Me, Myself, and I: Understanding Memoir with Julie Lythcott-Haims

“Me Myself and I: Understanding Memoir" is a two-hour interactive Zoom seminar for those who want to better understand the genre of memoir, the craft elements required to write it well, and the red flags inherent in writing about real humans. In this course we will: Explore the tensions inherent in being author, narrator, and subject all at once; Unpack the subjectivity of truth; Commit to treat all characters fairly; Learn to report from the body; Realize why writing the story you can’t bear to share is your gateway; and Examine your obligations to the others about whom you will be writing. 

Outcomes:
1. Heightened understanding of the genre - both what it is and what it isn't
2. Deep understanding of craft tools that will yield better memoir
3. Greater confidence that you know the red flags and can assess whether and how to proceed

Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans and is interested in what holds us back. She’s a writer, speaker, teacher, mentor and activist. She is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult, which inspired a widely viewed TED Talk. Her PEN Oakland award-winning memoir, Real American, explores her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, is a “groundbreakingly frank” guide to navigating adulthood. Her forthcoming book, The Bonus Years: A Guide for Parents and Adult Children Living Together will be out in 2027. Julie earned a B.A. from Stanford, a J.D. from Harvard Law, and an M.F.A. in Writing from California College of the Arts. She also holds an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Puget Sound. She lives in Palo Alto, where she serves on the City Council and advocates for housing, equity, climate, and youth mental health. Julie and her lifelong partner Dan are parents to two twentysomethings with whom they share a home.