Class Description

Through a combination of craft talks, examples from published work, and generative exercises (both in class and to try at home), this 3 session class will touch on everything you need to know about writing a successful memoir, i.e. one people want to read. There will also be plenty of opportunity each week to share writing in small groups. Week 1: How to find your story (Structure. Plot. What the heck is this about anyway? Week 2: How to write your story (Scene vs Summary. Setting. Dialogue. When—and when not—to use flashback & backstory.) Week 3: How to make people care about your story, plus all those bothersome ethical questions. (What was I thinking: Writing Interiority. How to make the reader feel all the feels. No bad guys.) All sessions will be recorded, and the recording made available to all registered participants. Instructor bio: Janis Cooke Newman is the author of the memoir, 'The Russian Word for Snow,' which People Magazine called, "A nail-biting adoption saga." She is also the author of "Mary: Mrs. A. Lincoln," which was an LA Time Book Prize Finalist, as well as USA Today's Historical Novel of the Year, and "A Master Plan for Rescue," which was an SF Chronicle Best Book of the Year.