In this three-hour, interactive seminar, we’ll build a roadmap for refining your memoir’s structure and arc. You’ll learn how to distinguish between “story” and “situation,” evaluate what material belongs and doesn’t, and identify the ideal structure for conveying your memoir’s themes. Through hands-on exercises and discussion, we’ll focus on ways to refine the scope, hone the arc, and ensure that each section of your memoir is serving the larger story.
Goals:
Explore different memoir structures—using published memoirs as examples—and find the right fit for your story.
Clarify the deeper “story” beneath the “situation” of your experiences.
Learn how to strengthen your narrative arc, build tension, and sharpen your themes.
Identify which scenes to expand, cut, or rearrange to build momentum and emotional resonance.
Feedback:
There will be ~20 minutes of optional sharing (with on-the-spot feedback from Katie)
Optional, add-on one-on-one coaching session (to discuss craft challenges, do live-editing of pages, etc.)
Click HERE to sign up. Note: All times listed are in Eastern Time. It will also be recorded if you can’t make it live.
In this three-hour, interactive seminar, we’ll dive deep into character development techniques – to help you craft more three-dimensional, compelling characters in your memoir or personal essay. Through hands-on exercises and discussion, you’ll learn how to give your characters depth by revealing their complexities—showing the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Goals:
Learn techniques for creating layered, compassionate portrayals of real people (especially family members) – using published memoirs as examples.
Make your characters “pop” through telling details, reflection, scenes, and more.
Troubleshoot common challenges like avoiding caricature or resentment, and explore the ethics of writing about family members.
Develop arcs for each of your characters so you can ensure they’re evolving.
Feedback:
There will be ~20 minutes of optional sharing (with on-the-spot feedback from Katie)
Optional, add-on one-on-one coaching session (to discuss craft challenges, do live-editing of pages, etc.)
Click HERE to sign up. Note: All times listed are in Eastern Time. It will also be recorded if you can’t make it live.
Looking to get your name out there and build platform for your memoir? Interested in turning chapters and scenes into standalone pieces, but don’t know where to start? Need guidance on how to revise and submit essays adapted from your memoir? This class is for you!
In this 2-part intensive, you'll learn how to adapt chapters, scenes, and topics from your memoir into powerful, standalone essays ready for publication. Through a mix of craft & publishing lessons, in-class prompts, and guided revision exercises, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap for writing and submitting essays from your memoir.
Goals:
Learn how to build platform for your memoir by publishing personal essays.
Generate fresh essay ideas and start new drafts based on your memoir material.
Explore strategies for shaping standalone pieces from longer works — and overcome common challenges.
Builda community of fellow writers to help support and hold you accountable.
Create a personalized submission plan to move your essays from draft to published.
Feedback:
There will be ~20 minutes of optional sharing (with on-the-spot feedback from Katie)
Optional, add-on one-on-one coaching session (to discuss writing goals, do live-editing of pages, etc.)
Click HERE to learn more about the class. It will also be recorded if you can’t make it live.
6 Weeks | Sept 18 – Oct 23, 2025
Live on Thursdays, 2:30–4:30pm ET (recordings available the next day)
A 6-week small group coaching experience to help writers make meaningful progress on their memoir. Get live feedback on 20 pages, weekly coaching & peer support, and mentorship all along the way.
Click HERE to learn more about the cohort.
Are you drafting a personal essay but keep getting stuck? Do you have lots of essay ideas but don’t know where to go from here? Are you looking to build platform for your memoir? This bootcamp is for you! Taking place over the course of 5 days, this virtual intensive gives you the structure, inspiration, and craft tools to kickstart your personal essay writing. Through a combination of in-class writing prompts, craft lessons, and Q&A, you will leave with lots of new writing and a roadmap for publishing your personal essays.
Click HERE to learn more about the bootcamp.
