Class Description
This all-day deep dive is designed for anyone who is considering developing a book-length memoir or essay collection, or who is currently drafting a memoir and wants to refine and further develop their work. Finding Your Memoir provides a practical 'hands on' introduction to the memoir-writing process.
We will begin the day with an overview of the craft of writing memoir and key characteristics of the genre, followed by a series of in-class writing exercises to clarify why you need to tell your stories, and what you're trying to learn by doing so.
Next, we will cover strategies for finding and articulating potential themes and throughlines in your stories. Along the way, we will turn to examples from diverse memoirs that showcase the craft topics we are studying, including excerpts from writers like Edwidge Danticat, Carlos Eire, Garrard Conley, Tova Mirvis, and Tara Westover.
Students will leave with a better understanding of the memoir genre, the key elements needed to develop a compelling book, and practical exercises they can utilize as they continue their work.
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
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 detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.