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Memoir Writing Classes NYC

Learn the art of crafting compelling memoirs in the heart of NYC with these immersive writing classes, where participants can discover the techniques for capturing personal stories and bringing them to life on the page.

2 classes in-person in NYC have spots left, and 9 classes live online are available.

Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

Gotham Writers Workshop @ 555 8th Ave, New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and capture your life story with expert guidance from seasoned writers at Gotham Writers Workshop. Learn essential techniques to craft compelling memoirs that resonate with readers, explore your unique experiences, and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the power of storytelling.

(745) Beginner 18 and older
$490

10 sessions

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Memoir Workshop

The Writers Studio @ Instructor-led Online Learning, New York, NY

Unlock the power of your personal story in the Memoir Workshop at The Writers Studio. Discover the techniques used by successful memoir writers to shape their charged experiences into captivating narratives. Emulate the voices of acclaimed authors and find your unique storytelling style in this immersive eight-week course.

(7) All levels 18 and older
$435

8 sessions

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Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

Gotham Writers Workshop

Uncover the fascinating stories of everyday life in this immersive workshop that teaches you how to craft your personal experiences into compelling memoirs. Develop the finesse of fiction writing as you learn techniques to captivate readers and market your work. Explore the power of storytelling and bring your unique life experiences to life on the page.

(745) All levels 18 and older
$464

2 sessions

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Memoir Writing Level 1 (Online)

Gotham Writers Workshop @ Zoom Conference

Uncover the fascinating stories of everyday life in this immersive workshop that teaches you how to craft your personal experiences into compelling memoirs. Develop the finesse of fiction writing as you learn techniques to captivate readers and market your work. Explore the power of storytelling and bring your unique life experiences to life on the page.

(745) Beginner 18 and older
$464

10 sessions

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Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

Writing Pad

Discover the secrets of turning your life's trials and tribulations into a captivating memoir with bestselling author Wendy Lawless. Join this online class to learn how to craft a compelling emotional journey, dig deep into your experiences, and write with vivid detail. Perfect for both experienced and aspiring writers.

(59) Beginner 18 and older

Memoir 3: Memorable Memoir Workshop

Writing Pad

Take your memoir to the finish line with the guidance of successful memoirist Erika Schickel in this online workshop. Get personalized feedback and custom homework exercises to address your specific difficulties and gain a technical understanding of how to solve them. Join a tight-knit writing group and make a significant dent in your memoir by the end of the class.

(59) All levels 16 and older
$495

5 sessions

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Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

Writing Pad

Turn your life's trials and tribulations into a captivating memoir with the guidance of Erika Schickel, LA Times bestselling author. Discover the secrets to infusing your memories with authenticity and creating a compelling emotional journey for your main character in this five-week online workshop. Unleash your writing potential and bring your story to life in this transformative course.

(59) All levels 16 and older
$475

5 sessions

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Memoir 2: Memorable Memoir Workshop

Writing Pad

Turn your life's twists and turns into compelling stories! Join this engaging online workshop and learn the secrets of crafting a memorable memoir. Gain insights into subtext, structure, dialogue techniques, and more, as you infuse your fascinating memories with authenticity and personality.

(59) All levels 16 and older
$495

5 sessions

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Intro to Memoir

Writing Pad

Unearth your untold stories with Laura Cathcart Robbins, acclaimed memoirist and educator, in this transformative five-week course at Writing Pad. Uncover the roots of your personal narratives, refine your creative nonfiction craft, and discover the art of captivating storytelling. Don't miss out on the chance to become the writer you've always aspired to be.

(59) Beginner 16 and older
$425

5 sessions

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The 90-Day Memoir Writing

L.A. Writers' Lab

Uncover the hidden truths of your life and embark on a transformative journey through the art of memoir writing. Join L.A. Writers' Lab and tap into the genius of your subconscious to create a powerful and universally relatable narrative. Discover the whole story within you and claim a coherent narrative for your life.

