I’ll be teaching various memoir and nonfiction workshops around Minnesota in the next few months. If you write memoir/nonfiction please consider taking a class, or spread the word to those you know who write in those genres! I’ll be hitting southern Minnesota, the metro, and northern Minnesota.

Waseca-Le Sueur Public Library

Elder Arts Writing Workshop
7-8 p.m. Tuesdays (March 7, 14, 21)
Level: Beginning

These workshops are aimed at people who want to write their stories to share with their children and grandchildren. The first two workshops will focus on writing techniques, and a reading reception will be held on the last day.

The Loft Literary Center

Time is of the Essence: Chronology in Memoir
1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Level: Intermediate

From the catalog: “In this class, we will take a look at how memoirists deal with the notion of time. We will read excerpts from memoirs that will show the range of possibilities concerning time. Students will map a tentative outline focusing on the chronology in their own work. This class is for anyone who is writing memoir, whether in short essay form or longer book form, who wants ideas on how to effectively weave in different time periods.”

Creative Nonfiction workshop
4-6 p.m. Fridays March 17-May 5 (no class April 7 or 28)
Level: Advanced

From the catalog: “The class will be structured as a writing group, with opportunities to share work and receive feedback from classmates and the teaching artist. Students will look at examples of successful creative nonfiction and apply those principles to their own work. Students will be exposed to different forms creative nonfiction can take. A portion of each class will be set aside for writing exercises and for workshopping longer pieces of work. Students will leave the class with more developed ideas for their work and a plan for continued writing and revision.”

Grand Marais Art Colony

So You Want to Write Memoir
July 15-16
All levels

From the catalog: “Everyone has a story. What is yours? Learn what goes into crafting a personal narrative that audiences will want to read. Different forms of memoir—autobiography, family history, essay, lyrical—will be introduced, as will the characteristics of a successful memoir. Rachael will facilitate a variety of writing prompts and exercises, and students will have time to begin crafting their own memoirs.”