Memoir Essentials Class with Dr. Karen Fine, Monday Nights from 7 PM to 9 PM, starting September 16th, 2024

Description

BIO:

Dr. Karen Fine is a veterinarian and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life and Mortality, and a veterinary textbook, Narrative Medicine in Veterinary Practice. With over twenty-five years of experience in veterinary house calls and a deep understanding of the role of stories in our relationships, Dr. Fine brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her teaching. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times and Time Magazine, and she continues to practice small animal medicine in Central Massachusetts.

 

DESCRIPTION:

This eight-week interactive Memoir Essentials class, taught by New York Times bestselling author Dr. Karen Fine, will guide participants through the process of writing a compelling and authentic memoir. Dr. Fine will share her expertise in crafting scenes, writing to an audience, and the emotional depths of memoir writing. Participants will learn how to structure their memoirs, develop their voice, utilize writing resources, and incorporate their unique life experiences into their writing. Additionally, one or two student memoir pieces will be discussed each week, providing an opportunity for constructive feedback in a safe and supportive environment. Prompt exercises will be given either in class or as homework.

 

Week-by-Week Breakdown:

Week 1: Introduction to Memoir Writing
Topics Covered:

• What is a memoir?
• Differences between memoir and autobiography
• The importance of authenticity
• How is a memoir scene like a photo?
• Introduction to giving and receiving writing feedback
• Discuss memoir chapter sent in advance
• Sign-ups for memoir/writing discussions
• Writing prompt: Describe a pivotal moment in your life

Week 2: Finding Your Voice
Topics Covered:

• What are your reasons for writing, and who is your audience?
• Balancing honesty with storytelling
• What helps you write? What stops you from writing?
• Types of edits: developmental/structural, line edits, copy edits
• Activities:
  o Review author feedback guidelines
  o Writing prompt: Write about a significant relationship in your life
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 3: Structuring Your Memoir
Topics Covered:

• Common structures of memoirs
• Creating a compelling narrative arc
• Structure may change as you write
• Activities:
  o Outlining exercises
  o Writing prompt: Outline a chapter of your memoir
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 4: Memoir Themes: The Role of Reflection and Analysis
Topics Covered:

• Integrating personal reflection
• Analyzing life events with depth
• Activities:
  o Reflection exercises
  o Writing prompt: Write about the themes of a favorite memoir, or about your own
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 5: Writing About Relationships
Topics Covered:

• Portraying characters in memoir
• Navigating sensitive topics and relationships
• Activities:
  o Character sketches
  o Writing prompt: Write a scene focusing on a key relationship
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 6: Writing Resources & Incorporating Sensory Details
Topics Covered:

• Using sensory details to bring scenes to life
• Balancing description with action
• How to be a good literary citizen
• Writing resources
• Activities:
  o Sensory detail exercises
  o Writing prompt: Describe a place that holds significant meaning to you
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 7: Writing about tough topics
Topics Covered:

• How to be Vulnerable but still keep your sense of privacy
• Concept of “self-disclosure”
• Fine’s experiences and insights from “The Other Family Doctor”
• Activities:
  o Writing about something someone revealed that surprised you
  o Discussion on revealing deeply personal stories: hopes and fears
• o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Week 8: Revision and Feedback, Publishing Avenues
Topics Covered:

• Techniques for revising and polishing your memoir
• Beta readers, critique groups, editors
• Types of publishing: traditional, small press, hybrid, self
• Activities:
  o Final revisions and sharing excerpts
  o Feedback: Discuss one or two student memoir pieces

Additional Features:

• Handout on Writing Resources, including books, websites, podcasts, social media groups, critique groups, writing in company, and conferences.

Recommended but not required:

Writing the Memoir by Judith Barrington

Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Book by Allison K. Williams

Bird by Bird by Amme Lamott