Writing Your Memoir: From Memory to Manuscript

Course summary: Learn to turn true memories into engaging scenes, shape them into a focused memoir, revise with a human-led AI writing partner, and prepare a polished 3,000-word sample for readers.

Course overview: This ten-module, 40-lesson course teaches memoir from the first memory inventory through a polished sample and publishing pitch. It draws on the original Writer’s University memoir curriculum, expanding its instruction on voice, structure, memory and truth, portrayal of real people, setting, theme, revision, and publishing. Students write their own scenes and make all final creative choices.

Intended students: Beginning adult writers and more experienced writers starting memoir. Prerequisites: None beyond the ability to draft and revise short passages. Estimated workload: 50–75 hours plus optional reading and research. Completion: Submit each lesson’s deliverable, revise when the stated standard is not met, and complete a 2,700–3,300-word final memoir sample and reflection.

AI collaboration policy: The author drafts and directs the work. AI may ask questions, explain craft, critique, or offer limited alternatives. The author chooses what to keep, verifies nonfiction claims, and documents material assistance. Never let AI invent memories, quotations, sources, or market evidence and present them as verified facts. Marketability feedback is an editorial hypothesis unless supported by current external research.

How to learn: Read the core lesson, study the worked revision, follow the lab in order, then answer the self-check using the material taught here. Revisions are part of learning, not punishment. Each lesson is separately selectable in Sites.