A Slice of Life: Memoir Writing

This memoir workshop will shine light on the human experience as viewed through your personal lens. Memoir usually, but not always, is written in first-person from the author’s point of view. It is distinct from autobiography in that it’s not meant to tell a complete life story that’s chronologically and historically accurate. Instead, a memoir usually focuses on a significant aspect of your life, such as a relationship or a pivotal moment. During workshop sessions, you will identify the stories in your life that matter most to you. We will use meditation and visualization to help you access and write about these key events. We’ll discuss how description, dialogue, and action bring them to life on the page. Rough drafts and revisions will allow you to achieve the level of connection and introspection you intend. We will also find inspiration through books and stories by authors who exemplify the art and heart of personal narratives. We’ll see how memoir can illuminate larger cultural themes - from the inhumanity of war, to racism, misogyny, and economic inequality - as viewed through lived experiences. We will understand why the more individualized the story, the more universal it becomes. In our sessions, listening, full-participation discussions, in-class writing exercises, meditations, stretching and movement, visualizations, and peer review, workshops become vital experiences. The workload requires a daily practice of free writing, weekly personal responses to assigned readings, films and speakers, and ongoing work on two to three short personal essays/stories. We’ll make adjustments in the schedule, as needed, to keep the workload at a comfortable and flexible pace. If you have questions or concerns, contact kwatters@sas.upenn.edu.