THE WORKSHOP
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While the majority of memoirs* are written in chronological, linear fashion with clear transitions, the segmented (or sometimes called mosaic, collage, or episodic) memoir is different. Whether it’s a full-length memoir or a memoir essay, the segmented memoir is made of shorter sections or segments that are separated by lots of white space.
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*While this course focuses on memoir as its genre, the mosaic style can be applied to all creative nonfiction writing. |
They are not necessarily in chronological order, nor are there always clear transitions between the segments. This allows writers freedom to move back and forth in time; to toggle between story and reflection; to explore thematic tangents and make associative leaps; to include memory and dream fragments; and to incorporate a variety of sources and resources such as images, artwork, quotations, facts and research, journal entries, letters, poetry, and other ephemera.
In this workshop, Jennifer will introduce participants to the genre of the segmented memoir, offering examples from full-length memoir books and shorter stand-alone essays. She’ll discuss the advantages of using this creative form, as well as its many challenges, and enumerate the potential pitfalls to be avoided. She’ll explore techniques such as juxtaposition, association, accumulation, sequencing, parallelism, patterning, cross-cutting, and the use of headings and other organizational and design tools.
In this workshop, Jennifer will introduce participants to the genre of the segmented memoir, offering examples from full-length memoir books and shorter stand-alone essays. She’ll discuss the advantages of using this creative form, as well as its many challenges, and enumerate the potential pitfalls to be avoided. She’ll explore techniques such as juxtaposition, association, accumulation, sequencing, parallelism, patterning, cross-cutting, and the use of headings and other organizational and design tools.
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After an exploration of the genre, Jennifer will guide participants in outlining content and beginning to draft a theme- and/or subject-based stand-alone work (this could be applied to or expanded into a full-length memoir), using simple yet elegant templates.
Participants will leave the course with rich resources including example essays; definitions; lists of tools and techniques; drafting templates; suggested topics, themes, and writing prompts; and a working draft of their own. The session will be recorded if you can't make it live. |