WRIT42275 - Memoir Beginnings

Course Description

Starting a memoir can be daunting. First chapters are revised again and again. We'll look at some excellent opening chapters and discuss why they work. What's left out? What's essential to hook the reader? Master the art of captivating readers as your memoir begins.

Within a few days after the first session, students will turn in up to twelve pages of their first memoir chapters. The instructor will return critiques four days before the second session. Students will integrate those comments and edits, and bring the revision to the second session. Excerpts of revised first chapters will be shared and discussed in the second session.

First session: October 16

First chapter due to instructor: October 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Instructor returns comments: October 25

Second session: October 30

Pre-class Assignment: Before the first session, take a look at first chapters that you'd like to emulate and bring a copy to class.

Please note that the dates for this class have been changed to Wednesdays, October 16 and 30, 6:30-9 p.m.