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You’ve written (or are writing) your memoir, but something isn’t quite working. The story may feel scattered, sluggish, or overloaded with material—and you’re unsure how to shape what you have into a cohesive, compelling book.

That’s where structure comes in.

Structure gives memoir its momentum. It’s the underlying framework that reveals how events connect, why they matter, and how your story moves from one realization to the next. In this session, we’ll explore how structure differs from narrative arc, and why understanding both is essential to revising your memoir into a propulsive, publishable manuscript.

You’ll learn how to identify the cause-and-effect chain that drives your story forward and recognize tangents that dilute its impact. Using three powerful structural models, we’ll examine how memoirists shape turning points, emotional beats, and revelations—and how those choices influence pacing, clarity, and reader engagement. We’ll also discuss how to assess whether your material belongs in one book or might be better divided into more than one project.

During this 90-minute class, you’ll:

• Learn the difference between structure and narrative arc
• Discover how cause-and-effect creates momentum in memoir
• Explore three practical models for shaping your book
• Study how these models function in published memoirs
• Practice applying these models in real time through live-workshopped participant submissions
• Gain clarity on the next steps in your revision process

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer vision for shaping your memoir into a focused, engaging whole.

This class is part of a year-long series

Anyone may attend this class without registering for the entire series; students will gain all benefits described for this specific session. For a more intensive experience, consider registering for the entire series in 2026.

Learn more about the 2026 series on revising your memoir

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Who this class is for

• Memoirists who’ve completed a first draft and are wondering what’s next
• Memoirists in the “messy middle” who are working to revise their books
• Memoirists who’ve received feedback that their story is too raw, incomplete, or includes a series of disjointed events
• Memoirists who’ve received agent or editor rejections and sense their story needs more work
• Memoirists struggling to identify their story’s narrative arc or how to execute it
• Writers working on a memoir-in-essays or essay collection
• Memoirists working on their book proposal

This class is not suited for:

• Writers of (non-memoir) narrative nonfiction
• Short story writers or novelists
• Children’s picture book writers
• Poets

What you’ll receive

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology. You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Pacific Time
• Fee: $25 through April 26, 2026 / $35 if you register after April 26, 2026

The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate.

Refund policy

If you attend the live class and/or watch the recording, and it does not meet your expectations, contact us for a full refund, no questions asked.

Testimonials

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.