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Certificate in Memoir

Classroom | UW Seattle | Autumn 2012

Overview
Courses
Advisory Board
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Approved by UW Department of English.

Develop skills to write about your life. Learn to use techniques such as dialogue, description and back-story to capture the truth of a particular moment, character or experience, and create a compelling memoir. Explore how to compose a book-length memoir or collection of essays stage by stage. Discover your true voice and material as you develop, structure and edit your memoir. Establish your writing schedule, goals and vision, and learn about avenues for publication.

QUICK FACTS

Status:	Open
Start Date:	Oct 9, 2012
Duration:	9 months
Learning Format:	Classroom
Location:	UW Seattle
Courses in Program:	3
Total Cost of Courses:	$1,977
Program ID:	3918

What the Program Covers

Guest speakers, including notable authors
Elements of memoir, such as narrative structure, character development, dialogue and setting
Writing techniques to capture experience and character
In-class exercises to help you delve into memory
Analysis of published memoirs and organization of material
Market research and the world of magazine and book publishing
How to edit and revise your own work based on feedback from your instructor and peers

Benefits

You will learn the art of storytelling and how to approach your own life story by writing a book-length memoir or collection of essays.

Experience Level

All Experience Levels

Who Should Apply

Individuals who would like to find their true story and create dynamic and rich memoirs

Courses with SCE designation are open for single-course enrollment (SCE) to non-certificate students on a space-available basis.

Autumn

Oct 9 - Dec 11, 2012

6:30-9:30 p.m.

UW Seattle

Cost: $659
Credits: 3 CEUs

Generating Memoir Material, Classroom, UW Seattle, Autumn 2012

Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

Looking to write a memoir but not sure where to start? This is the class for you. Generating Memoir Material offers the tools for beginning a memoir - whether it be a book-length narrative or a collection of essays. This class takes a two-pronged approach: you will delve into memory to produce memoir material (often prompted by in-class exercises or short take-home assignments), and you will learn to recognize the elements of a compelling memoir (narrative structure, character development, dialogue, setting and more). You will also begin to use these elements as you submit and receive feedback on your own written work. In addition, you will gain tools to develop your own writing schedule and identify your goals and vision as a writer.

Schedule Notes:

Additional class session Tuesday, Dec 4, 6:30-7:20 p.m.

Winter

Jan 8 - Mar 12, 2013

6:30-9:30 p.m.

UW Seattle

Cost: $659
Credits: 3 CEUs

Organizing Your Material, Classroom, UW Seattle, Winter 2013

SCE Eligible

Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

How do writers of memoir organize their material to create a unified story? This is the driving question that will propel us through Writing the Memoir: Organizing Your Material. Reading a number of published memoirs together, we will analyze how writers structure their stories by using narrative arc, chapter development and transitions between chapters. We will also examine how authors use sections, prologues, epilogues, framing devices and scene and summary to communicate their stories. In addition, we'll discuss how to write about secrets and other sensitive subjects. You will continue to generate new writing, begin to organize the memoir material you have so far and find its inherent structure.

Prerequisites:

Include a brief writing sample (500 words maximum) with your other application materials.

Spring

Apr 2 - Jun 4, 2013

6:30-9:30 p.m.

UW Seattle

Cost: $659
Credits: 3 CEUs

Polishing Your Material, Classroom, UW Seattle, Spring 2013

SCE Eligible

Instructor: Theo Pauline Nestor

What is it that makes some stories leap off the page so you feel like you know the author? One answer is "voice" - the distinctive style of expression that marks the work of a particular writer. The voice of the individual author is what we will examine in this course. We will analyze the memoirs we've read this year - and a few new ones - to see how writers use language to make their stories vibrantly alive and unique. As part of the focus on language, you will learn how to edit your own work so that your own voice can rise to the surface. In addition, we will examine the world of magazine and book publishing, including how to query agents, submit your work and develop relationships with editors. As the quarter ends, we'll focus on developing a plan for supporting your writing after the course is over. You will also create a class anthology with your peers to showcase individual writing.

You will also display your work and have the opportunity to participate in an open-mic event at a public Arts Portfolio Show in Summer 2013, and have the opportunity to submit work to our competitive annual journal Stratus: Journal of Arts & Writing

Prerequisites:

Include a brief writing sample (500 words maximum) with your other application materials.

Each of our programs uses an advisory board to review content, guide design and recommend updates to ensure the program remains current as the field of study evolves. By tapping the minds of the top thinkers, doers and leaders in the field, we offer a transformational learning experience. The following individuals serve as the advisory board for this program.

