Class Description
This course has a clear mission: to get you started on your memoir. Through a series of focused writing exercises, we’ll explore the landscape of memoir writing—mining for material, constructing vivid settings, shaping authentic dialogue, and honing your unique voice.
Each week, we’ll workshop the pieces we create in class, offering supportive, on-the-spot feedback designed to help you recognize the strengths in your work and identify opportunities for revision. We’ll also read and discuss short published memoir excerpts from authors like Joan Didion, Andre Dubus III, and Jesmyn Ward, analyzing craft techniques and how you can apply them to your own writing.
Alongside writing and workshop sessions, we’ll examine powerful memoir excerpts to uncover strategies that bring personal stories to life. This class provides a welcoming and productive space for writers at every experience level.
By the end of the course, you’ll have produced a wealth of material to keep your memoir project moving forward, a clearer understanding of memoir craft, and practical tools to continue developing your story with confidence.
Please note: Class does not meet Monday, October 13th.
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.