From Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story

Turn personal stories into a powerful personal narrative

Transform your lived experience into a compelling narrative. Across five two-hour sessions, you will read and analyze memoir excerpts to understand effective techniques, identify your target audience—whether family, community, or potential publication—and strengthen your observational skills to uncover the vivid details that bring personal stories to life. Each session includes structured writing time and targeted exercises that guide you in gathering sensory detail, shaping scenes, and refining your narrative voice. 

Participants will draft a partial memoir excerpt and receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor to move toward a polished memoir. No previous writing experience is required—this workshop is designed for anyone seeking to tell their story. After registration, participants will complete a survey so that the instructor can focus the course’s content and design to meet specific needs and interests of the group.  

July 8, 15, 22&29, Aug.5, 2026

Wednesdays

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Harvey Hall, Room 140

What will you gain?

• Understand the fundamentals of memoir writing

• Develop skills to craft a moment into a scene

• Learn how to use story structures

• Explore the use of imagery in writing

• Gain experience working with a writing coach

Who should enroll?

This course is designed for anyone interested in memoir writing or personal storytelling. No experience is required. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore your voice or someone wanting to shape meaningful life experiences into a narrative, this workshop provides the structure, guidance, and dedicated writing time needed to succeed.

What will it cost?

• Early Bird Discount: $129 (register by July 1, 2026)

• Stout Proud Discount (UW-Stout Faculty, Staff, Student, and Alumni): $129

• Regular Registration: $149

Important Notes:

• REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 8, 2026!

• Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive the discount.

• Alumni: Reach out to gieskingj@uwstout.edu to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form.

• Participants: Bring a personal laptop to class with the ability to send and receive feedback in Adobe PDF. 

• FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions Page.

REGISTER HERE.

From the UW-Stout website.