Class

10-Week Memoir: The Power of Your Personal Story

Memoirs are more popular than ever, and the genre continues to expand. In addition to the traditional memoir — an illuminating personal story that centers on one aspect of your life —there are now hybrid memoirs, which blend factual information and reportage with lived experience, collections of linked personal essays, and even 250-word micro-memoirs.

Suitable for writers of all levels, this course will examine and try out the many ways to shape and tell a personal narrative. Through readings, craft talks, discussions, and writing exercises, we’ll explore the essentials of storytelling, including characterization, dialogue, dramatic tension, pacing, and voice that are necessary for creating specific, personal stories that feel universal.

Many of the craft elements we discuss will be put into practice in your own work, which you’ll have the opportunity to workshop in a gentle and constructive atmosphere.

We’ll also discuss techniques for navigating potentially tricky terrain when writing about family or friends, choosing the most vibrant details, and properly balancing showing and telling. (Hint: It’s time to retire that old adage, “show don’t tell.”) You’ll also learn methods for mining memory and creating and keeping writing momentum. You’ll leave the class energized, with an actionable plan for continuing to bring your own unique story to life.