The Soul of Your Story: A Five-Week Memoir Writing Intensive

Join Brad Wetzler, acclaimed journalist and author of “Into the Soul of the World,” in this deeply immersive five-week course to explore the art and heart of memoir writing. Each week features interactive workshops, in-depth analyses, and personal writing assignments, with additional guidance from other celebrated memoirs.

Detailed Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1: Foundations of Your Memoir

• • Session Date: Wednesday, February 12 at 1 PM MT
  • Live Workshop (2 hours): Explore the basics of memoir writing, examining effective introductions and critical distinctions between memoirs and autobiographies
  • In-Class Writing Prompt: Create an engaging opening paragraph.
  • Dedicated Writing Time: Develop and refine your opening with instant feedback.

Week 2: Sculpting Your Narrative

• • Session Date: Wednesday, February 19 at 1 PM MT
  • Live Workshop (2 hours): Delve into narrative structure, comparing techniques in “Into the Soul of the World” to those in other memoirs for structuring a compelling story.
  • In-Class Writing Prompt: Draft a pivotal moment that defines your memoir’s structure.
  • Dedicated Writing Time: Build out this pivotal moment, enhancing its narrative impact.

Week 3: Character and Dialogue

• • Session Date: Wednesday, February 26 at 1 PM MT
  • Live Workshop (2 hours): This workshop will focus on developing nuanced characters and authentic dialogue, using examples from “Into the Soul of the World” and other acclaimed memoirs.
  • In-Class Writing Prompt: Compose a dialogue that reveals critical character relationships.
  • Dedicated Writing Time: Refine your dialogue to enhance character depth and story engagement.

Week 4: The Emotional Core

• • Session Date: Wednesday, March 5 at 1 PM MT
  • Live Workshop (2 hours): Learn to authentically handle sensitive topics and deep emotions, drawing on examples from various memoirs.
  • In-Class Writing Prompt: Tackle a personal, transformative experience.
  • Dedicated Writing Time: Craft this experience into a compelling narrative with emotional honesty.

Week 5: Revision and Beyond

• • Session Date: Wednesday, March 12 at 1 PM MT
  • Live Workshop (2 hours): Master revision techniques and discuss pathways to publication, including self-publishing and traditional routes.
  • In-Class Writing Prompt: Select a segment for intensive revision.
  • Dedicated Writing Time: Apply advanced revision techniques to refine your selected text.

What You’ll Get…

• • Direct access to Brad and his 30+ years of experience as an author and professional editor
  • Recordings of all classes for reviewing later
  • Access to our exclusive online community to ask questions and connect with other writers
  • All the information you need to begin, make progress, and complete a memoir or personal essay.

What We’ll Cover…

• • How to Figure Out What Your Memoir is Really About Reclaim and reframe YOUR story–not society’s and not your family’s version.
  • How to Structure Your Memoir We will focus on a traditional three-act structure that will serve your audience as well as you, the author.
  • How to Make Consistent Progress I will give you all the tools you need so that you don’t get frustrated and so that you finally get to write the words, The End.
  • How to Write a Soaring Ending the Launches the Rest of Your Life Endings are difficult. I will give you the tools to write beautiful endings for your current and future writing projects.

Why Me?

Brad Wetzler is a distinguished journalist and author whose work has appeared in premier publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, Wired, National Geographic, Outside, and Travel + Leisure. His reporting spans various subjects, from technology and travel to culture and outdoor adventures, always with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the underlying truths. Wetzler’s notable memoir, “Into the Soul of the World,” explores profound spiritual and cultural landscapes, earning acclaim for its powerful narrative voice and insightful discussions around complex trauma and recovery. He is also the author of “Real Mosquitoes Don’t Eat Meat,” a collection that combines humor with observations on the natural world. Previously, Wetzler was a columnist for Outside magazine, where his syndicated columns reached readers in over 200 newspapers nationwide. Today, Wetzler writes books and teaches aspiring writers how to write stirring, emotionally complex memoirs through his course, “The Soul of Your Story.” Elizabeth Penziner M.P.H., RYT “I recently participated in a Zoom session offered by writing coach Brad Wetzler. The topic, Memoir Writing, was packed with more useful information than any introductory course I have ever attended. Brad is generous with his insight and wisdom; his authenticity and humor shine through. I learned how to tell a more compelling story, and to set “audience” aside for long enough to find and celebrate my voice. Brad is empowering others by sharing decades of writing experience and offering guidance in such an accessible platform. With thanks and respect.”