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This workshop is full and registration is closed.

Transforming Personal Stories into Memoir

ALL LEVELS

How do memoir writers select, develop, and transform their personal stories into art? How do they know which scenes and stories from lives are the essential ones, the ones they’re meant to tell?

 In this workshop, participants will delve into the craft of memoir by focusing on how to make art from personal experience. They will brainstorm subject matter possibilities; explore the writing process from conception to narrative structure and finding one’s voice; and touch on the basics of editing and revision. The instructor will provide writing prompts, and participants will have the chance to share short pieces while supporting each other with constructive feedback.

 Participants will leave the workshop with a sense of the stories they are most compelled to delve into, and practical strategies for moving forward with their personal essay or memoir.

 + PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday, February 23rd from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.

+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).

If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.


Jessica Berger Gross is the author of the memoir Estranged: Leaving Family and Finding Home (Scribner), as well as the bestselling Kindle Single Estranged, and the editor of the anthology About What Was Lost: 20 Writers on Miscarriage, Healing, and Hope. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times MagazineNew York Magazine’s The CutPoets & Writers, LongreadsYoga Journal, and The Globe and Mail. Jessica has taught memoir and the personal essay at the Harvard University Extension School and in the BFA program at the University of British Columbia. She lives in Maine with her husband and son. 


ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION

QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.

REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.

REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.



SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due on February 10th at 9:00 a.m.
→ MORE INFORMATION

MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION