This workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org
A Memoir Writing Workshop
Level: All Levels
Many of us enjoy stories that make us laugh, yet there is little discussion of what techniques can be used to write with humor. In this workshop, participants will learn how to mine their lives for moments they can capture through a humorous lens. We will study and discuss premise, tone, and specific language techniques such as the “rule of three.” We will also explore the philosophy of humor as well as the concept of “punching up.” Short readings will include work by Samantha Irby, Sloan Crosley, and David Sedaris. This workshop is generative and will include an opportunity to respond to prompts and share work with the group.
+ 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 September 8th 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.
Shana Genre’s humor writing has appeared in McSweeney’s, The Museum of Americana, The Portland Phoenix, P.S. I Love You, The Bigger Picture, The Belladonna Comedy, Slackjaw, The Second City, Points in Case, and The Haven. She was the 2021 recipient of the Dibner Memorial Fellowship and is currently working on a collection of humorous personal essays called Pedaling Into Oblivion.
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 August 27th 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