Spring Memoir Series

Let's face it, writing memoir is tough! All that emotion, all those experiences on the time line, all that wisdom we are dying to share with the world. How do we do it? How can we get it all organized and on the page to be beautiful, interesting, unique and even publishable? With four of these "bad boys" at my back, I have learned a trick or two about penning memoir. One trick is that writers need to find ways to get back to basics, have some fun and learn how to ENJOY this hard work of rendering the life-story.

This spring, I've got a series of classes--in person and via conference call (for long distance students) that will put some lively joy into your process and your writing. For the first six weeks, I'm bringing in a guest teacher, Anne Gudger who has thirty years of writing and teaching experience. She is (as you can see, a very dear friend) and has been a student of my technique for three. Anne has created a "basics" approach to teaching my method that will give you insight and results. Anne is a terrific and compassionate teacher.
In the second six weeks, I will jump in and teach my Master Class on memoir which will bring your work into the workshop format and help you fine tune your voice as well as your entire book length project.

DATES: Portland based class: Monday nights from March 21 to June 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Virtual Classes via conference call, same dates, 10:00-1:00 p.m. (NO CLASS ON MEMORIAL DAY)

COST: $800.00 Deposit for the first two classes required to hold your spot and students can then make payment arrangements with me.

REQUIREMENTS: Students need to have an interview with Jennifer, submit work, sign term of agreement and submit a deposit.

Write Your Book in a Year

Everyday, I meet people who are eager to write a memoir but don't know how to get the job done. So many writers start but then give up, overwhelmed. I have found this to be true even with writers who attend college level writing programs nationwide.

I have written and published four memoirs in ten years and have a formula to get the job done. My books have been on The New York Time Bestseller list and translated into many languages.

Write Your Memoir this Year is a nine-month intensive set on the Oregon Coast where I will bring eight memoir writers together to set goals, get foundational instruction, establish a regular writing schedule and receive ongoing support and write three full drafts of a completed memoir! With my technique, writers will learn how to get their first draft complete in two months time, their second in four months and then will be guided to use their months in the program to polish and focus their third draft. Throughout our time together, writers will be taught exactly what memoir is, how to establish "voice" which is the driver in memoir writing and how to craft effective scenes, summaries and reflections.

You can find some of this kind of direction in a three-year MFA program and you will pay between $25,000 and $40,000 with no guarantee of emerging with a final draft. In this program, as long as you do your part, you will get results you are looking for—a complete and publishable book.

SCHEDULE:

Aug 26, 27 & 28, 2011 2.5 days Kick Off Workshop

The kickoff workshop will get you on track with your goal, your schedule and your outline. You will also be given intensive instruction on writing a memoir and we will do some work-shopping together as well as writing prompts.

Sunday, Sept. 25 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Sunday, Oct. 23 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Sunday, Nov. 20 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Sunday, Jan. 23 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Sunday, Feb. 20 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Sunday, Mar. 19 Full day teaching with dinner Sat. night

Each month, we will all meet in Manzanita for a full day of teaching, conversation, sharing and will share a meal together. Writers will send pages of what has been accomplished in their writing and these partial manuscripts will be read/discussed/edited during the full day teaching.

Apr. 30: Two Day Wrap Workshop

We will focus on final revisions/goal setting, marketing and pitching (if appropriate), meeting with literary agents and holding a public reading for the community of Manzanita.

Who Can Attend?

Eight students will be accepted. Acceptance is based on several conditions: interview and approval, signing of terms and conditions and down payment.

Tuition & Teaching Costs: $4500.00 – (includes some meals & snacks).

Lodging is separate and available at our location INN AT MANZANITA for the following rates: Off season Oct/May: $99.00-$129.00 per night. On season June/Sept: $179.00-199.00

Other wonderful accommodations at varying rates are also available and a list will be provided. Students are required to arrange their own transport and accommodations although we will help coordinate car-pooling options.