The Nonfiction Journey is designed for individuals ready to embark on the journey of documenting their personal narratives. This program offers a structured framework and supportive environment for participants to draft the initial 15-25 pages of their memoirs. Participants will focus on unlocking memories, structuring storytelling, and refining writing skills.
Learning Objectives
- Finding Your Narrative Voice: Discover techniques to articulate personal experiences authentically and compellingly.
- Structuring Your Memoir: Learn strategies to organize memories and events into a coherent narrative arc that captivates readers.
- Crafting Vivid Scenes: Develop skills in descriptive writing to bring pivotal moments and settings to life on the page.
- Navigating Emotional Terrain: Explore methods to handle sensitive or challenging memories with sensitivity and clarity.
Apply Now
Applications are closed for the Fall 2024 cycle!
Cycle(s) Offered:
Fall 2024 (October 21 – January 21)
Time:
4 hours per month
Areas of Focus:
Nonfiction, Publishing, Creative Writing, Memoir, Journaling, Editing
Requirements:
- Submit a draft of their memoir comprising 15-25 pages by the designated deadline.
- Submit one piece to be published on the Author Page/Girls Write Now’s website.
- Attend at least 1 Community Experience per month.
- Complete at least 2 pair sessions per month.
Nonfiction Journey Package
Participants will receive constructive feedback and support from peers and facilitators, fostering a collaborative atmosphere conducive to growth and self-discovery. By the end of the journey, participants will have a solid foundation, having drafted significant portions of their memoirs and gained insights into the craft of memoir writing. Whether a seasoned writer or new to memoirs, “Life Stories: Memoirs Unfolded” offers a nurturing space to explore your life’s narrative and begin capturing it in writing.
Nonfiction Course
Lessons within “Life Stories: Memoirs Unfolded” cover these topics and more:
- What is a Memoir?
- Understanding & Finding Your Narrative Voice
- Venturing into Emotional Realms
- Putting It All Together: Writing Your Memoir
This course are offered as a part of this journey package. If you’d like to take a course without joining a journey, click here.
Nonfiction Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Nonfiction Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month and attend an engagement event at least once per month.
The Nonfiction Journey requires a cycle-long commitment to a mentorship relationship. If you’d like to mentor but cannot commit to a full cycle, click here.
Nonfiction Community Experiences
Memoir Community Experiences include course-specific workshops, College & Career Chats, and Journey Studios. In addition, you must attend at least one Community Experience per month, such as Exploratory Community Studios, College & Career Chats, Affinity Groups, and Salon Experiences.
- October 16, 6-7 pm ET: Orientation
- November 2, 12-15pm ET Journey Meeting
- November 15, 6-7:15pm ET Salon
- December 18, 6-7:15pm ET Peer Review
- January 15, 4:30-6pm ET Journey Meeting
If you’d like to attend engagement experiences but cannot commit to these requirements, click here.
Multigenre 360 Adventure
The Nonfiction Journey belongs to the Multigenre 360 Adventure.
Journeys within this Adventure focus on different types of writing across genres, including Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir. Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.
Not ready for a Journey?
If you want to be a part of the Girls Write Now Collaboratory but you aren’t ready to join a Journey, you can participate in individual writing courses, short-term mentoring services, and select community engagement experiences. See all of the options available to you below!
Writing
Take a course without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or attending community engagement experiences.
Mentoring
Meet with a mentee or mentor without joining a journey, accessing writing courses, or attending community engagement experiences.
Community
Attend community engagement experiences without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or accessing writing courses.