Imagining the Gaps: Memoir Between the Lines

Have you ever wanted to uncover the story behind your family’s silences and secrets? Ever longed to fill holes in overheard rumors and cryptic tales? As creative nonfiction writers, autobiographical novelists, and gossip lovers of all kinds, what do we do when we try to tell a story but the story runs out? And what do we do when the gap becomes so large that it forces us to question our genre choices?

This seminar will discuss how to turn what might, at first glance, seem like a limitation—a gap, a road block—into a source of possibility. We'll look at specific examples from authors like Helen Fremont, Justin St. Germain, Loung Ung, and Jesmyn Ward, and provide specific tips and prompts for advancing narratives while engaging daringly with the complex boundaries of genre.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.