Memoir Writing Classes

  • Intro to Memoir Miniseries: Grounding in Memoir

    🗓 Number of Sessions: 3

    ⏰ Length: 90 minutes

    1️⃣ Basics & Beginnings
    What’s memoir, and what are its core elements? How do I avoid the “boring autobiography” trap and write a GOOD memoir instead? What’s in a bestselling or award-winning memoir?

    Understand what constitutes a memoiir, the basics of the genre, and reader expectations.

    Find out what sets a “good” memoir apart.

    Familiarize yourself with various memoir types and formats, and determine how best to tell your story.

    Plan and begin to gather your memoir’s artifacts and sources.


    2️⃣ Structure and Outline
    How do I tell my story? How can I structure and outline a memoir that will hook, connect with, and impact readers?

    Learn story structure and how to use it to to make your memoir “read like a novel”.

    Begin to organize the events of your memoir into an outline that supports you as you draft your manuscript.

    Parse what events, anecdotes, parts of your life belong in your book, and what to leave out.

    3️⃣ Writing Marathon First Miles
    How do I turn my memoir outline into a full manuscript first draft (and what exactly is that?) one milestone, chapter, and day at a time.

    Know what to aim for with your memoir’s first draft, as well as what to ignore (and how to keep your inner critic from derailing you).

    Consider and commit to a consistent writing strategy for your memoir.

    Start exploring the publication potential around your memoir.

  • Tell Your Story: Quick Intro to Memoir Writing

    🗓 Number of Sessions: 1

    ⏰ Length: 90 minutes

    What’s a memoir, how does it work, and where/how do I begin mine? Whom is my memoir for, and how can I make it most enjoyable for my readers?

    Learn the key elements of the genre, understand what a memoir is (and isn’t).

    Get suggestions & tips for writing a rich, compelling, standout memoir.

    Figure out where to begin collecting, compiling, and nurturing what will become the foundations of your memoir.

Contact Cornelia

Writers who took Cornelia’s classes said…

“I have been toying with the idea of writing a memoir for ages. This workshop made me realize that it may be more possible than I would have otherwise thought. . . It’s an excellent introduction not only to memoir writing, but writing in general.” – Jay. G.

“I really enjoyed your class. It has inspired me so much. I appreciate your knowledge and insights.” – Maria B.

“There wasn’t anything that wasn’t helpful in some way.” – M.P.

“It gave me insight into what to write about and what to include. . . Cornelia gave a lot of guidelines that will be helpful.” – J.S.

“Affirmation that what, in my mind, I wanted to do is quite plausible and within reach. . . This was a real boost to diving back into what I already started!” – N.D.

“The handouts were exceptionally thoughtful and pertinent, beautifully organized, highly detailed, and extremely helpful. . . Everything worked!” – Tim G.

“She gave us structure…a framework to help us progress through the process.” – S.L.