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Memoir Writing

Tell (and sell) the story of your life

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Memoir Writing

DURATION/TIME
12 weeks, online
June 4 - August 20
Chats Mondays, 8-9 pm EST

LEVEL
Intermediate

ONLINE CLASS INFO
See our eClasses info page.

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

Course Details

So you're ready to write the story of your life and share it with the world, but you're not quite sure where to go from here. You have a fairly clear idea of what sort of memoir you want to write, and you might have written several pages already. But perhaps you are asking yourself who will pay you to publish it, or who will want to read it. Or you're nervous about what may happen if you publish an honest account of your childhood. (Will your parents sue you? Will you ever eat lunch in this town again?) How easy is it to sell a memoir anyway if you're neither famous nor infamous nor Paris Hilton? This class will answer these questions and provide a stimulating, supportive environment in which you can workshop your memoir-in-progress and receive invaluable feedback.

This class is geared toward the writer who is ready to turn memory into memoir but who needs to learn how to tell it -- and sell it. Through weekly assignments and lectures you will learn how to turn your idea into a book deal, and you will produce 30 pages of polished text as well as an outline for the rest of the book. You will also learn about craft, style, and the development of your unique voice.

In this class, you will learn:

  • To uncover your authentic voice and unlock your memories
  • The 'theme' of your story
  • To find the most effective structure for your story
  • How to approach literary agents
  • Why (and how) you can sell a memoir before you have finished writing it
  • What happens after your memoir is sold

By the end of class, you can expect to have:
An outline, 30 pages of a memoir, and the knowledge with which to approach literary agents and/or publishing houses

Admission Requirements:
Please send a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 2000 words).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

Instructor Bio

Jami Bernard's Courses

Memoir Writing Advanced – (Class starts January 26)

Jami Bernard
Jami Bernard is a nationally known film critic, award-winning columnist, and an editor and media consultant. Her seven published books include two memoirs, The Incredible Shrinking Critic: My Excellent Adventure in Weight Loss and Breast Cancer: There & Back. She also published a Lois Lane comic for DC Comics.

Jami has been interviewed by Oprah, Katie Couric, and Charles Gibson, and has appeared on CNN, BBC-TV, NY1, E!, Bravo, IFC, A&E, Oxygen, VH1, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and Court TV. She has written for Glamour, TV Guide, Self, Entertainment Weekly, Allure, Seventeen, Spin, Shape, Fangoria, and Premiere, and is a frequent lecturer and keynote speaker. Further details are available at her website, www.jamibernard.com.

Testimonials


Through wit, practical assignments and well-researched lectures, Jami helped me become a more effective, efficient writer. I am most grateful for her gentle critique and enthusiastic encouragement. -- Nancy Boomer

"Jami is absolutely the best writing instructor I have ever had. Her comments are thoughtful, thorough, and extremely useful. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone. --Vanessa DeBello

"Jami is an amazing teacher. She helped bring out my theme, and kept me going even when I thought I had nothing in me. She is great!" -- Liza Deyrmenjian

"Jami is a great instructor. Jami was helpful, not harsh, which really inspires you to improve." -- Stacy Jensen

"Everything I needed to learn and explore about writing was covered in a safe and encouraging envoirnment. Jami has an great sense of committment to her students." --Cara Coslow, co-producer, Dante's Cove

"Jami was committed to the success of the class and helped each one of us find our story. Her humour, experience, and accessibility were apparent from the first day. Merci et Bravo!" -- Kathryn Kemp-Griffin

"Jami is a born teacher -- smart, funny, and dedicated. You will be spurred on to do your absolute best to keep up!" -- Melissa Spiers

"Jami is wise and insightful. She got to the heart of my writing and helped me develop a vision and trust in myself." -- Preeva Tramiel

"Jami pulls a class together so that each student benefits. She is brilliant, insightful, articulate, and guides without forcing. It was a terrific learning experience." -- Sandy Smith

"Jami went beyond the call of duty with her line editing and her advice. She's a great teacher -- clear, brilliant and prescient! She's simply the best." -- Judy Fasman

"Jami is energetic, knowledgeable, personable and direct. I have enjoyed my time with her at the helm." --Frank Niro

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