Memoir Writing Courses and Certifications

The Aspen Institute

Writing Stories that Connect - Memoir and Empathy

Explore how memoir fosters empathy and connection with authors Simran Jeet Singh, Kwame Alexander, and Javier Zamora as they discuss their works, inspirations, and the power of storytelling to drive change and remind us of our shared humanity.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

The (Im)possibilities of Writing About the Self

Explore the challenges and opportunities of writing about personal experiences with authors George Hodgman and Darin Strauss, discussing research methods and decision-making in autobiographical writing.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 16 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Aspen Institute

Winter Words - Safiya Sinclair Discusses "How to Say Babylon"

Safiya Sinclair discusses her memoir "How to Say Babylon," exploring her Rastafarian upbringing and journey to break free from patriarchal constraints, offering insights into cultural identity and personal growth.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Inside Livermore Lab

A Face for Picasso - Memoir on Growing Up with Crouzon Syndrome

Explore Ariel Henley's memoir on living with Crouzon syndrome, her journey to self-acceptance, and challenging beauty standards through personal storytelling.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Writing The Truth: How to Start Writing Your Memoir

Legendary memoirist Mary Karr guides you through writing visceral, truthful scenes for your memoir. Learn to engage the senses, develop your voice, and connect with readers through practical exercises and wisdom.

• Skillshare
• 56 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Trial Available

Capstone: Your Story

427 ratings at Coursera

Craft and refine a complete 8-15 page story, narrative essay, or memoir, applying advanced writing techniques and receiving peer feedback to polish your work.

• Coursera
• 7 hours 11 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Writing in First Person Point of View

113 ratings at Coursera

If you have always wanted to tell your own story—in a memoir, first-person essay, or any other form of autobiographical non-fiction—but felt you lacked the tools or the framework, this is the class for you.

• Coursera
• 5 hours 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Writing a Personal Essay

84 ratings at Coursera

This class is the chance to create your personal essay or extend into a full memoir -- from planning and structure to bold narrative brushstrokes to the layering of significant detail.

• Coursera
• 6 hours 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Master the 5 Key Elements of Story

1480 ratings at Udemy

Understand what makes a story so you can make your story great.

• Udemy
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course

Writing Creative Nonfiction I

Master the art of creative nonfiction writing through memoir, literary journalism, and personal essays while developing critical thinking skills and exploring diverse author perspectives.

• California Community Colleges System
• 16 weeks, 3 hours a week
• 27th Jan, 2025
• Paid Course

Creative Writing: Nonfiction

Explore creative nonfiction writing techniques, craft compelling essays, and prepare works for publication while analyzing professional and peer writing.

• California Community Colleges System
• 14 weeks, 3 hours a week
• 3rd Feb, 2025
• Paid Course

Creative Nonfiction Writing II

Master the art of crafting compelling memoirs, personal essays, and nonfiction shorts while developing advanced critique skills and expanding your literary toolkit through peer workshops and diverse readings.

• California Community Colleges System
• 16 weeks, 3 hours a week
• 27th Jan, 2025
• Paid Course

Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

Master the art of creative nonfiction writing through critical analysis, workshop discussions, and hands-on practice while exploring personal, social, and political themes in literature.

• California Community Colleges System
• 16 weeks
• 21st Jan, 2025
• Paid Course

Creative Writing

Master the art of creative writing across multiple genres, from poetry and fiction to scripts and digital content, while developing professional editing and publishing skills for various platforms and audiences.

• Swayam
• 12 weeks
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course

Creative Nonfiction 101 Level 1: 6 Weeks (Online) (Live Online)

748 ratings at CourseHorse

Discover the endless possibilities of nonfiction writing in this immersive course.

• CourseHorse
• 18 hours
• On-Demand
• $364.00