This is an immersive class that asks you to make a contract with yourself, your fellow writers, and your teacher so that you may start a memoir and complete a first draft over a 9 month period—ending in a week-long residency at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown.

You must apply for this offering which begins September 10th with meeting times on Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm (Eastern Time), on Zoom. No class the weeks of December 24th, December 31st, February 18th, April 1st. This offering ends with an optional residency at the Fine Arts Work Center from May 24th to May 29th in 2026.

The cost is dependant on tiered pricing between $3000 for our Card to Culture Rate and $6000 for our Sustaining Rate. The residency costs an additional $500 (does not include travel and food). Payment plans are available.

Application Guidelines:

Applications are due: August 13th.

Applications must include:

-A piece of personal creative nonfiction of 1000-2000 words (no more than 2000 words). This may be an excerpt. Work must be spaced 1.5 in a legible font, pages numbered, and your full name on each page.

-A personal statement of up to 300 words about your desire and intention for your memoir and why you wish to apply for this workshop.

-A writing CV which lists your history of publications, fellowships, awards, etc.

These items should be separate PDF or Word documents sent in a single email.

One letter of recommendation, preferably from a writing colleague, mentor, or teacher must be emailed directly to FAWC Online senior program manager Jennifer Jean by the writer of the recommendation, with the subject line: Memoir in 9 Months recommendation: [full name of applicant]

Application results will be sent by: August 27th. Writers admitted will be sent one payment form for the 9 month workshop and one payment form for the optional residency. Payment is due by September 3rd.

For more information, attend our free Q&A event featuring Susanna Sonnenberg and Jennifer Jean.

Send your application or questions to: jjean@fawc.org