Like myth, memoir presupposes that there is a certain unity to human experience, that we all share similar hopes, dreams, and desires. When we tell the story of how and where we grew up, who our parents were, how the significant people in our lives influenced us, and what challenges and obstacles we faced, we are locating ourselves within an ancient human tradition of storytelling and meaning-making. Memoirs help us find meaning in our lives by showing us how our lives fit into a larger mythic pattern. Although not every memoir reflects a mythic theme, most memoir writers unconsciously reveal mythic themes in their desire to find meaning in their lives. Memoirs address the domains of myth: Who am I? Who are my people? What is my journey? What is my purpose? Where is home? The essence of a great memoir is the voice of the writer and how she brings the reader into a scene with sensory details. In an atmosphere of friendship, support, and safety, we will read excerpts from contemporary memoirists like Joan Didion, Dani Shapiro, Natasha Trethewey, and James McBride that reflect mythic themes, and respond to short writing prompts.

The eight monthly learning sessions are designed to allow you to engage at your own pace and at your convenience. Each month begins with select recommended readings on the theme (typically 60-75 pages), accompanied by a pre-recorded video presentation and an online discussion forum. In the middle of each month, participants have the option of joining a live 60 minute Zoom discussion of a recommended “memoir of the month” to study issues of content and craft facilitated by Jennifer Leigh Selig. Each month ends with the posting of 2-4 pages of memoir writing by participants for feedback by small groups and Jennifer. Participants may choose to submit pages of an ongoing memoir-in-progress or may produce new material in response to suggested writing prompts.