Planning Your Memoir (Two-Weekend Workshop)

WRITING X 424.27E

Take the first steps to writing your memoir by identifying your story and planning how you want to tell it.

What you can learn.

Focus on the pivotal role of timelines and outlines in structuring your memoir
Identify compelling stories while assessing memories to organize your memoir into a coherent story
Explore the ethics of writing about your lived experience
Discuss how to approach controversial subjects in your work

About this course:

In this four-day workshop, we delve into the art of crafting your life's narrative, focusing on the pivotal role of timelines and outlines – the beating heart and essential skeleton of any compelling memoir. Through lectures, guest speakers, and guided discussions, we will tackle challenges such as defining what stories are compelling, assessing engaging memories, and organizing your memoir coherently. We will explore the ethics involved in writing a memoir based on your personal vignettes and real-life characters, including considerations of what to include and what to leave out. A memoir is factual and verifiable, so we’ll also discuss how to approach controversial subjects while safeguarding your personal narrative. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive outline and perhaps the first pages of your memoir, providing a solid starting point for your writing journey.