Class Description
This is the second class in a two-part series. Be sure to check out the first class in the series, Memoir for Writers Over 50: Part One, Origin Stories, and register by September 9th.
This class is designed to help writers transform more than fifty years of experience in life and love into a collection of stories readers can’t put down. Where to start? What to leave out? Practice foundational storytelling skills in characterization, voice, setting, dialogue, and plot while addressing the challenges of writing about love: whether it be romantic love, obsession with a topic, nostalgia for a place or time, or even the hard-won acceptance of self. By the end of this session, students will have completed the second story in their collection: about strong feelings that changed them forever.
Each class will include a mix of craft lecture, generative prompts and writing time, community discussion, and close investigative reading of examples from memoirists including James McBride, Sarah Smarsh, Carlos Eire, Hua Hsu, Patti Smith and others. There may be short take-home readings, and students are encouraged to work outside of class to produce a draft they can bring in for end-of-session feedback, both verbal and written.
Please Note: Writers seeking structural guidance on existing work over 60 pages are encouraged to investigate the Memoir Intensive or get a manuscript consultation.
Please note: Class does not meet on 11/26
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
$13 after 4pm Monday-Friday
$9 all day Saturday-Sunday
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.