01 — Core Message

This is the central theme of your story, the linkage between all the moments and experiences you intend to share that will take the reader through your journey and allow them to walk away with a sense of being seen, motivation to change, and a roadmap for their own healing and self-reflection.

02 — Memoir Structure

Sometimes it seems like there are as many memoir structures as there are memoirs, and it can be difficult to figure out how to structure your story to deliver the greatest impact. Should you keep it chronological? Group by theme? Like bones of a skeleton, some patterns are tried and true. We explore 8 of these structures and which types of memoirs are suited for each.

03 — Character Development & Scene Cards

You know yourself so it may look simple on the surface to create your “character”. However, as many writers attempt to capture their essence in story form, it can be difficult to distill down what aspects of your personality, values, and belief systems are relevant for the story you’re telling and your reader’s understanding of you. We’ll also introduce the structure of a scene card and how you can use it to start building the framework of your memoir, even if you don’t know the full structure or how it’ll end yet.

04 — Plot Overview & Scene Card Workshop

Most people who feel pulled to write memoir don’t come with a background in plot development or story structure, we are simply motivated to share the story on our hearts. Step by step outlining and basic understanding a plot will set you up for a moving story that takes the reader on an immersive journey. We’ll discuss basic elements of plot before digging deeper the following two weeks and will also use this time to workshop you first scene card.

05 — Act 1 & 2

There are common storytelling elements that occur in the first and second act of a story. Using Blake Snyder’s “Save The Cat” beats, we’ll talk though each of these elements so that when a reader opens your book to the center, they are likely to land near the key “midpoint” moment of your story. Nailing the timing of these beats is beneficial to story pacing and tension management.

06 — Act 3

Act 3 has so many essential story telling elements that we break it out into its own week. This is where you are tying up both the main plot and subplot threads, showing final tests and lessons learned. A good Act 3 is what leaves the reader with a satisfying ending to your story that inspires them to share your book with others or leave a review.

07 — Memory: Truths, Lies, and Disclaimers

Memory is a core part of writing memoir, and yet it can be tricky to nail down. Two people can experience the same event and have vastly different takeaways. We’ll talk through the challenges of memory as well as the way the memoir genre approaches truths and lies. Did you know there are some lies that are “permissible” in the genre? We’ll also explore disclaimers and author notes that are common practice in memoir publishing to help ease hesitations about writing your story and how you share about the stories of others that intersect with your own.

08 — Sharing & Feedback

This is the opportunity for each participant to share about the details of their memoir they have worked on throughout the program and to request feedback from the group on any aspects they are unsure about. This is meant to be constructive and celebratory of the work accomplished during the 8-week period. Insights gleaned from feedback and reflection will help each writer see the next step on a clear path to writing their story.