From Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story

Turn personal stories into a powerful personal narrative
In this Section

Notice: Course information and registration have moved

Course information and registration have moved to our new platform, Genius CE. Visit Genius CE to find this course and register. If you already registered, no action is needed — your information has been transferred.

Transform your lived experience into a compelling narrative. Across five two-hour sessions, you will read and analyze memoir excerpts to understand effective techniques, identify your target audience—whether family, community, or potential publication—and strengthen your observational skills to uncover the vivid details that bring personal stories to life. Each session includes structured writing time and targeted exercises that guide you in gathering sensory detail, shaping scenes, and refining your narrative voice. 

Participants will draft a partial memoir excerpt and receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor to move toward a polished memoir. No previous writing experience is required—this workshop is designed for anyone seeking to tell their story. After registration, participants will complete a survey so that the instructor can focus the course’s content and design to meet specific needs and interests of the group.  

 

 

workshop At A Glance
 

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Fall 2026
Sept. 10,17,24, Oct. 1 & 8, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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In-Person

On-Campus

Voc Rehab 225
 

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Cost

Early Bird or Stout Proud - 20% discount
Regular - $149

A person typing on a laptop at a white desk with a small potted plant in the background

What will you gain?

  • Understand the fundamentals of memoir writing
  • Develop skills to craft a moment into a scene
  • Learn how to use story structures
  • Explore the use of imagery in writing
  • Gain experience working with a writing coach

Who should enroll?

This course is designed for anyone interested in memoir writing or personal storytelling. No experience is required. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore your voice or someone wanting to shape meaningful life experiences into a narrative, this workshop provides the structure, guidance, and dedicated writing time needed to succeed.

What will it cost?

  • Early Bird Discount: 20% discount 
  • Stout Proud Discount (UW-Stout Faculty, Staff, Student, and Alumni): 20% discount
  • Regular Registration: $149
Important Notes:
  • REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2026 closes Sept. 9th.
  • Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive the discount.
  • Alumni: Reach out to gieskingj@uwstout.edu to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form.
  • Participants: Bring a personal laptop to class with the ability to send and receive feedback in Adobe PDF. 
  • FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions Page.
Who is your instructor?
Kate Roberts Edenborg 

Kate Edenborg Profile Photo

She teaches journalism and media courses and also mentors students. Edenborg pursues grants that allow her pay students to intern for non-profit community news outlets and collaborates with community members. She also was previously the faculty advisor for the campus news source, the Stoutonia. 

Before she came to UW-Stout, Edenborg worked as the patient education communication specialist for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also worked as an editor and reporter for a variety of publications, including the two metropolitan newspapers (Minnesota Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press) in the Twin Cities. Edenborg was also the assistant news editor for the Wausau (Wis.) Daily Herald. 

Her academic research focuses on journalism history with particular emphasis on how people, ideas, and concepts have been represented by images, text, and other symbols in mass media throughout American history. She is also very interested in health communication. 

 

Location & Parking

The parking lots nearest to Voc Rehab (building #7 in the Campus Map below) is Lot 1.

Important Note: 

Parking on the UW-Stout campus is regulated throughout the entire calendar year. All vehicles must be authorized to park by permit, pay station or meter. Pay stations are located near lots 14, 18, 27 and 29. Go to a pay station and purchase the time needed for parking. Your license plate is your permit. You will need your license plate number to enter into the pay station. Payment can be made by cash or card.

Once you have paid at a pay station, your vehicle's license plate must be visible from the driving lanes.