Memoir Club workshop: dropping the reader into the scene
Join memoirist, editor, and teacher Catriona Turner for this 90-minute writing workshop for memoirists.
This is for you if:
you're revising a memoir manuscript and you're ready to focus on sentence-level craft.
you're writing from life on your blog or Substack and want to elevate your prose.
you're a memoir enthusiast and fascinated by the craft of life writing.
This might not be for you right now if:
you're in the early stages of drafting a memoir and just trying to piece the story together. Sentence-level craft can come later.
We'll discuss examples from at least two published memoirs, looking closely at how each writer immerses their reader in scenes or vignettes without needing detailed transitions.
(The memoirs: 'Toast' by Nigel Slater and 'Just Kids' by Patti Smith. Reading ahead is not required, but if you have a copy, feel free.)
I'll break down some language techniques that will help keep your scenes compelling and immersive.
And I'll give you writing prompts and, importantly, writing time, to play with those techniques either in your work in progress or in a new piece. Then there will be homework, if you want it!
EXTRA CREDIT
Buy an Extra Credit ticket for the option to submit homework of up to 2000 words for feedback from me.
There will be a recording available for ticket holders after the workshop.