This workshop is FULL. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org
A Workshop on the Essentials of Memoir Writing
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Many people know they have stories that would make a great memoir, either for traditional publication or simply to share with their family and friends. They might spend years with the idea of writing one tucked in a corner of their brain, buried under their fears, concerns, or simply their busy lives. So how does a writer overcome these obstacles and launch into their story?
In this course, participants will learn how to kickstart the process of writing their memoir. Attendees will read examples of excellent memoirs for guidance and ideas, and discuss the techniques used by each of the memoirists, thinking about how to apply those strategies to their own work. After studying each memoir excerpt, participants will follow a series of generative writing prompts, inspired by the readings, to explore the most crucial elements of memoir writing: structure, setting, character, and voice.
Participants will also analyze their own strengths and weaknesses as writers through a series of reflective writing exercises; they will leave class with a better understanding of their own writing habits and processes, and how best to keep themselves motivated to continue writing their memoir long after the course is over.
This class will offer a supportive, productive, and generative atmosphere for memoirists of every experience level, and participants will leave with—at the very least!—the beginning pages of their 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 Wednesday, November 10, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, 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.
E.B. Bartels is a writer, editor, and teacher from Massachusetts. Her narrative nonfiction book, Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter, a hybrid memoir/researched work exploring the world of loving and losing animals, is forthcoming from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2022. Her nonfiction has appeared in Catapult, Electric Literature, The Believer Logger, The Rumpus, The Millions, The Toast, The Butter, and the anthology The Places We’ve Been, among others. In addition, she writes the monthly column "Non-Fiction by Non-Men" for the site Fiction Advocate, in which she interviews women and genderqueer/non-binary people who write nonfiction. E.B. holds a BA in Russian literature and studio art from Wellesley College and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University. Currently, she teaches at the creative writing center GrubStreet and lives outside Boston with her fiancé, Richie, and their many pets.
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 Hannah Perry at hannah@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 November 1 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION