narrative voice

 

March

Theme: Words as Material: Style, Rhythm and Revision

Activities: Revision techniques, editing, textual polishing, reading aloud

 

April

Theme: From Manuscript to Book: Preparing for Publication

Activities: Finalising texts, preparing for the book, closing celebration

 

Between sessions: participants will receive weekly exercises and individual feedback via email.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS GAIN

• Workshop participation + online tips + webinar
• Published book— with your text and name in the collective work
• Certificate of participation— with hours and content
• Writing portfolio— texts ready for future editorial submissions
• Network of contacts— connection to other writers and creators
• Practical tools— creative writing, revision and editing techniques
• Transformative experience— the process of writing your story, with guidance and support

THE BOOK

All participants will have their texts published in a collective anthology entitled:

“EscreVivências — Creative Writing Workshop Anthology 2027”

The book will be published by Aquarela Brasileira Livros, featuring:

• Professional graphic design
• Exclusive cover design
• Legal Deposit and own ISBN
• Public launch in Lisbon (date to be agreed with participants)

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Aspiring writerswho wish to develop their voice
• People with stories to tell(memoirs, fiction, chronicles)
• Teachers and educatorswho want to use creative writing as a pedagogical tool
• Studentsof Literature, Communication, Psychology and related fields
• Creative professionalswho want to explore writing as a means of expression
• Passionate readerswho have always dreamed of writing
• Those in life transitionsseeking a meaningful personal project

Prerequisites: None. The only requirement is the willingness to write and share.

CONTRIBUTION

Category	Amount (€)
Early bird (until 30 November)	180 €
Regular registration	200 €
Teacher / Student / Senior (+65)	150 €
Payment in 3 instalments (interest-free)	3 x 70 €
Bring a friend	5% discount for both

 

 

 

The contribution includes all materials, group and individual guidance, certificate and participation in the book.

THE FACILITATOR — WAGNER MERIJE

PhD in Literature from the University of Coimbra, Wagner Merije is a writer, journalist, editor, cultural producer and author of scripts for radio, theatre, television and cinema. He has published over 20 books, including Mobimento – Educação e Comunicação Mobile (finalist for the Jabuti Prize 2013), Viagem a Minas Gerais, Cidade em Transe, Astros e Estrelas – Memórias de um jovem jornalista em Londres and Um Furacão em Lisboa (2025). His works have circulated in several countries and received various awards.

In 2014, he founded Aquarela Brasileira, a project born with a clear mission: to help people turn dreams into reality — and to eternalise their stories in books that endure. He has edited and organised anthologies such as Saudade em Palavras (2026), Coimbra em Palavras (2018) and São Paulo em Imagens (2017), and has dedicated himself to editing works by authors including Fernando Pessoa, Camões, Eça de Queirós, Florbela Espanca and Antero de Quental.

He believes that everyone has a story to tell — and that writing, more than a technique, is an act of courage and freedom. This conviction runs through his life and work, and is what moves him to create spaces where other voices can find form and echo.

Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, he understood from an early age that words are bridges. Between Brazil and the world, he has lived in São Paulo, London, Rio de Janeiro and Coimbra — cities that, in different ways, taught him to listen and to tell stories.

Follow his work at www.merije.com.br.

INFORMATION

Email: faleaquarela@gmail.com
Aquarela Brasileira website: www.aquarelabrasileira.com.br/ab-books

INSCRIPTIONS below:

Thank you and see you soon!