Memoir Beginnings is a beginner-to-mid level writing workshop where we'll examine the openings to four different memoirs, and have the opportunity to receive feedback on the first chapter (or up to 15 pages) of your memoir project. With any story, it’s important to have a strong opening that brings readers in. So what makes a compelling opening? How can that opening set up the reader for the rest of your story? In this class, we’ll examine the openings of four different memoirs and look at:
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What grabs us right away
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What the writer sets us up for
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What these opening chapters do (and don’t do) to make it a successful start
We’ll look at the openings of several memoirs, including:
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Grief is for People, by Sloane Crosley (a surprisingly funny novel about loss)
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Motherhood, by Sheila Heti
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I Would Meet You Anywhere, by Susan Ito
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The Country of the Blind, be Andrew Leland
All in-class reading material will be provided by the instructor, though it’s highly recommended you get your hands on a copy and read the full book! Each class starts with a short writing warm up using memoir-focused, generative writing prompts. Writing is such a deeply personal endeavor. My classes provide a safe space to share your work so that we can feel productive and free of judgment. Let’s get your memoirs moving!
Class supplies: Please bring a writing utensil and notebook