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Finding the Core of Your Memoir in Complicated Times
What elevates great memoir above a mere recollection of experience or an information dump? How does the new (or seasoned) memoirist unearth the thread of their story that speaks both to its universality and its specificity? How do writers of memoir give themselves permission to tell their stories, if they consider them to be too mundane, or too dangerous?
In this generative workshop, Elissa Altman will explore how to effectively control and structure the use of information and narrative in memoir. She will lead attendees in exercises that will both reveal the narrative nugget at the heart of their stories and hone the distinct voices that unlock them. Altman will share readings from key memoirists during the workshop, and will provide attendees with generative prompts geared to finding the magic in the mundane. During the reading portion of the workshop, she will provide brief feedback on attendees’ in-class writing.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a solid understanding of the importance of creating a narrative hierarchy as they move through the writing of their memoir.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform Zoom, which means students may participate from the comfort of their own homes (or anywhere with a reliable, fast internet connection). 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, July 16, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will be available for a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, 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.
Elissa Altman is the James Beard Award-winning author of the memoirs Motherland: A Memoir of Love, Loathing, and Longing (Penguin Random House); Treyf: My Life as an Unorthodox Outlaw (Penguin Random House); and Poor Man's Feast: A Love Story of Comfort, Desire, and the Art of Simple Cooking (Penguin Random House). Her work can be found in O: The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, Krista Tippett's On Being, Tin House, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and has been anthologized in Best Food Writing for six consecutive years. She has spoken live on stage at TEDx, The Public in New York City, and teaches at Fine Arts Work Center and beyond. VISIT ElissaAltman.com
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. 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 July 6 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