Class Description
Memoir challenges writers to engage not just with memory, but with voice, structure, and the deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of events. This ten-week workshop is designed for writers committed to crafting a book-length memoir who want to strengthen their craft, sharpen their narrative voice, and navigate the complexities of transforming real life into compelling story.
Through prompts, targeted exercises, and revision strategies, you’ll learn to approach your manuscript with fresh eyes and discover new possibilities for your work. Each week, we’ll read exemplary memoir excerpts and explore essential craft topics—characterization, scene versus summary, description, time and pacing, narrative arc, research, and the ethical considerations of writing true stories for publication. You’ll also have space to reflect on the real-world impact of telling your story.
Participants can expect to present a new or revised excerpt from their memoir for workshop approximately every third week. Students will read and provide thoughtful feedback on three peer submissions each week. While new writing is encouraged, this course is equally valuable for those looking to troubleshoot challenges in an existing manuscript.
By the end of the course, you’ll gain practical revision strategies, a deeper understanding of memoir’s unique challenges, a collection of polished excerpts ready for next steps, and a supportive community of fellow memoirists to help carry your work forward.
Please note: Class does not meet Thursday, November 27th.
Important dates: Applications for this class are due Monday, September 1st, at 11:59PM (EST). Late submissions will not be reviewed or receive a response. All applicants can expect to hear back within one week of the application deadline. The enrollment deadline for admitted students is Wednesday, September 8th.
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 using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.
Zoom Participation:
In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.