Memoir writing is far more than simply recounting what happened—it’s an act of deep listening to the self, a journey inward that becomes a bridge outward. It’s about transforming the raw, unvarnished material of your life—the tender memories, the difficult reckonings, the moments of awe—into crafted stories that shimmer with meaning and speak to the universal through the deeply personal.

Not just what happened—what it meant.
Memoir is more than memory.
It’s transformation.

In this Level 1 course, New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Aalto provides an inviting introduction to memoir writing for those new to the craft or returning after a long break. This course helps you find your voice, build confidence, and begin shaping personal experiences into compelling stories. Through supportive workshops, guided prompts, and close readings, you’ll learn the foundations of storytelling—no prior writing experience required.

Writing memoir asks us to revisit the past not with nostalgia, but with clarity, compassion, and curiosity. It invites us to sit with memory as it really is: slippery, emotional, and often contradictory. In the process, we don’t just recount—we interpret. We sift through moments, recognise hidden patterns, and begin to understand what our experiences have to teach us and others. The process of writing memoir provides healthy benefits as this article “The Story of Your Life and the Power of Memoir” from Harvard Medical School attests.

Writing memoir isn’t nostalgia.
It’s insight.
It’s clarity.
It’s connection.

Memoir allows us to weave the fragments of a life into a coherent whole. It’s about making emotional and intellectual sense of what we’ve lived through—about turning pain into insight, wonder into wisdom, and memory into meaning. We write memoir to understand ourselves, yes—but also to connect with readers. To share truths that might otherwise remain unspoken. To turn private experience into shared resonance.

In this bi-weekly, live online course, Kathryn Aalto guides you through the art and craft of memoir, drawing from decades of experience as a writer, teacher, and mentor. Whether you are just beginning to explore the genre or are well underway with a manuscript, this course will provide you with the tools, inspiration, and supportive community you need to deepen your work.

You’ll Explore How To:

• Discover and refine your voice as a narrator—honest, compelling, and deeply human.

• Shape raw memory into powerful narrative through vivid scenes, reflection, and carefully considered structure.

• Experiment with form—from traditional chronological arcs to braided, fragmented, and hybrid approaches.

• Write about identity, loss, resilience, belonging, and justice, using writing as a lens through which to examine both the self and the world.

• Navigate the ethical complexities of writing about real people with honesty, respect, and nuance.

Along the way, we’ll read and learn from some of today’s most luminous memoirists, each offering a unique lens through which to explore the genre:

• The Oxford Book of Essays – a curated collection from the 1600s through the 1980s that offers insight into voice, reflection, and the essayistic roots of memoir.

• Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by New York Times and National Book Award Finalist Roz Chast – an acclaimed, award-winning graphic memoir that blends humour and heartbreak in the exploration of caregiving, aging, and memory. Learn more about Chast here.

• Liliana’s Invincible Summer by MacArthur ‘genius’ Award-winner Cristina Rivera Garza – a poetic, genre-defying memoir that fuses personal narrative with investigative journalism to reckon with grief, justice, and the enduring bonds of family.

We write memoir to understand ourselves—
and to connect with others.
Find the shape of your story.

Each session will include readings, guided discussions, practical writing exercises, and opportunities to share and receive feedback in a supportive environment. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have written deeply and bravely—you’ll have a clearer understanding of your own story, and a sharpened ability to tell it.

Each week, you’ll engage in targeted writing exercises designed to ignite your creativity and strengthen your craft—honing sensory details, deepening emotional resonance, and mastering the rhythm of storytelling. You’ll also connect with a community of fellow writers, exchanging feedback and inspiration as you bring your memoir to life.

No matter where you are on your writing journey—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned storyteller—this course will help you unlock the power of your own narrative and craft a memoir that lingers in the hearts of readers.

Whether you’re preserving family stories, making sense of transformative experiences, or simply yearning to write with more honesty and clarity, this course is your invitation to begin—or continue—that journey. This course provides the space to support your creative efforts and engage in deep conversation about the writing life to empower you through the writing process and prepare you for the next level of writing.

Links to read:

• Why read memoir?
• These Literary Memoirs Take a Different Tack – The New York Times
• Why Should You Write Your Memoir? | Psychology Today
• Memoir Writing Course: From Diarist to Letter-Writer to Author – Kathryn Aalto

📍 Format: Live Online via Zoom
💷 Dates: Every other Monday (mostly) – May 26, June 9/23, July 7/28, August 4/18/25

📅  After enrolling, you’ll receive an email asking for your preferred timing. Both morning and evening sessions cover the same content. All times are British Summer Time. If you’re in Australia, the morning class will be an evening one. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, the evening course will be 2 PM Eastern/11 AM Pacific.

• Morning: 8:00–10:30 AM BST
• Evening: 7:00–9:30 PM BST

💷 Tuition: £500 per term. Invest in your learning journey with a one-time payment.

