SEMINAR | Master Your Memoir’s Structure
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SEMINAR | Master Your Memoir’s Structure
September 13 @ 3:00 pm – September 20 @ 5:00 pm EDT
Learn how to build a structure that serves your themes and propels readers forward.
Live on Zoom | Saturdays, September 13 & 20 @ 3:00-5:00 pm EDT
Structure is often the hardest part of writing a memoir. How do we decide what material is relevant? How do we find a container for our stories that will convey meaning? And how do we arrange our memories and experiences into a strong arc that keeps readers turning pages?
This 2-part seminar will give you hands-on tools for going from messy first draft to a clear, compelling structure. We’ll address 3 key elements of memoir structure: scope (what belongs and what doesn’t), sequencing (how to arrange chapters and scenes), and container (i.e. braided, associative, chronological, etc.).
In Part 1, you’ll learn how to distinguish between “story” and “situation,” evaluate what material belongs and doesn’t, and build your arc.
Part 2 will focus on finding the perfect container for your story, sequencing your scenes, and crafting strong transitions that guide readers from start to finish.
Through hands-on exercises and published memoir examples, you’ll leave with a structural blueprint and a clear roadmap for refining your memoir’s arc.
In this insightful TWO-DAY live seminar, you’ll learn to:
- IDENTIFY the scope of your memoir by finding the deeper “story” beneath the “situation” of your experiences.
- EXPLORE different memoir structures (using published memoirs as examples) and find the right fit for your story.
- LEARN HOW to strengthen your narrative arc, and which scenes to expand, cut, or rearrange to build momentum and emotional resonance.
This seminar is ideal for writers who:
- Need help deciding what material belongs and doesn’t belong in their memoir
- Have a complete or near-complete draft of a memoir, and need help shaping it into a compelling arc
- Want to explore different structural possibilities for their memoir
- Want to hone the structure of their manuscript before submitting it to agents and editors
Closed captioning is available. ✔
All registrants receive the recording. ✔
ABOUT YOUR Instructor
Katie Bannon is a writer, editor, and educator whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Rumpus, ELLE Magazine, Narratively, and more. Her memoir manuscript, which charts her journey as a compulsive hair puller, was a finalist for the Permafrost Nonfiction Book Prize. A graduate of GrubStreet’s Memoir Incubator, she holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from Emerson College. She is a developmental editor who loves working with memoirists and essayists on how to write and revise their most vulnerable, taboo stories. She teaches at GrubStreet and lives in Central Massachusetts with her partner and two cats.
Student Testimonials
“Katie is the best writing instructor I have ever had. Her presentation was impeccable. She provided an abundance of ideas, details, examples, and information. In fact, the class was overflowing with information. I have nothing but praise for Katie and the class content.”
“Katie was an amazing instructor. She explained core concepts with clarity and ease, provided excellent examples and writing samples, and created a very supportive learning environment. The class truly exceeded my expectations!”
“Holy moly, this was a superb class. Instructor was well-prepared with lots of valuable and well-organized information and ideas. I have already begun applying some of the tools from class to revise—and what a difference it’s making!”
THE FINE PRINT
We understand that life can get in the way of your plans. We want you to be able to get the most out of your course, and our refund policy is designed to balance your need for flexibility with our deadlines and obligations to our teachers.
Before the class, you may request a full refund.
Please keep in mind that no refunds or credits will be issued after class begins.
Questions? Please email Info@writingcraft.com
