Your Singular Life

“Writing memoir is like being a miner, shining a light into the nooks and crannies of our lives,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “We think we know what we'll find, but we're often surprised by the depth and complexity we uncover.”

In this three-week class on Zoom, you’ll practice some of the fundamentals of memoir writing: re-creation of a specific place and time using sensory details, addition of moments of reflection and acknowledgement, and the creation of short scenes. Katharine will show you different ways to structure memoir pieces, and you’ll learn about the important role of the narrator – you – in guiding a reader through your lived experience.

Katharine will bring in examples of memoir pieces that you’ll read and talk about, examining how and why each piece works, and you’ll be inspired by the work of other memoir writers, such as Jesmyn Ward, Ann Patchett, and Ocean Vuong. You’ll write your own short pieces in class and be given a variety of prompts for writing at home. Katharine says, “As you work with these tools and techniques, you’ll learn how to illuminate your experiences, helping you find your way into your singular life."

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.