✉️ Flexible Payment Plans: Contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com to discuss monthly options.

📜 Terms and Conditions: Review the details of enrolment below before registering.

1. Course Overview. This memoir writing course provides online instruction live via Zoom.
2. Eligibility and Registration. Participants must be 18 years or older and provide accurate registration details.
3. Payment Terms. Full payment is required at registration. Payment plans, if arranged, must be honoured regardless of attendance.
4. Refund Policy. Refunds are available up to 14 days before the Course start date. No refunds will be issued after this period. Requests must be emailed to kathryn@kathrynaalto.com.
5. Course Access. Participants receive the syllabus upon registration.
6. Intellectual Property. All Course materials are the property of Kathryn Aalto and cannot be reproduced, distributed, downloaded, or filmed without written permission.
7. Conduct and Participation. Respectful and professional behaviour is expected.
8. Technical Requirements. Participants need to have a stable internet connection and compatible device.
9. Course Changes and Cancellation. The schedule, content, or speakers may be modified. If the Course is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.
10. Privacy Policy. Participant information will not be shared.

By registering, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. For assistance, contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com.

1. Are Kathryn Aalto’s courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, all levels of writers. Beginners gain foundational skills in a supportive environment, while experienced writers refine their craft and explore advanced techniques.

• Level 1: Foundational courses for beginners in narrative nonfiction.
• Levels 2–3: Intermediate courses requiring Level 1, a similar course, or application with a writing sample.
• Levels 3–4: Advanced courses focusing on voice, structure, dialogue, and other nuanced techniques.

2. What kind of feedback can I expect?
Kathryn provides detailed, constructive feedback to improve both technical skills and thematic resonance. Students receive handwritten feedback via her reMarkable device, addressing everything from syntax and language to structure and voice. Her feedback supports, encourages, and challenges students to grow.

3. What assignments or exercises are typical?
Courses include in-class reflective exercises and at-home assignments.

• Level 1: Write 2–4 pages weekly.
• Levels 2–4: Write 4–10 pages weekly.
  Assignments balance variety and independence, encouraging students to explore their own interests.

4. Can taking one course lead to publication?
A single course is a valuable step toward publication, providing essential skills, guidance, and confidence. However, becoming published requires persistence, revision, and industry knowledge. Most successful students take 2–4 courses, participate in workshops, and hone their craft over time, much like an MFA program in narrative nonfiction. While publication isn’t guaranteed, Kathryn’s courses equip you to pursue your goals effectively.

5. Who are my classmates?
Your classmates come from around the globe, creating a diverse and enriching learning community. Students hail from the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences.

6. Can I pay tuition in installments?
Yes, tuition can be billed over 2–4 months. Contact kathryn@kathrynaalto.com to arrange a plan that works best for you.

Kathryn Aalto fosters a warm, inclusive, and inspiring community in her online writing courses, where students from diverse backgrounds come together to explore their creativity. Her courses are designed to encourage collaboration, thoughtful dialogue, and mutual support, cultivating a space where students feel safe to express themselves and share their work.

Kathryn’s teaching style emphasizes empathy and attentiveness, helping students build confidence in their writing while honouring their unique voices. Through guided discussions, personalised feedback, and opportunities for peer interaction, she cultivates a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The community Kathryn creates is one of encouragement, growth, and a shared passion for the written word, where each participant is both a learner and a contributor to the collective experience.

Listen to Kathryn discuss writing in the following interviews:

•  National Public Radio’s “The Write Question” from Montana Public Radio here.
• “Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden” here.
• “All Things Considered” on National Public Radio with Ari Shapiro here.
• “A Savoured Life” podcast on nature writing with Sumayya Usmani here.

“My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a collaborative and transformative journey, one that empowers students to explore their creative potential, embrace their unique voices, and engage deeply with the world around them. I am committed to creating a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating, where students feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and challenge themselves.” — Kathryn Aalto

Philosophy

1. Fostering Creative Exploration

I believe that creativity flourishes when students are given the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with language, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. My role as an educator is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement that allow students to embark on this journey of exploration. I strive to create lectures, discussions, and assignments that inspire curiosity and invite students to engage with material in ways that are personally meaningful and artistically daring.

2. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Reflection

I view literature and writing as powerful tools for understanding the human experience, and I encourage my students to engage critically with texts and their own work. By fostering an environment of thoughtful discussion and reflection, I aim to help students develop their analytical skills, deepen their understanding of complex themes, and articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction. I emphasise the importance of considering diverse perspectives and encourage students to question assumptions and explore the ethical dimensions of their writing.

