PNC Non-Credit Memoir and Creative Nonfiction Writing Class in Summer of 2015

purdue-north-centralThe Purdue University North Central’s Office of Graduate and Extended Learning and Department of English and Modern Languages will offer a non-credit program for anyone who wants to explore methods of writing about true events, including autobiography and historical narrative. It is open to writers of all ages and skill levels.

The class will take place at PNC on Thursdays from June 25 through August 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. The registration fee is $219 and includes all required materials. Discounted rates are available for PNC and Purdue Calumet students, alumni and employees. The deadline to register is June 9 by 4 p.m. Seating is limited.

This class will delve into ways that students can access memories and research historical and cultural information in order to craft memoirs, personal and observational essays, and literary nonfiction. Students will complete a wide variety of writing exercises designed to generate ideas and develop unique, engaging nonfiction pieces. The class will also use a workshop format to review and improve individual essays and memoirs.

“Everyone has stories they’d like to share, but people often don’t know where to begin. There may seem to be too many obstacles to writing. How do you make bare facts interesting? How can you convey your ideas and emotions to a reader? How do you find a narrative arc in the middle of your own life? There are a surprising number of ways to answer those questions and begin creating amazing pieces.” explained Dr. Bethany T. Lee, continuing lecturer of English, who will be teaching the class.

Lee’s work has appeared in “Gulf Stream,” “Cream City Review,” “32 Poems,” “Literary Mama,” “Crab Orchard Review” and other journals. A memoir piece published in “Hayden’s Ferry Review” was listed as a “Notable Essay” by the editors of the “Best American Essays series.” At PNC, she teaches creative writing, composition, professional writing and theatre.

To register or obtain further information, visit http://www.pnc.edu/gel/workshops-and-classes or contact Cassandra Boehlke, coordinator of Graduate and Extended Learning, at (219) 785-5200, ext. 5748, or cboehlke@pnc.edu. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact (219) 785-5748.