This workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org.
A Memoir Workshop
ALL LEVELS
Whether you are knee-deep in your life story or looking for a way to begin, this workshop will give you the tools and guidance necessary to move forward.
We will examine the history and nature of memoir and discuss the tricky issue of truth vs. fact. We’ll talk about the way in which imagination informs memory, how our easiest “truths” are not always our best ones and consider new ways to approach being honest with the reader—and ourselves. From there, we’ll get down to the nuts and bolts: how to develop a clear thesis, how to establish your voice, where to start and end your narrative and how to make your world come alive for your reader through sharp prose and vivid detail. Then we will examine these things in our own writing through rewarding workshopping sessions. There are always lots of laughs during these sessions, as well as a few tears shed (usually by the instructor).
+SUBMIT Please submit one completed essay or a section of your memoir-in-progress (no longer than 1,000 words, please) for discussion and critique by Thursday, January 26th to programs@mainewriters.org with the subject line, “PEAVEY MSS”. Please save your document as, “Last name, First name, Peavey MSS”. Constructive critiquing techniques will be offered to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
+ 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 2nd 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.
Elizabeth Peavey has been teaching memoir and personal narrative for MWPA since the days of quill and parchment. She is the author three books and countless print columns and features, including for Down East magazine, where she is a contributing editor. Her one-woman show, My Mother’s Clothes Are Not My Mother, ran for six years and received the Maine Literary Award for Best Drama. She has conducted personal narrative workshops for Bay Path University and Stonecoast's MFA programs, as well as for new Mainers, prison inmates, an online elders group, and middle school boys, among others. She is a frequent keynote and guest lecturer at conferences and schools, and she provides communications training – with an emphasis on story – to institutions and organizations in fields ranging from finance and health, to the arts, education, and advocacy.
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. The scholarship spot has been filled for this workshop.
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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