Online Class: Journaling and Memoir Writing

Learn how to journal or write your memoirs in this self-paced, online course that is designed to help you decide what story to tell and the best way in which to tell it.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 23
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3,304
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Crafting Personal Narratives: An Insightful Guide to Journaling and Memoir Writing

From world-renowned figures to everyday individuals, each of us possesses a unique tapestry of experiences, challenges, and victories that shape our identity. Every life unfolds a myriad of stories—some poignant, others uplifting, all undeniably powerful. The art of capturing these narratives, of translating life into words, is a journey that promises self-discovery, healing, and connection. "Journaling and Memoir Writing" is a meticulously curated course, designed to guide you through the intricate path of transforming your life stories into compelling written pieces.

In today’s digital age, personal narratives have gained immense popularity. Readers gravitate towards authentic stories they can resonate with, and there's a growing hunger for tales that mirror human resilience, passion, and introspection. Whether it’s an account of overcoming personal challenges like addiction or recounting adventures from a solo trip across continents, your story holds power. The power to inspire, console, and make a difference.

This course extends beyond mere documentation. It's an invitation to introspect and rediscover forgotten moments, and to understand the profound impact of each event on your life's trajectory. Novices and seasoned writers alike will find immense value in our detailed modules. We'll assist you in discerning which chapters of your life to spotlight, and most importantly, how to narrate them with authenticity.

In an age where storytelling techniques are aplenty, finding a voice that's unmistakably yours can seem daunting. Our comprehensive writing exercises, interspersed throughout the course, are crafted to sharpen your narrative skills, helping your voice emerge strong and clear. Dive deep into your past, revisit memories, and unearth those buried emotions to add layers of depth to your narrative.

Moreover, in the vast literary world, understanding how to position your memoir is crucial. We'll navigate the maze of publishing, helping you discern whether your memoir is best suited as a cherished family keepsake or if it has the potential to ascend best-seller lists.

Module Insights:

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to the Memoir - A detailed exploration of what memoirs are, and the significance they hold in the literary world.

  • Lesson 2: On Writing - Techniques, tools, and best practices for an immersive writing process.

  • Lesson 3: Finding Your Voice - Exercises and insights to discover and nurture your unique narrative voice.

  • Lesson 4: How to Get Started - Breaking the initial barriers and kickstarting your writing journey.

  • Lesson 5: What is it About? - Distilling the essence of your story and understanding its core message.

  • Lesson 6: How to Deal with the Main Character (You) - Analyzing oneself objectively and portraying multi-dimensional character growth.

  • Lesson 7: Memory Mining and Truth - Techniques to revisit and extract details from past memories while staying authentic.

  • Lesson 8: Anatomy of a Scene and Structure - Crafting impactful scenes and building a robust narrative structure.

  • Lesson 9: Editing and Receiving Feedback - Refining your draft, embracing critiques, and making your memoir publication-ready.

  • Lesson 10: How to Overcome Difficulties - Addressing writer's block, emotional challenges, and other roadblocks in the memoir writing process.

  • Lesson 11: You Are Finished, Now What? - Evaluating post-writing steps, exploring publishing avenues, and positioning your memoir in the literary landscape.

To Conclude:

Your life, with all its twists, turns, highs, and lows, is a narrative waiting to be penned. "Journaling and Memoir Writing" is not just a course; it's a partnership—one that will accompany you as you traverse the profound journey of recounting your life. So, grab your pen and let the world partake in the symphony of your experiences. Your story deserves to be heard. Let's begin writing it today.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.62 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,171 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Memoir

30 Points
Where an autobiography is a story written by yourself about your life so far, a memoir tends to focus on a specific period or theme in your life.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Memoir; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: On Writing

39 Points
There are rules to writing. You can choose to break every rule in the book but you at least should know them before you do so!
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Type of Memoir
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Finding Your Voice

39 Points
Because each of us is unique, we must find a way to translate our uniqueness to the page. The spoken word and the written word are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: How to Get Started

17 Points
There are several ways in which you can prepare yourself so that when you do begin writing your memoir, you will avoid some of the traps that derail many aspiring memoirists. Additional lesson topics: Fun Exercises
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: What is it About?

50 Points
Writing a memoir is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but with a little preparation, you can avoid many of the common roadblocks and hurdles that novice writers often face.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: How to Deal with the Main Character (You)

39 Points
You must challenge yourself every step of the way and look at your life from every possible angle. Additional lesson topics: Dig Deeper
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Memory Mining and Truth

39 Points
In this lesson, we will focus on even more ways to help jog and focus your memories for your memoir. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Journal Entry; On Memoir, Truth and 'Writing Well'; Several Steps to Write a Memoir
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Anatomy of a Scene and Structure

40 Points
Consider opening your memoir with one of the most memorable events of your life. Create a mystery so the reader immediately will want to know more.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Editing and Receiving Feedback

40 Points
Seasoned writers view their first drafts as a piece of clay ready to be molded into something special. The best memoirs have been worked and reworked.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: How to Overcome Difficulties

40 Points
There are many difficulties that can stall or even derail your project. The most prevalent issues that tend to weigh down a writer's project include a lack of time, writer's block, and rejection.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: You Are Finished, Now What?

91 Points
In this lesson we will cover traditional publishing, how to find an agent, self-publishing, and publishing on the Web.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Memoir Plans; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
464
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe basic writing techniques to use when writing memoirs.
  • Describe ways to find your voice.
  • Summarize how to get started.
  • Describe how to deal with the main character (you).
  • Summarize memory mining techniques and truth.
  • Describe the anatomy and structure of a scene.
  • Summarize editing procedures and types of feedback to look for.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Journaling and Memoir Writing
Course Number: 9770550
Lessons Rating: 4.62 / 5 Stars (2,171 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "This is an excellent course. I learned a lot. I thought the content was quite strong and feel as though it has given me a good start on my memoir." -- Debbie W.
  • "I am pleased to have experienced this class with [the instructor]. She has encouraged me to follow my dream of writing a memoir, through her prompts, and her remarks on my writings,she corrected as well as praised.I am in the process of submitting a memoir, 'My Grandmother's Secret.' I have had three offers and one contract, to publish it...I will be looking at other classes to pursue after I get published.I feel I must tell you one fact. I am 78 years old. Thanks to UniversalClass and to the instructor. Iris Whitney " -- Iris W.
  • "Some of the topics were very creative, allowing a variety of literary expression. The best part about the course was that it was self paced and very affordable." -- Pam G.

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