Want to write your memoir? Enroll in our memoir writing course and learn the art of storytelling. Start writing today! Read more.
Dr. Duncan Koerber has taught writing and communications courses for the past 10 years at six Canadian universities to thousands of students. Oxford University Press recently published his writing textbook, Clear, Precise, Direct: Strategies for Writing (2015). Available on Amazon, the book considers the seven most common errors (interfering factors) in writing and how to improve them (enhancing factors). His second book, Crisis Communication in Canada, is in the revision process for Univers
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Who this course is for:
- Aspiring Memoir Writers: Designed for individuals eager to start writing their own memoirs, this memoir writing course offers expert guidance on structure, storytelling techniques, and crafting a compelling narrative.
- Intermediate Writers: Ideal for those with some writing experience who want to refine their memoir-writing skills, from mastering narrative techniques to effective editing.
What you’ll learn:
- Craft Engaging Dialogue to make memoir characters come alive.
- Apply ‘Show Don’t Tell’ Techniques to build immersive, memorable narratives.
- Structure Your Memoir with impactful chapters and scenes for clear, cohesive storytelling.
- Edit and Refine Drafts for clarity and emotional resonance.
- Use Descriptive Language to vividly depict settings, characters, and emotions.
- Integrate Thematic Elements that add depth and meaning to your memoir.
Requirements:
- No prior writing experience required.
Are You Ready to Transform Your Life’s Experiences into a Captivating Memoir?
Join Dr. Duncan Koerber, a university writing professor and published author, in Memoir Writing Essentials: Bring Your Story to Life. Dr. Koerber brings years of expertise from academia and real-world writing experience, having taught thousands of students the art of storytelling. As the instructor of 7 Lessons on Writing for Becoming a Standout Writer—Dr. Koerber provides valuable insights in almost four hours of carefully structured, short video lessons designed to help you craft a memoir that truly resonates with readers.
This memoir writing course provides both beginners and intermediate writers with the essential tools to navigate the challenges of memoir writing, while helping you develop your unique voice and storytelling techniques.
Course Overview
This comprehensive course covers all foundational aspects of memoir writing, from starting your first draft to maintaining momentum, creating vivid narratives, and editing for clarity and emotional impact. Designed to address the specific needs of both beginner and intermediate writers, this course provides practical tools to help you overcome common challenges in memoir writing.
What We’ll Cover:
Overcome Initial Hurdles and Find Your Voice
Section 1: Getting Started on Your Memoir provides strategies to begin your memoir effectively, find meaning in everyday moments, gain perspective on life events, and reveal your unique voice on the page.
Create Engaging Narratives
Section 2: Writing Techniques and Mechanics explores essential writing methods, including the renowned “Show Don’t Tell” technique, varying sentence lengths for flow, using metaphors, and crafting detailed, immersive scenes. These techniques will elevate your writing from mundane to impactful.
Structure Your Story for Maximum Impact
Section 3: Structure and Organization covers organizing your memoir into meaningful chapters and scenes. Learn how to build emotional arcs and maintain a coherent narrative that keeps readers invested.
Add Tension and Vividness
Section 4: Action shows you how to create compelling action scenes, make character movements vivid and purposeful, and naturally let actions unfold to enhance storytelling.
Balance Description with Action
Section 5: Description teaches you how to create rich imagery, balance action with descriptive details, and incorporate advice from memoir experts for vivid, engaging scenes.
Craft Authentic Dialogue
Section 6: Dialogue provides guidance on transforming summarized conversations into dynamic dialogue, capturing unique voices, and using subtext for depth.
Develop Compelling Characters
Section 7: Character Development helps you manage backstory, show personal growth, and use characters to illustrate transformation and resilience.
Establish Setting and Context
Section 8: Setting and Context teaches you how to set the scene effectively, anchor readers in each moment, and use place to represent deeper themes and emotions.
Apply Advanced Techniques for Depth
Section 9: Advanced Techniques dives into maintaining emotional immediacy, adding lightness when needed, and authentically recreating past perspectives to create a powerful narrative impact.
Create Satisfying Endings
Section 10: Endings covers crafting satisfying conclusions, leaving room for reader interpretation, and ensuring each scene leaves a lasting impression.