3. Building a Supportive Learning Community

I am deeply committed to cultivating a classroom environment where all students feel respected, valued, and heard. I believe that learning is most effective when it occurs in a community where individuals support and learn from one another. To this end, I prioritise creating a space where students can share their work, offer constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I also recognise the importance of addressing each student’s unique needs and learning styles, and I strive to be responsive and adaptable in my teaching approach.

Strongly influenced by the Harkness method founded at the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire where my three children graduated, I actively cultivate a learning space that emphasises the art of conversation with active listening, collaboration, and respect.

4. Empowering Student Voices

One of my primary goals as an educator is to empower emerging writers to find and refine their own voices. I encourage them to write with authenticity and confidence, whether they are crafting a new personal narrative as a long-time academic or exploring creative nonfiction from another genre. I believe that every student has a story worth telling, and I aim to help them discover the best ways to tell it. This involves not only developing their technical skills but also helping them overcome any inhibitions or self-doubt that may hinder their creative expression.

5. Lifelong Learning and Growth

I view teaching as a reciprocal process of learning and growth. Just as I seek to inspire my students, I am continually inspired by their insights, creativity, and courage. I am committed to my own professional development as a member of ASLE (Association for the Study of Literature and Environment) and AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs), which helps me stay engaged with current trends and debates in literature, writing, and pedagogy. By modelling a passion for learning and a commitment to intellectual curiosity, I hope to instil in my students a lifelong love of learning and a desire to continue honing their craft long after they leave my classroom.

Measures of Success

My teaching philosophy is centered on the idea that education is a dynamic and collaborative process. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community, I aim to empower my students to become confident, thoughtful, and innovative writers who are prepared to differently engage with the world in reflective and meaningful ways.

After acquiring key skills in narrative nonfiction, I encourage people to apply for awards, submit to publications, and continue keeping personal writing journals. My pro-active stance helps emerging writers find validation of their insights and writing skills outside our nurturing communities.

My students have won numerous awards including the 2022 £10,000 Nature Chronicles Prize with two long-listed for the same 2024 prize. A student won the 2022 Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year and many have been short-listed for literary awards including the Fish Memoir Prize. My students have been published by general and university presses, book trusts, popular magazines, and literary journals.

However, publication and awards are only one measure of success. Learning to embrace the writing process as just one part of leading a contemplative life cannot be measured nor externally validated. There is different and great fulfilment in both.

“Kathryn teaches with a deep care about the individual student and is very clever about bringing out their voices and passions. She also has an unparalleled knowledge of nature and landscape writing that gives a real gravitas and authority on the subject, a knowledge that she wears lightly without intimidating students, which is a huge strength.” — James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd’s Life and English Pastoral 

“I learnt so much from taking Kathryn’s Memoir and Life Writing course. Although I had published a lot of academic work, I was struggling making the transition to writing in a more personal vein and lacking in confidence. I found in Kathryn a superbly knowledgeable and lucid teacher. Through the lectures and class discussion, I learnt how to implement narrative nonfiction techniques and, in just a few weeks, saw my writing become much more engaging and evocative. I also benefited from being part of a supportive and friendly learning community, and building relationships that I expect to last far beyond the duration of the course. Finally, I really appreciated Kathryn’s warmth and positivity, both in the virtual classroom and in her individual feedback. She was an attentive and sympathetic reader of my work, giving clear guidance for improvement while simultaneously building my confidence. The course enabled me to see new possibilities in my writing and I am keen to work with Kathryn again as I continue to develop.” — David, Leeds, England

“After six months of working with Kathryn–which is a bit like entering the space of a handwritten letter, what with her sharp aesthetic sense, far-ranging intelligence, wit, and curiosity–I’ve made tangible progress on an unwieldy, long-form project I was struggling to articulate. I came to her Memoir and Life Writing class for accountability, and came away having experienced the kind of support, writing insight, and real feeling of friendship that can be difficult to find in a workshop environment. Kathryn fostered a warm, charming atmosphere in class (a real feat online), allowing for life-long connections to develop among our group of writers. She cares about the arc of her student’s writing lives–a form of attention that encourages artistic growth and positive risk-taking. She not only brought her years of writing and publishing experience to class and to our bi-monthly writing assignments (her personal feedback, often handwritten, is invaluable), she also brought her unique perspective. Writer-gardener-historians are, I think, particularly adept at imagining the possibilities for a piece, no matter your subject. Kathryn pushed me to dig deeper, moving my writing in new directions. No matter where one is in their writing life, working with Kathryn will be an experience of profound joy, insight, and artistic deepening.“ — Veronica, Portland, Oregon

“Kathryn’s magic created a haven for aspiring writers and poets. Guest speakers inspired powerful conversations about structure, content, subject, and most importantly, the joy of writing. Spending two hours with other writers from around the globe filled my creative well and sustained my writing practice. And Kathryn’s critical feedback, gentle but pointed, definitely shaped me into a more observant and insightful writer. The best part is the community remains through the connections she has forged.” — Laura, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA