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Finding Your Memoir

This hands-on workshop is designed for writers who are interested in sharing key elements of their life stories. In this four-session course we will discuss the structure of book-length memoir and key features of this genre including: finding your theme or through-line; dealing with internal and external conflict; telling the truth/writing about family; and structuring a memoir. We will do several short writing exercises in class focusing on the following–identifying potential turning points in your story; finding an opening hook or inciting incident; conveying emotional stakes; and playing with structure. We will also review short excerpts/examples from several published memoirs. Come prepared to write, and bring a brief one-two paragraph description of your project to share with the class. You’ll leave the course with a  clearer sense of your through-line and theme; new tools to assist you in creating your book’s structure, and practical techniques to continue working on your project.

Instructor: Judah Leblang is a storyteller, memoirist and writing teacher. His essays and commentaries have been broadcast throughout the US on more than 150 NPR and ABC-network radio stations, as well as several Canadian stations. He is a regular columnist for Bay Windows, Boston’s gay newspaper, and an instructor at Grub Street. The 2nd edition of his memoir, Finding My Place: One Man’s Journey from Cleveland to Boston and Beyond, was published in 2013. His new book Echoes of Jerry is about his Uncle Jerry, an orally-educated deaf man as well as Leblang's own struggles with his sexuality and trying to find his place in society, finally coming out in the mid-1980s. Clips of his performances and writing are at www.judahleblang.com.


Details: Finding Your Memoir with Judah Leblang takes place Tuesdays, Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, & 8 from 6:30-9:00pm online through Zoom.


Zoom Info: Register for the class and Lit Cleveland will send you an invitiation and instructions on how to attend via Zoom. All you need is a good internet connection and a computer or smartphone with a camera. Not sure if your system is compatible? Just click here. Have any questions about online classes? Email or call associate director Matt Weinkam at mweinkam@litcleveland.org. 

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