Knute Berger, Editor-at-Large, Seattle Magazine

Pam Binder, Author, My Secret Protector (Pocket Books, 2003), Program Graduate

Stesha Brandon, Events Coordinator, University Book Store

Darcy Brixey, Writer, Teen Librarian, Reader

Carlene Cross, Author, Undying West

Elisabeth DeVos, Author, Seraphim Rising; Program Graduate

J. Glenn Evans, Founder and Managing Director, PoetsWest

Mary Ann Gwinn, Book Editor, Seattle Times

Eve Tai, Program Graduate, UW Literary Fiction Program

Marlene Howard, Founder and Manager, Oregon Writers' Colony; Publisher, Media Weavers

Jayne A. Krentz, Author, Summer in Eclipse Bay (Penguin Putman, 2002)

Jerry Large, Personal Interest Columnist, Seattle Times/PI

Gary Lothian, Northwest Regional Sales Manager, Ingram Book Co.

Donald Maass, Maass Literary Agency

Sharlene Martin, Martin Literary Management

Jennifer McCord, Jennifer McCord Associates, LLC, Past President, Pacific Northwest Writers Association

Carla Neggars, Author, The Whisper (MIRA Books, 2010)

Cynthia Ozick, Author, Quarrel & Quandry (Vintage Books, 2001)

Gloria Rand, Author, Fighting for the Forest (Henry Holt & Co., Inc.) and Numerous Picture Books for Children

Roxanne Ray, Program Manager, Academic Programs in the Arts, UW Professional & Continuing Education

Deborah Schneider, Public Programming Coordinator, King County Library System

Pat Soden, Director, University of Washington Press

Maya Sonenberg, Associate Professor, Department of English, University of Washington; Author, Cartographies

David Szatmary, Vice Provost, UW Educational Outreach

Douglas Underwood, Professor, Department of Communication, University of Washington

Elizabeth Wales, Wales Literary Agency

Certificate Program Fee

Certificate programs usually require you to pay a $50 nonrefundable fee. The fee does not guarantee admission or enrollment.

Admission Requirements

Participants should have completed a B.A. or B.S. degree, or its equivalent in workshop or work experience.

English Proficiency

You should have adequate English language proficiency if you are a non-native English speaker. For details, see UW Professional & Continuing Education Policies.

International Students

Classroom-Based Courses – Visa Requirements

You are not eligible for an F-1 visa through this program because it is not full time. If you have an F-1 visa and are currently enrolled full time or in the U.S. on another visa, you might be able to enroll in a certificate program or individual course. Check with your adviser, email aid@pce.uw.edu or see International Student Eligibility.

About the Application Process

Application Review

A review committee evaluates applications and selects program participants based on admission requirements. We let you know whether you are accepted, wait-listed or not accepted within two weeks after we begin the application review.

Enrollment

We'll send you first-term course information when you are accepted to the program. Be sure to pay your course fee and register early as enrollment occurs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Waitlist

Sometimes when certificate programs fill up, we change the program status to waitlist. You can still apply to programs with this status. Our waitlists have no more than seven students over the enrollment maximum. If you are on a waitlist and not offered a spot in the program, you can defer your enrollment to the next offering.

Program Costs

You will pay course costs each term and program costs may change.

The UW's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program.

Your registration materials will include registration information, refund policies and procedures.

Program Costs	Amount	Due
Application Fee	$50¹	When you first apply
First-Term Course	$659	At least 2 weeks before the 1st class²
Registration Fee	$42¹	Each term
Total Cost of All Program Courses	$1,977	Paid on a course-by-course basis

¹ The application and registration fees are nonrefundable.
² The final due date is two weeks before the first class meeting, but you should pay this fee before this date to reserve your space, especially for enroll anytime certificates.

Earning the Certificate

We notify you of successful or unsuccessful completion when you finish a course. Your performance is evaluated based on standards established by the instructors and advisory board.

Most courses are offered in sequence once a year. You need to successfully complete a previous course before you advance to the next one. You earn a certificate by regularly attending classes and completing required courses and assignments. You will receive a certificate in the mail six to eight weeks after completing the last course.

Students who have completed a First-Year (Level I) Writers' Program may be admitted on a space-available basis to any other first-year writing class. Please submit the application form with a note stating the program you have completed.

Ready to apply? Be sure to review admission requirements, program costs and more about the application/enrollment process under Details.

The program begins in October 2012. We are accepting applications and will be reviewing them in the order they are received starting May 1, 2012.

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather the following materials

A typed letter of application (250-word maximum) describing:
- Relevant work experience and volunteer experience
- Transferable skills, knowledge of the field and commitment to professional growth
A resume listing education and applicable experience
A brief writing sample (500 words max)

Step 2: Apply

Apply online, or

Submit an application packet that includes:

An application form (PDF)
The materials listed in step 1
The nonrefundable application fee

Stay informed about upcoming information meetings, important deadlines and other news about this program.

Learn about our privacy policy.

Learn More

Attend a Free Fall Preview Class
Preview the Certificate in Memoir on July 16, 6-8 p.m.

Memoir – Q&A with Instructor Theo Nestor

Watch Highlights About Our Memoir and Nonfiction Writing Programs (Video)

All Sections

See all sections of this program.