(2) All levels 18 and older
$1,000

14 sessions

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Online Memoir Workshop

The Writers Studio @ Google Meet

Discover the power of storytelling and learn to distill your life experiences into a memoir that captivates readers. Join this immersive online workshop to explore narrative techniques and find your unique voice, while receiving personalized feedback from a seasoned memoirist. Unleash your creativity and embark on a transformative writing journey.

(7) All levels 18 and older
$385

6 sessions

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Advanced Memoir with Cris Beam

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Many of us want to write memoirs, but families — good or bad — are loaded territory. Memories conflict with family lore; trauma in the past can trigger trouble in the present; and only the dead don’t mind when you spill their secrets. How do we navigate wisely, mining recollections without either slipping into solipsism or pandering to an imagined audience? In this class we’ll look at published writers who have done it, to trace their fault...

(1060) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$400

8 sessions

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Memoir with Michele Lent Hirsch

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Memoir lets us tell the stories we’ve been carrying around for years—the ones we've been wanting to share. Yet part of the magic of writing is that it helps us uncover other stories, too: ones we didn’t even know we had inside. Whether it springs from a long-ago family saga, a shift in our lives, or an encounter just last week that speaks to history or identity, memoir can help us find new aspects of ourselves, give others the chance to reflect...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$385

4 sessions

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Memoir with Anya Yurchyshyn

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Our personal stories are a vital part of who we are. When we explore our stories by writing memoir, we have the opportunity to understand our experiences more deeply and give others a chance to reflect on theirs. In this course, students will produce and share original autobiographical work, examine aspects of craft such as voice, structure and narration, and engage in critical conversations around topics such as memory, truth (and “truth”),...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$385

4 sessions

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Memoir with Wendy Salinger

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Nabokov said that the true purpose of memoir should be to discern and follow “the thematic designs of one’s life.” In that spirit, this class attempts to guide students in the quest to discover what story to tell and how to tell it. Class discussions — of works in progress and of weekly exercises written in reponse to excerpts from classic memoirs — explore elements of craft such as character, description, dialogue and pacing. The goal...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$385

4 sessions

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Memoir Manuscript: A Working Group with Leigh Stein

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

A workshop for writers working on book-length memoirs or essay collections. We examine and investigate the tricky questions that haunt writers of personal narrative: where does this story begin and end? What do I want my voice to sound like? How can I ever really know the truth of what happened? Will my unique experience resonate with readers who have never shared it? What will my family think? Through reading assignments and craft discussions, we...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$400

6 sessions

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Memoir-Writing with Betsy Bonner

92nd Street Y @ Online Classroom, New York, NY

This program is taking place remotely. If you have signed up, you will receive an email with details of how to access the program. If we are able to offer an in-person version of this class in the coming months, we will contact you and make both options available to you.  Memoir is not autobiography, which is intended to cover the whole life to date, but a short and significant stretch of a life—like a novel.  It’s also different...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$385

4 sessions

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Advanced Memoir with Wendy Salinger

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

In that spirit, this class attempts to guide students in the quest to discover what story to tell and how to tell it. Class discussions — of works in progress and of weekly exercises written in reponse to excerpts from classic memoirs — explore elements of craft such as character, description, dialogue and pacing.  The goal is to help students find their own voices and the written shape of their own truths. 

(1060) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$350

4 sessions

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How to Read a Memoir with Lori Rotskoff

92nd Street Y @ 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Memoirs offer a rewarding way to enhance cultural understanding, expand social awareness, and build empathy by inviting you to see the world through another person’s eyes. Learn why memoirs have become such a powerful (and sometimes controversial) genre; how to select the most compelling books; and how to analyze the works to enrich your intellectual and emotional understanding. Cultural historian Lori Rotskoff will present a lecture and interactive...

