---

You’ve got an amazing story to tell—but should it be written chronologically? Where do the flashbacks go? What about a hybrid memoir that blends research or reporting with your personal story? Or a collection of linked essays—how, exactly, are they supposed to relate, and is “it all happened to me” enough?

Whether you’re just starting your memoir or wrestling with a work-in-progress, the right structure can unlock your creativity and help your writing flow. And a clear, story-driven structure can be what hooks agents, sells to publishers, and attracts readers.

In this online class, we’ll examine 5 different possible memoir structures, with literary and commercial examples of how they can be used successfully. You’ll learn which structures will suit your memoir, why to choose one over another, and how to “try them on” without (re)writing the whole book. You’ll discover what hooks readers from the beginning and how to write—and live!—a powerful ending. And you’ll gain the tools to shape your story and guide your work, whether you’re working on the first draft or polishing for publication.

Suitable for those with an idea, a draft, or a terrifying pile of material, you’ll discover how to best tell the story you need to tell.

This workshop will cover:

• Examples of different memoir structures, and how they play out in successful books
• Why certain structures suit different memoirs, and how to choose the right one for your story
• When and how to incorporate flashbacks, letters, and scenes where you weren’t present
• How to build a structure map of your book, and how that map helps you write
• What makes a “hybrid” memoir and how world-building, backstory, and family history can be smoothly woven in
• What links the essays in a collection, and when in your process you need to know that connection
• What to do (and what to write!) if you’ve learned you’re not writing a memoir after all—or you’ve lost your excitement about the book.

Who should take this class

• Writers at the early stages of considering or outlining a memoir
• Writers lost in the “messy middle,” who need some direction and inspiration
• Memoirists wanting to recapture their excitement about a work in progress
• Essayists unsure how to bring a collection together
• Writers considering hybrid or journalistic memoir who want to know more about weaving in the non-personal elements
• Creative writing students and graduates of MFA programs working on memoir who seek prescriptive guidance
• Developmental editors who want to grow their knowledge of dramatic structure and better communicate that knowledge to their author clients
• “Plotters” who want to build on the structure they have with more freedom and creativity, and “pantsers” who need to anchor and focus their storyline

This class isn’t suited for

• Novelists
• Children’s writers
• Poets

Note: This webinar evolved from a class called “Nail Your Memoir Structure By Thinking Like a Novelist” that Allison presented with us in 2020 & 2023. Attendees of those earlier versions will see some overlap with this class’s content, but may appreciate the refresher.

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). 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, December 10, 2025
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25

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, which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class. After roughly 75 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use ElevenLabs to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

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.