Work on your memoir with bestselling author Nicole Chung!

This intensive workshop is open to writers working on a memoir or memoir-in-essays. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in lively craft discussions, generative exercises, and in-depth workshops designed to help you identify and hone your strengths as a writer. If you have an idea for a memoir and are looking to jumpstart it—or are already underway, but want some help to maintain your momentum—this class will help you take concrete next steps and deepen your craft in a supportive community.

Watch the Virtual Info Session

Meet Nicole Chung, instructor for our Memoir Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered!

WATCH NOW >>>

Format

Through in-class readings, craft talks, and guided writing prompts, we’ll explore book openings, plot structure, characterization, setting, writing the self, and more. We’ll spend time reflecting and brainstorming, learning how to identify and pursue the stories that matter most to you. You will have the opportunity to generate new pages throughout the course and have at least two memoir excerpts (10 – 20 pages each) workshopped by your instructor and peers.

We’ll discuss the different types of memories, the role imagination can play in personal storytelling, and whether and how to bring research and reportage into your memoir. We’ll read excerpts from both classic and recent memoirs, examining how other writers have organized and explored their personal stories. We’ll consider the ethics of writing about real people and events, and how to establish the boundaries you may need. We’ll address your questions about book proposals, pitching, and the publishing industry. We’ll hear from visiting authors and literary agents who will share tips and talk about the writing and publication processes. 

This course will allow you to focus on and grow in your craft in community with your fellow writers, helping you build the sustainable writing practice you want—one that will allow you to continue showing up for your work, and telling the stories you need to tell, long after our workshop ends.

Writers are expected to read and respond to their peers’ work outside of class, and generate new writing at their own pace. 

Schedule

This class will typically meet twice per month from February 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026, 7–9pm ET, although there may be one or two longer breaks over the summer for students to focus on writing. Full schedule TBD.

1:1 Mentoring

All workshops will be held over Zoom, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Nicole upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Nicole during the first quarter of 2027.

To Apply

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Please share 1-2 paragraphs detailing your writing goals and/or intentions and a writing sample of 10-20 pages (double-spaced). You may also choose to include a one-page résumé or CV. Send your submission to emily.holland@writer.org by Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Admissions will be on a rolling basis so participants are encouraged to submit early.

Acceptance into the workshop is required before registering.

Student Testimonials

“Working with Nicole was like getting an ultra-engaged MFA professor, an eagle-eyed editor, and an ever-supportive writing coach all in one. I am a much better writer (not to mention critical reader!) as a result of her teaching, and I would absolutely recommend her to any writer who’s seeking to take their work and creative journey to the next level.” —Nik Chang Hoon

“Nicole is an exceptional teacher whose superpower is nurturing her students’ creativity, empowering their growth, and building community. Through craft talks, readings, writing prompts, and insightful comments, she supports each student in finding their stories and bringing them to life.” —Enid K.

“Nicole’s class was one of the first I took after spending more than 10 years away from creative writing. I felt like she opened this whole world up to me by sharing her expertise not only on the craft of writing but also on the business of publishing. The lessons I learned in her class have paid immense dividends for me—I would not have the writing community and career that I have today without learning from her example. I consider Nicole a role model for her generosity toward her students and fellow writers in general, and I couldn’t recommend her classes more enthusiastically!” —Hannah Bae

“Nicole’s class is terrific for both novices to the genre and experienced writers. She creates an ideal mix of workshops, craft lectures, and guest speakers that teaches students new skills and keeps them inspired about their own work. Nicole is also warm, supportive, and brings out the best in her students. She curates a supportive cohort of students who strive to bring out the best in each other. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate!” —Anne Kim

“It was truly a life-changing experience getting the opportunity to learn about memoir writing under the guidance of Nicole Chung. She was so thoughtful and generous with her enlightening ideas and exercises, as well as feedback on my writing. The boundless empathy and encouragement she showed her students brought us all closer together as a cohort, where we felt free to truly express ourselves and grow as writers and people in the process. I highly recommend Nicole’s workshops to anyone looking to evolve in their writing craft.” —Jean Trinh

“I feel very fortunate to have taken Nicole’s memoir class. She offers the perfect blend of workshopping opportunities, craft discussions, and guest author/agent appearances, all while coaching, cheering, and nudging participants along in a low-key but highly effective manner. Perhaps what I appreciate most about Nicole is the great care she takes with each participant’s story. Her class has been transformational for my writing.” —Ruth Berg

“Nicole is a thoughtful and skilled facilitator. I love that she uses a clear and consistent strengths-based philosophy. Working from strengths creates an environment of safety for memoirists to share, critique, and revise our most personal stories. In our memoir workshop, Nicole facilitates skillfully to bring out the shared wisdom of the group and ensure that writers feel empowered to generate and revise our work. Highly recommend working with her if you have the chance!” —Alex Shevrin Venet

About Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center

The Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects, generate new work for publication, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons, workshops, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline, so apply right away to secure your spot!

All Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag, a craft book recommended by the instructor, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.