Class Description
This eight-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 reading discussions, targeted exercises, and revision strategies, you’ll learn to approach your manuscript with fresh eyes and discover new possibilities for your work. We will read exemplar memoirs and explore essential craft topics—theme and structure, characterization, scene versus summary, 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 their peers' submissions each week. While new writing is encouraged, this course is equally valuable for those looking to troubleshoot challenges in an existing manuscript. Following the final submission, each student will have the opportunity to meet the instructor one on one to discuss their project as well as strategies for going forward.
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.
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
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.