What I Learned from Screenwriters about Structuring a Memoir
Betty Hafner
October 6, 2016
4 PM PDT 5 PM MDT 6 PM CDT 7 PM EDT
You may have heard the question, “What’s the better training for writers—an MFA or New York?” Well, neither for me. When I started writing in earnest, I chose to stay put and learn everything I could from books, workshops, writers’ conferences, webinars and wherever Google sent me. This is all to say I’ve had no formal training in writing.
So after two years of writing about my marriage in the ’70s, I was stuck. I had simply a collection of chapters full of drama, because those were the situations I was able to remember most clearly. It didn’t feel like it was becoming a book though. That’s when the screenwriters came in, not literally, of course. I just dug into materials where various film consultants and writers discussed how to shape a story into one that would really mean something to an audience or readers. It was a significant turning point for me, and I’d like to share some of those lessons with you.
Among other things, we’ll discuss:
- Pulling together a collection of related personal essays into a memoir.
- Using the classic three-act dramatic structure to help shape your memoir.
- Seeing the story you’re telling about your life as a journey.
- The importance of scenes in memoirs.
- What makes the setup in your story so important.
Biography
Betty Hafner lives outside Washington, DC and has written a popular monthly book review column for twelve years in The Town Courier newspapers in Montgomery County, MD. With a M. S. in counseling she was a teacher and counselor in high schools and colleges for twenty-five years. She continues to lead workshops, give talks and facilitate groups. She wrote two practical career-change books that stemmed from her workshops―Where Do I Go From Here? (Lippincott) and The Nurse’s Guide to Starting a Small Business (Pilot Books). Always ready to converse, she also loves telling stories through her drawings and photographs.
Learn more at http://www.bettyhafner.com/book/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bettyhafnerauthor/
Twitter https://twitter.com/BettyHafner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bettyhafner/
When will I receive the two recordings of the Memoir Roundtable Discussions from September via email?
Thank you in advance for them.
Hi Carol,
The roundtable recording will be going out by tomorrow via email.
Best,
Erica
NAMW
I wanted to register for Betty Hafner’s “What I Learned from Screenwriters about Structuring a Memoir” roundtable, but don’t see the usual sign up button. Am I missing something?
Hi Connie,
So sorry about that! Please try again: https://namw.org/2016/09/october-roundtable-discussion-free-to-all/
Kind Regards,
Erica
NAMW
Thanks Erica. I’ve just registered.
I’m trying to sign up for this but can’t seem to find the right button to press. Could you let me know or sign me up please. Thanks so much. Cheers
Hi Susan,
So sorry about that! Please try again: https://namw.org/2016/09/october-roundtable-discussion-free-to-all/
Kind Regards,
Erica
NAMW
Please register me for Betty Hafner’s “What I Learned from Screenwriters about Structuring a Memoir” roundtable, there is not register button on the web site.
Thank you,
Marianne Clay
Hi Marianne,
So sorry about that! Please try again: https://namw.org/2016/09/october-roundtable-discussion-free-to-all/
Kind Regards,
Erica
NAMW
Same as Connie, I don’t see the sign up button, even when I log in as a member. I just sent the Roundtable info. to a friend and don’t want her to have the same problem. Thanks!
Hi Paula,
So sorry about that! Please try again: https://namw.org/2016/09/october-roundtable-discussion-free-to-all/
Kind Regards,
Erica
NAMW
Will we be receiving a link to click on the VOIP for this? I can’t seem to figure out how to do this through my computer like all the others and I NEED this! 🙂
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
You will need to call into the conference call line. The call information should be in your email.
Kind Regards,
Erica
NAMW