Memoir: Creating Your Narrative Arc with Catherine Stover
Register HERE Many writers start with a general idea of what their memoirs will be about, such as their time in the Navy, or their rough childhood, or the unexpected way their life has evolved. This can be a good way to begin. After writing some stories or making a list of ideas for stories, though, questions crop up, such as: How do these pieces fit together? What should I include? What should I leave out? If a publisher or a writing group is consulted, the writer is asked: What is your narrative arc? In this workshop, we will figure this out together. We will use this four-step process: I will share examples of how narrative arcs have evolved. We will brainstorm and ask questions together. By the end of the four weeks, we will have worked through a set of worksheets that culminates in a sketch of your narrative arc. While Critique Groups share pages that they have written, writers in this workshop will focus on building the foundation for the structure of your memoir. Whether you have written 5 pages or 500 pages of your memoir, this workshop will help you make important decisions so that you can identify your specific goal, audience, and subject that supports your narrative arc. Please Note: WWA highly recommends that participants have a computer and reliable access to the internet. It is nearly impossible to participate in the sessions using only a smartphone. Having a rudimentary understanding of Google Docs, Word, and Zoom is also recommended. If you have questions, concerns, or need to know more about the group before you sign up, contact Jennifer Rupp: jrupp25@gmail.com
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Catherine was introduced to the power of memoir when her 79-year-old grandfather wrote a 100-page book about his life. He asked her to be his typist. She saw how his book helped future generations understand family history and how it shaped the way this grandfather is remembered. She has taught memoir classes and workshops for a decade, and is an award- winning writer and an award-winning teacher. She is the author of the book A Palette of Memories: Finding Clarity in Memoir,which the Wisconsin Writers Association will publish in March of 2027. |
