The Art of Memoir

Memoir is a tricky form—in it, writers must confront life-changing and difficult experiences and make meaning from those events. It’s about transforming memory into story, trauma into narrative.

In the process, there are many choices the author must make: how much to reveal, how to reveal it, and how to help others connect to a deeply personal experience.

In this six-week workshop, you’ll learn how to craft your memoir with insight, honesty, and deftness. In each class, I’ll incorporate helpful instruction, thought-provoking writing prompts, and space for lively discussion. We’ll also read excerpts from published memoirs to learn more about how authors manage form, tone, emotional pitch, honesty, and vulnerability in this type of writing.

Over the course of the workshop, each writer will get the chance to submit one chapter or essay to the class, and they’ll receive insightful feedback from both me and other students in class to help them revise.

Writers will leave class with enhanced insight into how to tell their personal stories and more confidence and assurance in their writing. They’ll also connect with a supportive community of writers who inspire and motivate them to complete their memoirs!

Course Calendar

• Week One: Form and content

• Week Two: Narrative structure; moving through time

• Week Three: What to include and what to omit; Workshop One

• Week Four: Character and setting; Workshop Two

• Week Five: Bringing scenes to vivid life; Workshop Three

• Week Six: Submitting, publishing, and more; Workshop Four

Class format

We will meet on Zoom for this summer workshop. (During non-pandemic times, we usually meet at The Annex on Avenue F).

Have questions about whether this workshop is right for you? Please feel free to email me with questions at jaime@freshinkaustin.com!