The 5-Minute Memoir

Instructor Rob Williams says, “I love being wowed by a short piece of writing, something that may take only three to five minutes to read, but in its brevity is still rich with candor, humor, or heartbreak, and leaves me thinking about it long after I’ve read the last sentence.”

The 5-Minute Memoir, a popular recurring section of Writer’s Digest magazine, is a 600-word essay reflection on the writer’s life, and though it typically takes five minutes to read, it can impact and resonate far beyond the page. In this half-day online workshop, we’ll explore more than just the writing life (though writing about that is fine, too!) to include the small and large experiences that affect us, whether a walk in the park with a friend or a major life transition.

Rob says, “We will begin by reading and discussing some examples of the 5-minute memoir written by well-established and new writers, and then, through fun and insightful prompts, you’ll learn how to move from sketching out an anecdote to the actual writing. The short writing exercises will help you enhance character details and setting descriptions and encourage you to pay special attention to evoking self-reflection and significance.”

From the writing exercises, optional sharing, and detailed instructor feedback, participants will leave the class with a 5-minute memoir, be it a hilarious narrative or a pensive reflection, that is a small, eloquent glimpse into what makes you you.

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.