The Stories of Our Lives

Discover the secrets to crafting powerful memoir in this insightful six-part course led by award-winning author and University of Pennsylvania teacher, Beth Kephart. This nearly one-hour series delves into the art of memoir writing, exploring the techniques used by masters of the form.

Learn from the giants: Kephart dissects the work of celebrated authors including Virginia Woolf, E.B. White, Annie Dillard, James Baldwin, Mary-Louise Parker, Alison Bechdel, Helen Macdonald, and Maggie Nelson, revealing what makes great memoir resonate with readers.

Each video focuses on a specific theme, offering practical guidance and inspiration:

• Silence and Writer's Block: Overcome creative hurdles and find your voice.
• The Art of the Intimate Letter: Explore the power of personal correspondence.
• Lessons from the Kitchen: Uncover memoir potential in everyday experiences.
• Writing of Loss: Navigate grief and transform personal tragedy into compelling narrative.
• Writing the Natural World: Find inspiration and meaning in the environment.
• Memory and Mortality: Confront the complexities of the past and the human condition.

Each theme includes a series of thought-provoking writer prompts to spark your own storytelling.

This comprehensive package includes a valuable PDF writer's journal summarizing key lessons and prompts for continued exploration.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, a dedicated memoir reader seeking deeper understanding, or an instructor at the high school, college, or workshop level, this course provides invaluable insights into the craft of memoir. Elevate your writing and deepen your appreciation for this powerful genre.