Class Description
Inspired by flash and short shorts, this workshop introduces techniques for creating short pieces and arranging them into a longer memoir. While many memoirs are organized with a linear timeline and clear transitions from one section to another, the mosaic is built from fragments, often separated by white space, that illuminate different facets of an overall theme. If you're just starting out and find a lengthy project intimidating, or you want to shuffle scenes in your memoir to break up dense blocks of narrative and gain new insights, this workshop can help. We'll look at work by Nick Flynn, Sonja Livingston, Carmen Maria Machado, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and even a poem by Kevin Young, to see how writers work in this form. In-class writing exercises will prompt you to begin short pieces and offer on-the-spot feedback if you want to read your work aloud. You'll also have a chance to bring in one short piece that everyone reads in advance for in-class discussion and written comments from the instructor. Use what you've learned and practiced in class to use as building blocks for a memoir.
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:
$8 after 4pm Monday-Friday
$5 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.