Family Ties & Life Stories: Exploring Memoir

Everyone has stories to tell. The secret’s in using the literary techniques of good fiction, a sharp focus, and a clear intention. One core theme can also structure the wealth of our memories into a cohesive story. Join professional author/editor, Lauren Elise Daniels BA, MFA Creative Writing, to explore ways to connect and frame your journeys. Through readings, discussions and writing exercises, we:

• Transform memories into memoirs through an array of literary devices and structures.

• Explore broader contexts to frame personal meaning within universal themes.

• Reflect upon integrity, emotional truth, subjectivity from serious subjects to humour.

• Cite differences between a diary entry and personal essay; autobiography and memoir.

• Trace the path to grow short form works into longer ones through research and reconstruction.

• Enjoy freewriting exercises that practice technique and pan for gold.