This workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org.
A Memoir Workshop
Level: All Levels
In memoir, the writer takes the reader on a journey through the past, illuminated by the present. The best memoirs include not only a past-experiencing protagonist, but a contemporary, self-aware narrator who leads the reader confidently through the events depicted. The juxtaposition of these two narrative modes allows readers to vividly experience events in the writer’s life, while simultaneously gaining insight and depth from the narrator.
Attendees will examine excerpts from the work of several writers—such as Mary Karr, Cheryl Strayed, and Jordan Thomas—who modulate between these two consciousnesses, expertly manipulating time to guide and enlighten the reader. Students will develop a vocabulary for describing these shifts in time, and will try out these techniques in several writing exercises. The class will consider how to use nonlinear chronology to ethically negotiate issues of truth and gaps in memory, and how the structure of a story might trace the shape of memory itself. Students will also learn strategies for conjuring memories, and staying safe and grounded in their bodies while mentally inhabiting the past.
+ 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 July 14th 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.
Sarah Perry is the author of the memoir After the Eclipse, which was named a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a Poets & Writers Notable Nonfiction Debut, and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. Perry is the recipient of a 2020-2022 Tulsa Artist Fellowship, the 2018 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award, and fellowships from the Edward F. Albee Foundation, VCCA, Playa, and The Studios of Key West. She holds an M.F.A. in nonfiction from Columbia University.
Perry will be Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of North Texas beginning in fall 2022. She was the 2019 McGee Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at Davidson College, and has also taught at Columbia University, Manhattanville College, The Sackett Street Writers’ Workshop, the Unterberg Poetry Center at the 92nd Street Y, and Catapult. Her writing has appeared in Off Assignment, Elle magazine, The Guardian, and other outlets.
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. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by July 5th 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