Master Class in Memoir

Emily Dickenson famously wrote: “Tell the truth, but tell it slant.” But where and how do you slant that truth? Memoir is often misunderstood to be synonymous with autobiography—a straight recounting of a life. But if that were so, David Sedaris wouldn’t be a writer, because his life just isn’t that eventful. Memoir is a literary form as nuanced as poetry or fiction. Through a combination of workshop, craft lessons, and studying great models, this class will explore the techniques of this literary art. Whether you’re just kicking around an idea for a memoir (or collection of personal essays) or you are on your third draft of a book, this class will help you map a way forward. The final session will focus on the quest for agents/publishers.