Join us for this five-week online memoir workshop to examine and play with various forms of memoir. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Online WORKSHOP
Led by Anndee Hochman
Five Sundays: May 9, May 16, May 23, June 6, June 13, 2021
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EDT
No meeting on Sunday, May 30 (Memorial Day)
Limited to 12 participants
Perhaps you have important life stories to share, but you’re not sure how to shape them on the page. In this workshop, we will examine and play with various forms of memoir, including brief “flash” pieces, fragmented/episodic tellings, graphic/illustrated memoir and collaged works that may include song lyrics, news clippings or other text. We will look at stunning examples of each, learning from what other writers do well, then applying their strategies to our own work in the spirit of experimentation and discovery.
During our weekly Zoom sessions, you will have opportunities for critique—to hear how your work resonates with others and to share suggestions for revision—but the bulk of our time will be spent reading, discussing memoir craft and generating new material. Designed for both beginning and seasoned writers of memoir.
“The readings were interesting and informative. The assignments and feedback were excellent. The pace felt just right for me, even with other responsibilities.”
~ Deborah, Egg Harbor City, NJ
FACULTY
Workshop Leader
Anndee Hochman is a journalist, essayist, storyteller and teaching artist. In addition to her weekly column, “The Parent Trip,” in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Anndee’s work has appeared in Poets & Writers, Purple Clover, Broad Street Review and on WHYY’s Speak Easy. She is the author of Anatomies: A Novella and Stories (Picador 2000) and Everyday Acts & Small Subversions: Women Reinventing Family, Community and Home (The Eighth Mountain Press, 1994). Her newest storytelling platform is The Moth, where she has won two story slams and took part in Philly’s GrandSlam in May 2019. For more than 20 years, Anndee has taught writing to people of all ages in schools, senior centers and a small fishing village on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Her website is www.anndeehochman.com. Read Anndee’s piece, “Long Distance Call,” originally in Purple Clover.
“Anndee’s memoir workshop exceeded my expectations. She taught us strategies for writing about our real life experiences and helped me unlock forgotten memories. I was able to go beyond writing what I already knew.”
~ Sarah, Chittenango, NY
How it works
Schedule
The course will be held over Zoom for five Sundays 4:00-6:00 p.m. EDT:
- Sunday, May 9
- Sunday, May 16
- Sunday, May 23
- Sunday, June 6
- Sunday, June 13
*The group will not meet on Sunday, May 30 in observation of Memorial Day.*
Each week’s materials will be made available beforehand so you have a chance to review them ahead of time.
You will receive further details about each deadline and assignment once you enroll in the course.
technical requirements
Materials for the course will be shared via email. You will need a computer or tablet and internet access, as well as access to word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
To fully participate in the weekly Zoom sessions, you will need access to a webcam and microphone. Those built in to a laptop, tablet or smart phone will do.
Pricing + Registration
Tuition — SLIDING SCALE: $350-$450
Tuition for this program is based on a sliding scale between $350 and $450. If you are able to pay at the higher end of the scale, you will help Murphy Writing offer affordable programming and scholarships for writers.
Tuition INCLUDEs
- A curated selection of readings, craft notes and prompts to inspire you each week
- Personalized feedback from your workshop leader on what you write
- Five 2-hour Zoom calls with your workshop leader and fellow participants
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, email us at info@murphywriting.com.
The Fine Print
- By registering for this program, you are agreeing to uphold our Code of Conduct
- Full fee due upon registration
Cancellation Policy
“Great teacher, great structure, great participants, smooth technology. A pleasure from beginning to end.”
~ Elissa, Pompton Plains, NJ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! Our experienced workshop leaders plan their courses to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
I’ve taken dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
Our faculty challenge experienced writers to push beyond their usual limits. If you have been writing for decades, they will compel you to go deeper, take more risks and experiment with form and content. We know that experienced writers benefit from our programs based on the fact that hundreds of “re-PETERs” have attended three or more of our writing getaways.
I’ve never taken an online workshop before. Do I need special equipment?
No. If you’re reading this website, you probably have everything you need to take this course. You can participate using a laptop or desktop computer, or even a tablet or smart phone.
I’ve already taken this course. Can I take it again?
You can take this course again; however, please be aware that the prompts and readings will largely be the same. If you are looking for community and would like to write new material to the same prompts, you are absolutely welcome back.
meet our community
View our full collection of Writing Getaway photos.
Questions?
Call 609-626-3594 or email info@murphywriting.com.
Write with us.
