When we shape lived experience into story, we often discover meaning, clarity, and connection we didn’t see before. The process can be both creatively fulfilling and personally illuminating.
Not at all. This workshop is designed for aspiring non-fiction writers. You just need curiosity, a willingness to explore your experiences on the page, and openness to learning craft.
Progress, not perfection. This workshop isn’t about arriving polished. First we’ll focus on doing. Then, you’ll get easy to digest tips that you can weave into your practice. A willingness to try is one of the most vital skills to a writer, of any level.
Most meaningful stories start exactly there. The goal isn’t to be extraordinary — it’s to be honest. Often the moments that feel most personal are the ones others recognize themselves in.
Putting off writing IS incredibly common; many people carry stories for a long time before finally giving themselves permission to begin. The hardest part is often Starting alone feels hard! But having a clear process, structure, and a room full of people doing the same brave thing can turn that hesitation into excitement. If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it: sometimes all you need is an encouraging environment where writing actually happens to finally make it feel possible.
Each session includes focused discussion, guided conversation around selected pieces of writing, and practical techniques you can immediately apply to your own work. The goal is steady progress and deeper understanding of narrative craft.
Plan for the 2-hour live session plus another hour of writing between sessions, more if you interact with our community, or dive into some selected essays (these are examples for educational purposes, not material to commit to memory).
That happens to almost everyone at some point. The workshop is designed to help you build momentum, not pressure you. You’re always welcome to participate in discussion even if your writing isn’t finished.
Participants range widely — from people who haven’t written since school to those who’ve taken a few classes or kept journals for years. The common thread is a desire to shape personal experience into narrative.
Participants often explore pivotal life moments, relationships, identity shifts, personal growth, or memories that have stayed with them. Memoir can begin anywhere — even with a single scene.
Both. You’ll learn practical non-fiction writing techniques while also exploring the meaning inside lived experience. The goal is writing that is both skillfully crafted and emotionally honest.
That’s completely okay. Reading aloud is encouraged because it helps your writing grow, but you’ll never be forced to read something aloud before you feel ready. Hearing others share their work often inspires bravery though, so unlocking this confidence will be a huge win for you upon completing the class. Consider reading at least one piece of work, every other class to get the full workshop experience.
Each session includes guided discussion and peer response. I also provide editorial insight to help you see what’s working, where a piece could deepen, and how to strengthen narrative structure.
Feedback in this workshop is thoughtful and supportive. The goal isn’t to judge your work — it’s to help you strengthen it while honoring your voice. During class we will call out the elements WE LOVE about your writing and nothing else. This workshop is meant to receive all you do with love and keep you creating, not questioning.
Note: should you desire more critical feedback, you can post your essays in our online community with that specific ask.
Only what you feel comfortable sharing. You always control what you write and what you read aloud. Many participants discover that shaping experiences into story actually creates a sense of clarity and distance.
No. This is an educational writing workshop focused on craft, reflection, and storytelling. While writing can be meaningful and clarifying, the course is not a substitute for therapy.
That can happen when we revisit meaningful experiences. You’re always in control of what you write and share. The workshop encourages reflection at your own pace, and you’re welcome to step back from any material that feels too close. While a lot of this workshop is aimed at alchemizing our pain, I fully invite you to share joyful, uplifting stories as well! Pull back and reinterpret prompts in a positive, fun, or even downright silly angle - it’s a great “break” mentally and continues to stretch you as a writer!
The course is no way structured to push you towards difficult subjects or memories. You get to determine the direction you take with each essay prompt. Write your bliss. Write your anger. Frankly, you’re writing about the parts of you that you’re bursting to share with the world!
That’s a very common concern in memoir. During the workshop we talk about perspective, narrative framing, and thoughtful ways to approach real experiences. What you ultimately choose to share publicly is always your decision.
In this workshop, you’re writing for the page and the learning process — not immediate publication. You’ll also learn techniques for shaping personal material thoughtfully and responsibly. What you ultimately choose to share publicly is always your decision.
The group is intentionally small, capped at 10-12 students, so everyone has time to share work and receive thoughtful feedback. Smaller groups also help create the trust needed for meaningful discussion.
Life happens! Sessions will be recorded purely for the benefit of you and your fellow students. That way if you have to miss a class, you can still participate. I have the utmost respect for your privacy - recordings will not be shared outside of our small group.
Not necessarily. Some arrive with a clear project, others with a single memory or theme they want to explore. The workshop helps you discover what material has the strongest narrative potential.
The workshop focuses on developing strong personal narrative and writing practice. The primary goal is helping you create meaningful, well-crafted work, regularly. Of course I am happy to pair you with the appropriate resources to continue with publishing.
You’ll retain access to the workshop community for one year, giving you space to continue sharing work, exchanging feedback, and sustaining your writing practice in a live, collaborative environment. You can continue access to the community after one year for a small fee. Additionally, you will continue to receive a newsletter writing prompts, inspiration and salient articles/essays to keep you on your writing journey!
The first session is designed to give you a clear sense of our workshop’s style and pace. If you decide it isn't the right fit after that first meeting, please reach out. Because each seat in the class is limited, we offer a 50% refund if you notify us before the second session begins.
Alternatively, you are welcome to gift your remaining classes to a friend or family member who would benefit from the experience. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds once the second class has started.
You can join the newsletter for occasional writing prompts and reflections. It’s a simple way to start reconnecting with your voice until the timing feels right.