(1060) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

The Art of Personal Narrative

West Side YMCA - Community Arts @ 5 W 63rd St, New York, NY

This open-level class is for anyone interested in writing personal narrative in any form: memoir, creative nonfiction, or personal essay. Through insightful critique and focused discussion, we hone the tools of strong writing: distinctive voice, precise language, resonant imagery, vivid sensory description, dramatic scene and dialogue, and inventive form. Location Instructions: Students will need to check in with reception, and on their first visit...

(30) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$402

7 sessions

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Reviews for Memoir Writing Classes in NYC

Memoir Writing Classes in NYC are rated 4.5 stars based on 1,903 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

    Reviewed by Virginia S. on 8/8/2020
    Excellent class. I learned so much about the basics of memoir writing . West was very organized, clear and interesting!
  • Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

    Anonymous review on 12/26/2019
    Carmen Bugan is a generous teacher who knows how to help us unlock what we need to get started on writing a memoir. Her extensive knowledge and experience broadened the form of memoir and what it can become. I feel so lucky to have taken her class. The exercises in class were designed to illustrate each class's focus, and while they were not always easy to carry out, they were all good learning experiences. The workshop aspect was also helpful for our group, and Dr. Bugan's feedback, both spoken and in written comments on submissions, helped me move forward in form, and her high standards helped me to write better. A great deal of enthusiasm was generated in this class by Dr. Bugan, which made it a wonderful exploration for us all.
  • Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

    Reviewed by Cheryl Dolinger Brown on 12/21/2019
    This is one of the best courses I have taken as an adult. Carmen Bugan is an excellent instructor. Memoir one with Carmen is a course for beginning writers as well as those with experience. Through reading, short lectures, in-class exercises, weekly 500 word essays using the techniques studied in class, and two longer workshopped memoir pieces we begin to explore our spine and theme, use of description, dialogue, point of view, time, and other techniques. The students all do their homework and learn from each other as well. Carmen is caring, respectful, direct and encouraging to everyone. She reads everything we write and gets to know our individual voices. She organizes each class with clear instruction, in-class written exercises and homework assignments that teach the various techniques. Her assignments are always thought provoking. She creates a safe environment for all of the students to express themselves and grow. To repeat, Carmen is full of passion and is an outstanding teacher. It was a tremendous amount of work, but I signed up for it and learned so much. My daughter asked why I voluntarily agreed to do so much homework and it was easy to answer: I was ready to learn to write and I found the right teacher.
  • Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

    Reviewed by Judith D. on 7/28/2019
    The instructor Cullen Thomas was extremely knowledgable about the subject of memoir writing. I was also impressed that he remembered everyone's name after an initial introduction.I will definitely explore other curses available in memoir writing.
  • Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

    Reviewed by LinDa S. on 6/29/2019
    It was very insightful
  • Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

    Reviewed by ramona S. on 3/30/2019
    Amazing teacher! Amazing class
  • Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

    Reviewed by Peter B. on 3/21/2018
    Carmen is AMAZING
  • Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

    Reviewed by Latesha S. on 9/25/2017
    I love love loved this class. Nil,the instructor was a wonderful teacher. It was constructive and therapeutic. I creative think tank. I wish it were longer!
  • Memoir Writing Level 1: 10-Week Workshop

    Anonymous review on 9/20/2017
    Workshop style. Essential topics presented in an organized fashion with appropriate homework to reinforce and practice concepts.
  • Memoir Writing Level 1 (Self-Paced)

    Reviewed by Anika V. on 7/24/2017
    Feel I really got my time and money's worth in this class. Taking classes in universities can sometimes feel stiff and also costs way more but Gotham feels more accessible and casual but still professional. I'm a copywriter for a living but was curious about what it would take to write a personal project: a memoir. This class was a good intro to all you need to know. Even it was a one day intensive, it didn't overwhelm either so I give props to the instructor for handling our time and the exchanges among students well. Would def recommend this!

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