Revise and Edit for Clarity
Section 11: Revision and Editing offers advanced revision techniques to enhance sentence clarity, tighten scenes, and transform ideas into tangible, impactful writing. Learn to polish your memoir for a professional finish.
Ready to invest in your personal growth? My courses can help you develop your skills.
Our Promise to You
By the end of this course, you will have learned how to craft engaging memoirs by mastering storytelling techniques, structuring your narrative, developing compelling characters, and refining your writing through editing and revision.
10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Start your memoir writing journey now and bring your story to life!
Course Curriculum
| Section 1 - Introduction | |||
| Getting Started On Your Memoir | 00:00:00 | ||
| Just Write! | 00:00:00 | ||
| Research Can Help And Hurt | 00:00:00 | ||
| Choose The Right Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Find Meaning In Small Moments | 00:00:00 | ||
| Distance From Events Can Provide Perspective | 00:00:00 | ||
| Finding Your Voice On The Page | 00:00:00 | ||
| Find The Theme Of Your Memoir | 00:00:00 | ||
| Remembering Your Past: Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 2 - Writing Techniques And Mechanics | |||
| Show Don't Tell | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Don't Tell People's Emotions | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Don't Tell: Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Vary Sentence Lengths For Engaging Readability | 00:00:00 | ||
| Use Sentence Fragments Wisely for Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Metaphors Can Be Powerful But Use them Wisely | 00:00:00 | ||
| How To Be Original | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dive Deeper Than Just Summarizing Your Experiences | 00:00:00 | ||
| Bring Scenes To Life With Detail | 00:00:00 | ||
| Slow Down To Expand Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Past Or Present Tense? | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 3 - Structure And Organization | |||
| Organizing Your Memoir Into Chapters-Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Ensure Scenes Have A High Point | 00:00:00 | ||
| Raise The Emotional Stakes At The Beginning | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 4 - Action | |||
| Make It Move | 00:00:00 | ||
| Action Scenes Add Tension And Captivate | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Repetitive Actions For Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Make Character Movements Vivid And Concrete | 00:00:00 | ||
| Let Actions Unfold Naturally | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 5 - Description | |||
| Create Pictures For The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Balance Action With Just Enough Descriptive Detail | 00:00:00 | ||
| Description Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 6 - Dialogue | |||
| Turn Summarized Dialogue Into Engaging Conversations | 00:00:00 | ||
| Opportunities To Add Dialogue | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue And Details Are Key To Immediacy | 00:00:00 | ||
| Memoirs Aren't Film Scripts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue With Subtext Enriches Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Capture People's Unique Voices | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue For Conversation And Story Movement Not Information | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 7 - Character Development | |||
| The Problem Of Backstory | 00:00:00 | ||
| Too Much Backstory Weighs Down The Scene | 00:00:00 | ||
| Objects Can Be Characters Too | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show How You Transformed | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 8 - Setting And Context | |||
| Start Scenes By Locating The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Clarify The Scene's Setting From The Start | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show How The Place Represents Something Bigger | 00:00:00 | ||
| Combine Multiple Moments Into One | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 9 - Advanced Techniques | |||
| Avoid Overexplaining Situations | 00:00:00 | ||
| Reduce Distance Between You And The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Avoid Giving It All Away | 00:00:00 | ||
| Add Light Moments If It's Getting Too Heavy | 00:00:00 | ||
| Don't Try to "Sell" Your Story | 00:00:00 | ||
| Live In The Moment Of The Scene | 00:00:00 | ||
| Be Immediate In Storytelling | 00:00:00 | ||
| Recreate Past Perspectives For Authentic Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Keep Childhood Memories Authentic | 00:00:00 | ||
| Creating Immersive Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Writing About Others Without Getting Sued | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 10 - Endings | |||
| Perfecting Scene Endings Can Be A Puzzle | 00:00:00 | ||
| End Memoir Scenes With Satisfaction | 00:00:00 | ||
| Leave Room For Interpretation By Removing Telling Conclusions | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 11 - Revision And Editing | |||
| What Does Effective Revision Look Like? | 00:00:00 | ||
| How To Make Your Sentences Clearer | 00:00:00 | ||
| Tightening Scenes Enhances Clarity And Engagement | 00:00:00 | ||
| Slow Down To Say More | 00:00:00 | ||
| Transform Ideas Into Tangible Experiences | 00:00:00 | ||
| Write About Recurring Events Without The "Woulds" | 00:00:00 | ||
| Rearrange Sentences For Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Embrace The Rough Draft's Potential | 00:00:00 | ||
About This Course
Who this course is for:
- Aspiring Memoir Writers: Designed for individuals eager to start writing their own memoirs, this memoir writing course offers expert guidance on structure, storytelling techniques, and crafting a compelling narrative.
