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Time Travel in Memoir

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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, using the video meeting platform 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, October 15, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer 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.


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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 received the 2018 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award and a fellowship from the Edward F. Albee Foundation. She has attended residencies at VCCA, The Studios of Key West, PLAYA, and the Eastern Frontier Educational Foundation on Norton Island, Maine. Her work has appeared in Off Assignment, Elle magazine, The Guardian, and elsewhere. She holds an M.F.A. in nonfiction from Columbia University and has taught at Columbia, Davidson College, Sackett Street Writers’ Workshop, Catapult, and the Unterberg Poetry Center at the 92nd Street Y. A Maine native, she is currently living in Oklahoma as a 2020-2021 Tulsa Artist Fellow, and is based in Brooklyn, NY. VISIT sarahperryauthor.net


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. Please note that mail delivery to the MWPA office is currently experiencing extensive delays, so please email hannah@mainewriters.org first if you would like to register by mail.

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 October 5 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