THE WORKSHOP
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. 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 memoirs 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 memoirs 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. *If money is a hardship, please email Jennifer here with a scholarship request.
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THE INTENSIVE
OPTIONAL
After the workshop, participants will be invited to enroll for small-group intensives (3 to 4 participants) which will meet twice online within three to four weeks of the workshop. The purpose of the intensive is to share drafts of segmented essays or memoirs-in-progress (up to 2500 words), and receive two sets of written and oral feedback from Jennifer and the group. Jennifer will provide a revision and editing checklist, and offer suggestions for potential places to submit stand-alone essays for publication.
The intensive is for anyone who 1) wants to maintain the workshop’s momentum and 2) appreciates the accountability afforded by due dates and deadlines and 3) enjoys a supportive, encouraging environment with other creators and 4) who values feedback on works-in-progress. Participants will be required to turn in two drafts of their work prior to each session, as well as read and comment upon their classmates’ pages in between sessions.
To the extent possible, participants will be grouped into intensives based on similarities in content and/or style (for example, writers incorporating images, or those who use poetry may be placed together). In addition, participants who are part of Jennifer’s memoir community may request to be grouped together with other cohort members who've also completed the workshop.
The intensive is for anyone who 1) wants to maintain the workshop’s momentum and 2) appreciates the accountability afforded by due dates and deadlines and 3) enjoys a supportive, encouraging environment with other creators and 4) who values feedback on works-in-progress. Participants will be required to turn in two drafts of their work prior to each session, as well as read and comment upon their classmates’ pages in between sessions.
To the extent possible, participants will be grouped into intensives based on similarities in content and/or style (for example, writers incorporating images, or those who use poetry may be placed together). In addition, participants who are part of Jennifer’s memoir community may request to be grouped together with other cohort members who've also completed the workshop.