Your Singular Life: An Introduction to Memoir Writing

“Writing memoir is like being a miner, shining a light into the nooks and crannies of our lives,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “We think we know what we'll find, but we're often surprised by the depth and complexity we uncover.”

In this half-day workshop, you’ll practice some of the fundamentals of memoir writing: re-creation of a specific place using sensory details, the addition of moments of reflection and acknowledgement, and the creation of short scenes. Katharine will bring in examples of memoir pieces that you’ll read and talk about, examining how and why each piece works, and you’ll write some “starter pieces,” responding to two or three different prompts designed to elicit the memoir mode.

Katharine says, “As you work with these tools and techniques, you’ll learn how to illuminate your experiences, helping you find your way into your singular life.”