Conference
Writing a Memoir Readers Will Love
May 17th, 2026 • 11am - 3pm EDT
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📚 Overview
Do you have a story only you can tell? In this one-day conference, you’ll learn how to find your voice, shape your life story into a narrative, and write a memoir readers will love.
Through three practical sessions, you’ll discover the ins and outs of memoir writing — with a focus on key skills like finding your central theme and captivating your target audience. You’ll also get to hear from published memoirists about their processes, and how to navigate deeply personal stories with a balance of deftness and honesty.
Whether you are writing a memoir primarily for your loved ones or looking to pursue a publishing deal and commercial success, you’ll leave with a practical roadmap for writing a memoir that will capture readers’ hearts.
Your instructors will include editor and author Victoria Zackheim (who teaches Personal Essay and Memoir in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program), editor Holly Welker (who holds a PhD in creative nonfiction from University of Arizona), and author Sophie Strand (The Body is a Doorway).
🎓 What You’ll Learn
🎟️ What’s Included
This one-day conference includes three live masterclasses from seasoned memoir editors, as well as a panel discussion and Q&A with published memoirists. You’ll leave with a copy of Reedsy’s exclusive memoir outline template so you can apply what you’ve learned during the day.
Finally, you’ll get post-event guidance on working with an editor (or ghostwriter, cover designer, or marketer) on the Reedsy Marketplace. Plus, $25 credit towards your next collaboration!
Schedule
The schedule will be announced closer to the event.
Speakers
The list of speakers for this event will be announced closer to the date.