Write Your Memoir

Class Description

Class participants will be taken through the steps of writing a personal memoir in a non-threatening workshop environment. They will focus on a moment or a person from their past which established significant meaning in their life and contributed to the person they are today. Instruction will include structure and prompts for writing a memoir as well as details needed for a strong lead, the use of figurative language, dialogue and the development of a solid conclusion. By the final session of the workshop, participants will have written a memoir that validates choices, decisions, and events in their lives for themselves and for those who may choose to read their memoir.

Nancy W. Sindelar, PhD, has spent over thirty years in education as a teacher, administrator, university professor and consultant. She led writing workshops as a member of the Illinois Writing Project and has published numerous articles and three books on educational topics and two Hemingway biographies.

What to Expect

Format: In Person

Class Capacity: 24

Class Style: Workshop; participation- and assignment-based

Materials List

Required

• Notebook or Laptop

A Brief Syllabus

1. What is a Memoir
2. Imagery and Dialogue
3. Four Ways to Structure Your Memoir
4. Develop a Strong Lead
5. Publication

Cost and Registration

5 Sessions, $270 ($243 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($270), Community Supported ($250), and Sponsor ($290). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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View our full schedule of adult education classes.

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Questions?

Call us at (312) 255-3700 or send us an email at adulteducation@newberry.org.

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