Finding Your Memoir

This hands-on workshop is designed for writers who are interested in sharing key elements of their life stories. In this full-day session we will discuss the structure of book-length memoir and key features of this genre including: finding your theme or through-line; dealing with internal and external conflict; the power of voice in memoir; telling the truth/writing about family; and structuring a memoir.

We will do several short writing exercises in class focusing on the following--identifying potential turning points in your story; finding an opening hook or inciting incident; conveying emotional stakes; and playing with structure.

We will also review short excerpts/examples from several published memoirs. Come prepared to write, and bring a brief one-two paragraph description of your project to share with the class.

You'll leave the session with a clearer sense of your through-line and theme, new tools to assist you in creating your book's structure, and practical techniques to continue working on your project.