CCA Memoir Writers Studio
May 27–31, 2008
At California College of the Arts, in partnership with Hotel Rex
A memoir can be as short as a story or as long as a book. The stories of our lives can be viewed through various lenses then composed around patterns as they come into focus.
- The travel memoir uses geography as an organizing principle.
- The sports memoir hooks on moments of triumph and defeat.
- The food memoir reflects upon memorable meals—feasts, fasts, fights—and can explore territories of hunger, greed, desire, or satisfaction.
- The spiritual autobiography depicts a coming of age or dawning of consciousness, and can be plotted as a quest story, one that searches for meaning.
Take advantage of this hands-on, five-day studio guided by CCA degree instructor Marianne Rogoff to create new writing, get feedback, and work closely with peers. Be inspired by two special guests: Georgeanne Brennan, an award-winning Bay Area writer; and Larry Habegger, the publisher of Travelers’ Tales. Go home and build on the process until the stories are all told.
San Francisco summer is the coolest weather in the world, with fog moving like cat's feet through the city's seven hills, and sunshine within reach over the next hill or bridge. Come be inspired at this urban retreat.
Schedule
The studio schedule includes ample free time for writing, revising, and experiencing the stimulating culture and magnificent natural beauty of the city and Bay Area.
Morning (9 a.m.–noon)
Sessions are held at CCA's beautiful, new Writing Center. Learn new approaches to getting started and organizing life stories, practice writing from prompts, and discuss assigned short readings by such authors as Paul Auster, Spike Lee, Frances Mayes, Frank Conroy, Pablo Neruda, Elizabeth Bishop, and others.
Lunch (Noon-2 p.m.)
Discover the range of restaurants and cuisines within walking distance of CCA's San Francisco campus.
Afternoon (2–4 p.m.)
Talks for writers
Evening
Explore the night—a list of Bay Area literary readings and cultural events will be provided. Write, revise, read, wander, eat, and rest.
Highlights
- Tuesday: Tour San Francisco Center for the Book
- Wednesday: Reading and discussion with Georgeanne Brennan, James Beard Award winner and author of the food memoir A Pig In Provence and the Green Eggs & Ham Cookbook
- Thursday: Reading and discussion with Larry Habegger, publisher of Travelers' Tales
- Friday: Individual consultations with Marianne Rogoff. Use the remainder of the day to explore the city and beyond. Draw on your experience to write and revise.
- Friday evening (6 p.m. at Hotel Rex): Student reading
- Saturday morning (10:30 a.m.–noon): Final session at Hotel Rex to assess results, plan next steps, and depart inspired
Arrive early for Memorial Day weekend and/or stay through Saturday night after the Writers Studio ends to enjoy more time in San Francisco.
Price & Registration
Tuition: $900, plus $20 nonrefundable registration fee. (Note: Hotel, meals, and other travel expenses are not included. Writers Studio participants are eligible for a discounted room rate at Hotel Rex, near San Francisco’s Union Square.)
Registration: To register—or for more information—please contact the Office of Special Programs at the number listed at the top of this page. Tuition is due in full at time of registration.
Refunds & Withdrawal: Students who submit a request for withdrawal on or before April 30, 2008, are entitled to a 75-percent tuition refund. (NOTE: No refunds are given after April 30, 2008). Requests must be made in writing (in person, by postal mail, or by fax) to the Office of Special Programs. Participants who wish to withdraw by fax must call the Office of Special Programs to confirm transmission of their request for withdrawal and to receive a confirmation number. See contact information above.
About Marianne Rogoff
CCA faculty Marianne Rogoffis the author of Alive in Lisbon, selected for Best Women's Travel Writing 2008; Raven, selected for Best Travel Writing 2006; True Tales from Around the World; and the memoir Silvie's Life. She teaches Writing & Literature in CCA's degree program.
NOTE: Instructor and guests subject to change.
Contact Us
Phone: 510.594.3710
Fax: 510.594.3771
Email: ext-ed@cca.edu
The Golden Gate Bridge
Photo courtesy of San Francisco Visitors & Convention Bureau