- Intermediate Writers: Ideal for those with some writing experience who want to refine their memoir-writing skills, from mastering narrative techniques to effective editing.
What you’ll learn:
- Craft Engaging Dialogue to make memoir characters come alive.
- Apply ‘Show Don’t Tell’ Techniques to build immersive, memorable narratives.
- Structure Your Memoir with impactful chapters and scenes for clear, cohesive storytelling.
- Edit and Refine Drafts for clarity and emotional resonance.
- Use Descriptive Language to vividly depict settings, characters, and emotions.
- Integrate Thematic Elements that add depth and meaning to your memoir.
Requirements:
- No prior writing experience required.
Are You Ready to Transform Your Life’s Experiences into a Captivating Memoir?
Join Dr. Duncan Koerber, a university writing professor and published author, in Memoir Writing Essentials: Bring Your Story to Life. Dr. Koerber brings years of expertise from academia and real-world writing experience, having taught thousands of students the art of storytelling. As the instructor of 7 Lessons on Writing for Becoming a Standout Writer—Dr. Koerber provides valuable insights in almost four hours of carefully structured, short video lessons designed to help you craft a memoir that truly resonates with readers.
This memoir writing course provides both beginners and intermediate writers with the essential tools to navigate the challenges of memoir writing, while helping you develop your unique voice and storytelling techniques.
Course Overview
This comprehensive course covers all foundational aspects of memoir writing, from starting your first draft to maintaining momentum, creating vivid narratives, and editing for clarity and emotional impact. Designed to address the specific needs of both beginner and intermediate writers, this course provides practical tools to help you overcome common challenges in memoir writing.
What We’ll Cover:
Overcome Initial Hurdles and Find Your Voice
Section 1: Getting Started on Your Memoir provides strategies to begin your memoir effectively, find meaning in everyday moments, gain perspective on life events, and reveal your unique voice on the page.
Create Engaging Narratives
Section 2: Writing Techniques and Mechanics explores essential writing methods, including the renowned “Show Don’t Tell” technique, varying sentence lengths for flow, using metaphors, and crafting detailed, immersive scenes. These techniques will elevate your writing from mundane to impactful.
Structure Your Story for Maximum Impact
Section 3: Structure and Organization covers organizing your memoir into meaningful chapters and scenes. Learn how to build emotional arcs and maintain a coherent narrative that keeps readers invested.
Add Tension and Vividness
Section 4: Action shows you how to create compelling action scenes, make character movements vivid and purposeful, and naturally let actions unfold to enhance storytelling.
Balance Description with Action
Section 5: Description teaches you how to create rich imagery, balance action with descriptive details, and incorporate advice from memoir experts for vivid, engaging scenes.
Craft Authentic Dialogue
Section 6: Dialogue provides guidance on transforming summarized conversations into dynamic dialogue, capturing unique voices, and using subtext for depth.
Develop Compelling Characters
Section 7: Character Development helps you manage backstory, show personal growth, and use characters to illustrate transformation and resilience.
Establish Setting and Context
Section 8: Setting and Context teaches you how to set the scene effectively, anchor readers in each moment, and use place to represent deeper themes and emotions.
Apply Advanced Techniques for Depth
Section 9: Advanced Techniques dives into maintaining emotional immediacy, adding lightness when needed, and authentically recreating past perspectives to create a powerful narrative impact.
Create Satisfying Endings
Section 10: Endings covers crafting satisfying conclusions, leaving room for reader interpretation, and ensuring each scene leaves a lasting impression.
Revise and Edit for Clarity
Section 11: Revision and Editing offers advanced revision techniques to enhance sentence clarity, tighten scenes, and transform ideas into tangible, impactful writing. Learn to polish your memoir for a professional finish.
Ready to invest in your personal growth? My courses can help you develop your skills.
Our Promise to You
By the end of this course, you will have learned how to craft engaging memoirs by mastering storytelling techniques, structuring your narrative, developing compelling characters, and refining your writing through editing and revision.
