Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the online writing course work?
The course is a combination of video and audio lessons, recommended readings, exercises, interviews and live events. You can access the course lessons whenever you like and move through them in your own time. The live events are always recorded so you never need to worry about missing anything.
2. When does the course start?
We open registration on a rolling basis, meaning that as some people finish the course, others are invited to begin. You can also choose to register and ‘pause’ your start date until the timing is right for you.
*When enrolling in our JANUARY or SEPTEMBER cohort, you can expect the program to commence on a designated date. This information will be communicated to you before registration.
3. What if I fall behind?
Impossible! The course is set up so that one new chapter opens every week, but we are currently offering lifetime access to the course, so you can move at your own pace and return to the materials as and when you wish.
4. What are the advantages of an online memoir writing course?
The terrain of memoir is fraught with obstacles and challenges, and it can be tremendously helpful to write with the help of a guide and the necessary tools to gain clarity and perspective on something as close to us as our own stories. Writing can be lonely business, but it doesn’t need to be. This course provides momentum, inspiration, direction, step-by-step guidance, accountability and opportunities to connect with other writers. It’s the difference between trying to climb a mountain entirely on your own or joining a group of like-hearted people and an experienced (and friendly and encouraging!) guide.
5. Do I need to be good with computers to participate in the course?
Absolutely not! This course is actually designed with beloved Luddites in mind :), so if you can read this FAQ page, you can navigate the course.
6. What if I am unable to attend the live sessions?
All the live sessions are recorded and made available for 30 days after the event, so you never need to worry about missing anything.
7. Do I need previous writing experience?
No. One of the interesting things about memoir is that people with all levels of writing experience tend to come up against the same series of questions, obstacles and issues – and the same answers, tools and perspectives can help everyone. You do not need to ‘be a writer’ to write your story. We become writers by writing.
8. How much time do I need to allocate to the course?
It varies. Each weekly chapter will take 30-60 minutes to review, but everything is broken down into small pieces to give you the option of sitting down for 10-20 minutes at a time OR swallowing the entire chapter whole. From there, you may decide to write for a few minutes or be inspired to write for an hour or more. That part is entirely up to you.
9. If I can't find an answer to my question, how do I contact you?
I host bi-weekly Q&As where I answer your specific questions live (and anonymously, so you can truly ask me anything). We also have a dedicated team to help with tech issues, course questions and writing questions in general. Our students often write to us to thank us for such a responsive and compassionate support team. You’ll be looked after!
10. How much do the classes cost?
We offer the course on a sliding scale and also offer a limited number of scholarships, but the range is US$297-$497. We also offer payment plans.
11. Do you offer private mentoring?
I am no longer working with anyone privately, as all of my time and creative energy is being poured into this course! Everything I offer in a workshop or retreat setting, and everything I wish I could have known before I wrote my books, is offered in Memoir Writing Ink. It really is the best place to start.
12. How will I receive feedback on my writing?
One of the goals of this program is to teach you how to become your own best editor. This is an essential part of developing your voice and craft, and an often neglected aspect of the writing process. To that end, we have an exceptionally beautiful, closely moderated space where students learn and follow strict guidelines for 'how to offer genuinely helpful feedback.' Many students also connect with a writing partner within the community. If you prefer to work with a professional, you will also have the option of submitting a short piece or excerpt of a longer work to one of our associate editors at extremely reasonable rates. Either way, opportunities for illuminating and inspiring feedback abound.
13. Will I have my book written in 12 weeks?
I am a great believer in miracles. Truly I am. And that is what you would need to write a book in 12 weeks. So, unless you are already sitting with a nearly completed manuscript (or you have a direct line to the Miracles Department of the universe), the answer is probably no. But this program WILL give you the essential tools, the perspective and understanding, the clarity, direction, guidance, support and the critical elements of the craft that you will need to write your memoir well. And you will, over time, write a much better book because of it. :)