From Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story
Attend In-Person or Remotely via Zoom
Mini-Course Dates: June 23, 30; July 14, 28; August 4 (Mondays)
Meeting Times: 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Location: UW-Stout Campus With Option to Attend Remotely via Zoom
Registration: $149
We all have our own stories to tell. Maybe you want to write a book. Maybe you want to preserve memories for your family. Maybe you just want to document moments of your life. This workshop will provide you with guidance, support and resources regardless of where you are at in your writing process.
Throughout these five weeks, attendees will write their own stories. By reading inspiring memoir excerpts and responding to a variety of writing prompts, participants will rediscover their own memories. All attendees will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one conversation to discuss their writing, but sharing their work aloud during the sessions will be optional.
Who Should Attend?
No previous writing experience is required. Attendees will leave the workshop with the start of stories that they can continue to develop for family memory books or for publication.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of memoir writing.
- Develop skills to craft a moment into a scene.
- Learn how to use a variety of story structures.
- Explore the use of imagery in writing.
- Gain experience working with a writing coach.
Course Modules
Each session will focus on a combination of discussion-based learning and hands-on practice with your own writing. Here’s what you’ll explore week by week:
- Week 1: Defining Your Story (June 23)
- Narrow a focus to a specific time and place in your life.
- Week 2: Finding Your First Words (June 30)
- Learn how to start your story.
- Week 3: Showing & Telling (July 14)
- Use figurative language and sensory details.
- Week 4: Discovering Your Structure (July 28)
- Explore plot and dramatic tension.
- Week 5: Re-visioning & Reading (August 4)
- Edit your own work and learn from listening to stories of others.
- Edit your own work and learn from listening to stories of others.
Kate Roberts Edenborg is a seasoned journalist and educator with a Ph.D. in journalism and mass communication. With years of experience working as a professional journalist and teaching journalism at the university level, she brings a wealth of knowledge on both the theory and practice of writing non-fiction. Her expertise ensures that you’ll gain practical skills and new insights into memoir storytelling.
UW-Stout Continuing Education & Conferences welcomes individuals with disabilities and individualized needs. To request accommodations, please contact us at continuinged@uwstout.edu or 715-232-2793. While we encourage requests at least two weeks in advance, we will make every effort to accommodate those made closer to the program date. All requests are confidential.
The Universities of Wisconsin is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and complies with Title IX and ADA requirements, offering equal opportunities in employment and programming.
If you need to cancel, you can substitute someone else at no charge, otherwise please see the outlined cancellation fees below. If we cancel the program, you'll receive a full refund. Special cases may be considered.
More than 14 days from start date:
Full refund will be given to registrant.
14 day or less from start date:
An administrative fee of 3% of the registration cost plus $5 will be deducted from your refund.
If you are registered and do not attend the program, you are responsible for the full fee.