Life writing can be the mirror you need to understand yourself and the world around you.
In this article, Camilla Balshaw (author of Named) reflects on the power of life writing as a form of self-discovery and introspection. Every event in a person’s life, no matter how small, can be an chance to understand more about the world. Camilla shares her thoughts on using writing as a way to process these events, and why it’s so important to your mental and physical health.
Camilla is leading our upcoming Mapping the Self: Life Writing course which will start 12 October 2026. Over eight weeks, you will discover new ways to navigate the map(s) of self and reimagine how you might write about the journey your life has taken in a fresh light.
Life writing is a powerful process of self-discovery. I often tell my students it is ‘for anyone who is interested in finding out what it means to be human, in all its complicated messiness.’
Our lived experiences remind us that some of the most painful or difficult moments we may encounter do not define who we are. Instead, they become part of our unique personal stories. When we read about how other people have navigated life, it can shape how we view aspects of our own struggle and difficulties.
Memoirs such as Educated (Tara Westover, 2018), I Am Malala (Malala Yousafzai, 2013), and Hunger (Roxane Gay, 2017) are examples of writers who share incredibly traumatic personal stories, and yet manage to instil a sense of hope, strength and perseverance.
‘Studies in the UK and US suggest that when we spend time writing or reflecting on our lived experiences, there are significant psychological benefits.’
In a recent study by the National Institute of Health, life writing, including expressive journaling and narrative reflection, reduced stress and improved emotional well-being. Rather than suppressing difficult emotions, life writing provides the space to process thoughts and experiences.
Through writing our stories, we often discover that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about learning, adapting and moving forward. Sharing lived experiences encourages empathy and understanding, and shows that it is possible to move on from trauma or setbacks. By doing so, you may discover you are much stronger than you imagined.
When you write about a life, it gives you the space, time, and permission to make sense of who you are. The reflection this brings has enabled me to grow and develop not only as a writer but as a person.
And that, for me, is the power of life writing.
Writing exercise
Describe the following and why each one is important to you:
- An experience that impacted you.
- A person who has played a big role in your life.
- A place and an idea/belief that has formed you.
- A memory that is a core recollection.
You can write this as bullet points and then elaborate later, or write it out as a stream of consciousness.
The tutor wrote it as a letter to herself, then sealed it to be read a year later. ‘There is something deeply nourishing in turning up, through written words, for yourself – both now, and as a promise for the future.’
‘Please be as gentle with yourself as you possibly can when you approach these exercises. Step away from your thoughts and words as soon as you feel you need to. These are deep-rooted, difficult things to work with, and it is essential to treat your experience and yourself with kindness and acceptance.’
Camilla Balshaw
Camilla Balshaw is a memoirist and fiction writer. Her debut memoir, Named: A Story of Names and Reclaiming Who We Are, is published by Bedford Square. It won the Biography & Memoir Award at the East Anglian Book Awards 2025.
Camilla has written for the Guardian and Observer. She holds an MA in Creative & Life Writing from Goldsmiths (Distinction) and is an Honorary Research Fellow in Name Studies at the University of Nottingham.
Mapping the Self: Life Writing (eight-week course)
What does it mean to write a self? What makes us human?
In this life writing course, you will explore identity, memory, and form while developing your life‑writing project with guided feedback from Camilla.
Course led by Camilla Balshaw, who will offer regular feedback throughout the course, plus a one-to-one tutorial at the end.
Starts Monday 12 October, eight weeks. Course costs £300*
*Payment plans are available. Contact us at academy@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk for more information.
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