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.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 13
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3,327
    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:
4.61 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,175 votes)

Lesson 1: Unveiling the Story Within: Mastering the Art of Memoirs

16 Points
Memoirs distill personal experiences into profound narratives that resonate beyond mere chronological facts, focusing on the emotional essence and transformation. Writing a memoir is a self-explorative journey, fostering introspection, storytelling craft, and legacy preservation, while connecting deeply with readers through shared human experiences.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Write Well, Convey More

14 Points
I'm sorry, but I need more specific content from 'Lesson 2: On Writing' to generate alternate summaries. Could you provide more details or main points from the lesson?
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 9770550aa56732zz.png
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Embracing Authenticity in Your Writing Journey

14 Points
To write authentically, one must shed pretense and embrace the unique experiences and individuality that define their narrative. Own your voice and let it reflect the vibrancy of your true self, creating stories that resonate with genuine emotions and insights.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Reflective Narratives: The Art of Self-Discovery in Memoir Writing

15 Points
Crafting memoirs requires vulnerability and introspection, using techniques like daily writing and free-writing prompts to uncover genuine themes and truths. Memoirists learn to embrace their unique voice, creating narratives that resonate with their authentic selves and broader audiences.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Essence of Self: The Journey of Writing a Memoir

15 Points
Writing a memoir is an introspective journey that distills pivotal life moments into a narrative resonating with authenticity and personal insight, fostering a shared connection through universal themes like resilience and love. Essentially, it’s about finding the right narrative focus and theme, capturing your unique voice, and crafting a story that reflects personal growth while considering your intended audience.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Embracing Vulnerability: Unlocking Your True Story

14 Points
The memoir-writing process calls for sincere engagement with personal history, balancing emotional authenticity with the fear of judgment. Through examples like Cheryl Strayed's 'Wild' and Tara Westover's 'Educated,' memoirists illustrate the profound power of redemption and self-discovery in their stories.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Unearthing Your Past: The Journey of Memory Recall

14 Points
Harnessing the power of sensory triggers—like old photos and familiar scents—awakens dormant memories and infuses memoirs with vivid authenticity. These tangible connections offer a rich tapestry upon which past experiences can be intricately woven.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Essential Elements of a Compelling Memoir

15 Points
Writing a memoir involves weaving personal reflection, storytelling skills, and narrative structure into a universal tale that transcends individual memory. It serves as a profound exploration of significant life events while delving into the broader essence of humanity.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Masterful Refinement: The Dynamics of Editing and Receiving Feedback

15 Points
The journey of writing a memoir demands the weaving of life’s narrative into a visually compelling tapestry; a blend of personal introspection and universal resonance. Implementing practical edits while inviting feedback cultivates a narrative illuminating both the author's growth and narrative clarity.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Triumph Over Writing Challenges: Analogies, Insights, and Practical Strategies for Memoir Success

15 Points
Motivation and progress are fueled by setting achievable goals and surrounding oneself with positivity and inspiring content. Embracing technology can enhance writing efficiency, utilizing tools for organization, brainstorming, and maintaining a distraction-free environment.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Writing Your Story: From Page to Print

66 Points
In the quest to publish a memoir, authors find themselves navigating a labyrinth of options from traditional routes to self-publishing and digital platforms. Each path offers unique challenges and rewards, demanding determination and strategic marketing efforts.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
213
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: 4.61 / 5 Stars (2,175 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
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

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

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.

Related Courses