The Art and Craft of Memoir (day)

Students will study the basic principles of what constitutes a good memoir. They will study works in fiction and creative nonfiction (memoir) and be able to apply fictional techniques to their memoirs. They will complete exercises in different aspects of what creates a successful memoir (gripping and dramatic narrative, realistic dialogue, the effective use of tension, etc.). At a minimum, they will write two drafts of mini-memoirs and, after review, they will edit and polish the draft. They will then read their finished products to the class.