Scene Writing for Memoir
$445
This eight-week memoir workshop teaches writers how to transform personal experiences into compelling scenes that captivate readers. Students will learn to craft authentic moments from memory, weave reflection seamlessly into narrative, and build scenes that invite readers into their lived experiences while revealing deeper emotional truths.
Course topics include:
Memory & Scene Craft:
Transforming personal experiences into vivid, purposeful scenes
Grounding memoir in specific locations and sensory details
Recreating authentic dialogue and character behavior
Voice & Reflection:
Mastering reflective narration that deepens emotional resonance
Weaving present-moment insights into past experiences
Adding layers of meaning through subtext
Structure & Pacing:
Build tension within personal narrative
Drive momentum through conflict
Create page-turning pacing
Shape emotional arcs that transform both writer and reader
Weekly Structure
Each class session will include:
Study of effective memoir scenes from published works
Analysis exercises mapping scene and expository techniques
Scene writing practice
Supportive read-alouds of personal work
Collaborative workshopping of three participants’ pieces
Q&A on memoir craft and technique
By the workshop’s end, you’ll have developed compelling memoir scenes and gained the confidence to shape your life experiences into stories that resonate with readers. You’ll bring a slice of life and watch it take the shape of an unput-downable story—transforming personal truth into universal connection.
Access Program
We want our writing classes to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
Becky Ellis
Becky Ellis, daughter of a World War II combat sergeant and veteran of a war fought at home, is the author of Little Avalanches. She believes in the transformational power of storytelling and facilitates writing workshops in underheard communities with Write Around Portland. A longtime Oregonian, she has raised three daughters in Portland.
