Building a Great Memoir
In a comfortable and encouraging environment, you'll learn about specific elements of memoir writing. We’ll use excerpts from well-known authors as models as well as Barrington’s book on memoir. In-class exercises, related to elements of memoir will give students the opportunity to create a body of work and a time to share with others in small groups. Students will also have the opportunity to share their writing with the whole class and get constructive critiques from the teacher as well as their peers. Writers can also send work to me every other week for individual critiques. We will also save time for questions. Students will leave the class with a body of knowledge about memoir writing and a body of work as well as new writing friends!
Faculty Bio
Louise Nayer is the author of six books including two memoirs: Burned: A Memoir and Narrow Escapes. An educator for over 40 years, she is a member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto.
This is an In-Person-Only Workshop
- Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- Limited to 18 members
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and ends on Tuesday, Feb 25
- Classes meet for 6 weeks, two hours per session (10-noon)
- Course materials, including videos, will remain available to view and enjoy through March 31
Member Praise for Louise Nayer
Every weekly lesson was an "aha" moment for me. Louise Nayer's teaching and feedback were inspirational and valuable!
Ms. Nayer created an environment conducive to member comfort in sharing reactions to narratives of others and personal pieces as well. More importantly, she was remarkable in requesting student work and responding to it rapidly. She was incredibly generous with her attention to student work.