10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.
Start your memoir writing journey now and bring your story to life!
Course Curriculum
| Section 1 - Introduction | |||
| Getting Started On Your Memoir | 00:00:00 | ||
| Just Write! | 00:00:00 | ||
| Research Can Help And Hurt | 00:00:00 | ||
| Choose The Right Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Find Meaning In Small Moments | 00:00:00 | ||
| Distance From Events Can Provide Perspective | 00:00:00 | ||
| Finding Your Voice On The Page | 00:00:00 | ||
| Find The Theme Of Your Memoir | 00:00:00 | ||
| Remembering Your Past: Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 2 - Writing Techniques And Mechanics | |||
| Show Don't Tell | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Don't Tell People's Emotions | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Don't Tell: Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Vary Sentence Lengths For Engaging Readability | 00:00:00 | ||
| Use Sentence Fragments Wisely for Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Metaphors Can Be Powerful But Use them Wisely | 00:00:00 | ||
| How To Be Original | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dive Deeper Than Just Summarizing Your Experiences | 00:00:00 | ||
| Bring Scenes To Life With Detail | 00:00:00 | ||
| Slow Down To Expand Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Past Or Present Tense? | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 3 - Structure And Organization | |||
| Organizing Your Memoir Into Chapters-Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Ensure Scenes Have A High Point | 00:00:00 | ||
| Raise The Emotional Stakes At The Beginning | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 4 - Action | |||
| Make It Move | 00:00:00 | ||
| Action Scenes Add Tension And Captivate | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show Repetitive Actions For Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Make Character Movements Vivid And Concrete | 00:00:00 | ||
| Let Actions Unfold Naturally | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 5 - Description | |||
| Create Pictures For The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Balance Action With Just Enough Descriptive Detail | 00:00:00 | ||
| Description Advice From The Experts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 6 - Dialogue | |||
| Turn Summarized Dialogue Into Engaging Conversations | 00:00:00 | ||
| Opportunities To Add Dialogue | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue And Details Are Key To Immediacy | 00:00:00 | ||
| Memoirs Aren't Film Scripts | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue With Subtext Enriches Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Capture People's Unique Voices | 00:00:00 | ||
| Dialogue For Conversation And Story Movement Not Information | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 7 - Character Development | |||
| The Problem Of Backstory | 00:00:00 | ||
| Too Much Backstory Weighs Down The Scene | 00:00:00 | ||
| Objects Can Be Characters Too | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show How You Transformed | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 8 - Setting And Context | |||
| Start Scenes By Locating The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Clarify The Scene's Setting From The Start | 00:00:00 | ||
| Show How The Place Represents Something Bigger | 00:00:00 | ||
| Combine Multiple Moments Into One | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 9 - Advanced Techniques | |||
| Avoid Overexplaining Situations | 00:00:00 | ||
| Reduce Distance Between You And The Reader | 00:00:00 | ||
| Avoid Giving It All Away | 00:00:00 | ||
| Add Light Moments If It's Getting Too Heavy | 00:00:00 | ||
| Don't Try to "Sell" Your Story | 00:00:00 | ||
| Live In The Moment Of The Scene | 00:00:00 | ||
| Be Immediate In Storytelling | 00:00:00 | ||
| Recreate Past Perspectives For Authentic Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Keep Childhood Memories Authentic | 00:00:00 | ||
| Creating Immersive Scenes | 00:00:00 | ||
| Writing About Others Without Getting Sued | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 10 - Endings | |||
| Perfecting Scene Endings Can Be A Puzzle | 00:00:00 | ||
| End Memoir Scenes With Satisfaction | 00:00:00 | ||
| Leave Room For Interpretation By Removing Telling Conclusions | 00:00:00 | ||
| Section 11 - Revision And Editing | |||
| What Does Effective Revision Look Like? | 00:00:00 | ||
| How To Make Your Sentences Clearer | 00:00:00 | ||
| Tightening Scenes Enhances Clarity And Engagement | 00:00:00 | ||
| Slow Down To Say More | 00:00:00 | ||
| Transform Ideas Into Tangible Experiences | 00:00:00 | ||
| Write About Recurring Events Without The "Woulds" | 00:00:00 | ||
| Rearrange Sentences For Impact | 00:00:00 | ||
| Embrace The Rough Draft's Potential | 00:00:00 | ||
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