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43 Best Memoir Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 43 courses that match your search.

Writing the Memoir

University of Toronto

This course helps participants develop memoir writing skills, choose compelling personal stories, and provides tools for outlining narratives. Students will write one or two chapters and engage with a community of writers.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

January, 2026

Price:

$503.00

Based in Toronto

Level: Beginner

Length: Est. 20 hours over 8 sessions

Class size: Unimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The Memoir Masterclass

Marion Roach Smith

A six-month online master class designed to help serious writers produce a first draft of their memoir. The class meets once a month for three hours and incorporates structured feedback from peers.

Website: https://marionroach.com

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$2,697.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 6 months, 1 lesson per month (3 hours each session)

Class size: 6 seats max

Prerequisites: Participants must read 'The Memoir Project' book and complete the introductory classes 'Memoirama' and 'Memoirama 2'.

This independent study course helps writers create a satisfying narrative arc from their life stories. It includes exercises on determining narrative structure, developing tension, and writing a memoir outline.

Website: https://www.lillydancyger.com/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$99.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: Self-paced with multiple lessons and assignments

Class size: Unlimited

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Generative workshop focused on creative nonfiction. Encourages inspiration, starts, restarts, and rethinking nonfiction. Offers guidance, support, writing prompts, and discussions on ideas, structure, and ethical concerns.

Website: https://lighthousewriters.org/workshop/queer-creatives-fe...

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$1,520.00

Based in Denver

Level: Advanced

Length: 5 days

Class size: 12

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

A multi-week workshop focusing on memoir writing through guided exercises, peer feedback, and analysis of published excerpts.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/find-a-class

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$415.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 6 weeks

Class size: 12 seats max

This seminar covers the fundamentals of memoir writing, including genre identification, narrative arc, and workshopping with peers. Participants will begin mapping out their memoirs and connect with other aspiring memoirists.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/find-a-class/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$85.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 3 hours

Class size: 50 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Memoirama 1

Marion Roach Smith

This entry-level course covers the foundational principles of memoir writing, offering tools to start writing immediately and includes a Q&A session. It's designed for beginners and those seeking motivation.

Website: https://marionroach.com/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$85.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 90 minutes

Class size: Limited to 30 students per class

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

This course encourages experimentation across genres, focusing on form, structure, and poetic devices to link disparate ideas in essays. It includes lectures, published examples, generative exercises, and revision tips, helping students develop unique essay beginnings.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$315.00

Based in Chicago

Level: Intermediate

Length: 4 weeks, 1 session per week

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The course focuses on writing personal memoirs in poetic form, emphasizing short, manageable high points instead of lengthy narratives. Participants will draft and revise poems that capture significant life moments.

Website: https://writer.org/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

August, 2024

Price:

$100.00

Based in Washington

Level: Any

Length: 2 sessions over 2 weeks

Class size: 7 seats max

Engaging writing prompts, community interaction, and exposure to GrubStreet workshops. Ideal for new writers seeking inspiration.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

December, 2025

Price:

Free

Based in Boston

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 hour

Class size: 100 seats max

The course focuses on editing memoirs, peer editing, and provides an overview of publishing options with guest professionals.

Website: https://writeyourstorynow.org/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

October, 2026

Price:

$252.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 6 sessions

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

A Course in Editing and Proofreading

The University of Sydney

This course covers structural editing, copy editing, and proofreading techniques to produce clear, concise, and error-free writing. Perfect for those who write or oversee writing projects.

Website: https://cce.sydney.edu.au/

Categories: Memoir

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$470.00

Based in Sydney

Level: Any

Length: 1 session, 8 hours total

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to choose a memoir writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that memoir you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best creative writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join a memoir writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about writing memoirs.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching memoir writing courses:

  • Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in writing memoirs?
  • Is there something in particular you’d like to learn about memoirs? Does this course include it?
  • How long is the course, and where is it taught?
  • How much does the memoir writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More memoir writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on memoir writing. 

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

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