The Memoir Series
October 7 - October 28
Four Saturdays, 10am - 1pm PST
Online via Zoom • $375
We all have life stories to tell. But how do we write about our lives in a way that will engage a reader? This series focuses on the craft of writing memoir. Each class provides concrete tools and strategies for transforming memory into compelling narrative. Format includes reading, discussion and writing exercises. Class size is limited.
Class 1: The Narrator
How do we find the right voice to tell our story? The narrator’s voice is central to the success of any memoir. It releases the story from the raw material of life and illuminates style, tone and point of view. In this class, writers explore strategies for creating compelling narrators.
Class 2: Scene and Exposition
Scene is the building block of narrative; it brings the reader into a moment-to-moment experience of a story. But how do we know when to move from scene to exposition? In this class, writers learn how scene and exposition are used effectively to create engaging memoir.
Class 3: Writing Believable Characters
How do we get the people we know onto the page? In memoir, we often take characters for granted because we know them. This class helps memoir writers reach beyond the familiar and craft characters in vivid and memorable detail.
Class 4: The Shape of Time
In memoir, we view events from two vantage points: then and now. How do writers accommodate this shifting narrative stance? This class explores how memoirists organize time, voice and point of view to structure scenes and create coherence.
Connie Josefs is a writer, teacher and memoir coach. She leads workshops in memoir and memoir-based fiction and has taught at the University of New Mexico, Southwest Writers, The Taos Writers Conference and Santa Monica College, where she was founding editor of the literary journal, “E-33: Writings from Emeritus.” She holds an MFA in fiction from Antioch University LA and has worked as a writer and story analyst for film and television. More at www.conniejosefs.com.
What Students Are Saying about Connie Josefs
"The class went above and beyond my expectations! Connie is gifted in approach, connection,
and content. – Erin P.
"Connie was clear and specific, answered questions thoughtfully and had us do writing
exercises in each segment. She is an excellent teacher. I feel so much better equipped to work
on my memoir now." – Ruth M.
"The class totally met my expectations – so rich in content and experience." – Joan L.
"Connie’s class surpassed my expectations. The instructor is deeply knowledgeable and wove
many helpful concepts and exercises together to great effect." – Athena K.