MEMOIR IS A TRICKY FORM—in it, writers must confront life-changing
and difficult experiences and make meaning from those events. It’s
about transforming memory into story, trauma into narrative.In the
process, there are many choices the author must make: how much to
reveal, how to reveal it, and how to help others connect to a deeply
personal experience.
In this six-week workshop, you’ll learn how to craft your memoir
with insight, honesty, and deftness. In each class, I’ll incorporate
helpful instruction, thought-provoking writing prompts, and space for
lively discussion. We’ll also read excerpts from published memoirs
to learn more about how authors manage form, tone, emotional pitch,
honesty, and vulnerability in this type of writing.
Over the course of the workshop, each writer will get the chance to
submit one chapter or essay to the class, and they’ll receive
insightful feedback from both me and other students in class to help
them revise.
Writers will leave class with enhanced insight into how to tell their
personal stories and more confidence and assurance in their writing.
They’ll also connect with a supportive community of writers who
inspire and motivate them to complete their memoirs!
COURSE CALENDAR
*
WEEK ONE: Form and content
*
WEEK TWO: Narrative structure; moving through time
*
WEEK THREE: What to include and what to omit; Workshop One
*
WEEK FOUR: Character and setting; Workshop Two
*
WEEK FIVE: Bringing scenes to vivid life; Workshop Three
*
WEEK SIX: Submitting, publishing, and more; Workshop Four
CLASS FORMAT
We will meet on Zoom for this summer workshop. (During non-pandemic
times, we usually meet at The Annex on Avenue F).
Have questions about whether this workshop is right for you? Please
feel free to email me with questions at jaime@freshinkaustin.com!
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17/08/2020 Last update